There’s no denying that businesses are built on relationships. And the core of relationships is trust. In essence, trust is an understanding that both parties can rely on one another to achieve a shared goal. There is no relationship without trust, and successful business can’t exist without relationships.
How to establish credibility in the business world
Trust isn’t built between you and your client overnight, but you can take steps to get a jumpstart on credibility. Make it easier for your client to trust in you and your business:
- Offer authentic client testimonials on your website or in your brochures.
- Build your expert status.
- Be a value-driven business and make it known.
- Obtain word of mouth referrals from previous clients.
How to build trust in the business world
Once a prospect becomes your client, it’s integral to continue building trust. Here are some key ways to continue building trust in business relationships:
- Always make business decisions with trust in mind.
- Never make promises that you can’t keep.
- Understand your client’s objectives and recommend the best options (even if the options aren’t in your company’s best interest).
- Stand by your promises.
- Communicate openly.
- Admit your mistakes.
- Share information about yourself and your company.
- Listen.
- Be consistent.
When working with clients, always remember that relationships are key and that trust is the the core of relationships. If you do this, you’ll be sure to keep your clients happy, which will lead to word of mouth referrals. This is the business relationship circle of trust.
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