"Building Trust With Clients

Building trust with other people can be an uphill climb.  But it doesn't have to be.  Remembering a few basic rules of thumb will ensure your good reputation with clients, and potential clients, from the very beginning. Establishing trust is essential if your business venture is to succeed.

How can you ensure that the public sees you in a positive way?  Here are several things to consider:

Make a good first impression:  This holds true with everyone you meet!  Be aware of even the simple interactions in your day and strive to make them positive.  Sometimes the person at the post office, the business owner next door, or the local librarian can be your greatest resource.

Make yourself a likable person:  Think about the kind of person that you like to do business with and imitate that person.  How do they make you feel?  Why do you trust them?

Listen to your clients: They can tell when you are not listening.  It's important to keep in mind that true listening is understanding!  Make a conscious effort to do more than just hear.

Take a sincere interest in others:  Beyond the business transaction, try to get to know your clients.  You don't have to be best friends with them, but knowing where they are coming from can enhance your relationship.

Be enthusiastic about your product or service: Again, your clients will be able to tell if you truly believe in what you are doing, or if you are only working for the paycheck.  Don't be afraid to show your energy and confidence.  These traits will pay high dividends.

Help your clients find solutions to their problems:   You don't want your clients to feel or act helpless.  Offer solid assistance, but remember that your goal is to have your clientele manage things on their own and not have to call on you for everything.

Be honest and upfront:  Don't hide things from your clients.  If you are unsure about something, tell them.  But follow it up with research and an eventual answer.  Be clear about what you are realistically able to do and what may need to be outsourced to someone else.

Always follow-up to be sure your client is satisfied:  The periodic phone call or e-mail after the product or service has been delivered will set you apart from your competition.  Most new business comes in the way of a referral from a satisfied customer.

Exceed the customer's expectations:  Make sure that your customer wants to come back to you again and again because they trust you.