On Monday we discussed another unfortunate result of the recession is a generalized societal crisis in confidence: Trust eroded, then generalized.
As a business owner or organizational leader, the following tips can help you overcome these generalized fears, high skepticism about businesses today and cautious buying trends.
1. The Awareness Factor–Understand that the negative attitudes about business exist and can impact your business. Also understand that no matter how good or honest you think you are, your potentials customers may not feel the same way – they don’t know you, but they do read the paper and watch television
2. ProAction – Understand it’s your responsibility to build trust and you can do so by doing such things as:
o Doing what you say you will do
o Taking time to build a real relationship
o Demonstrate rapid responsiveness
o Provide value in everything you do, and first when meeting a prospect
o Don’t oversell (meaning, push your products or services, especially ones they don’t need) no matter how much you need the money today
o And, live your brand identity
Remember, you as the business owner or leader can change perceptions to the benefit of you, your business and your future customers.
Copyright 2010 Kubica and LaForest
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