Scribbles – Because people buy when they trust you

Dear Reader

When someone trusts you, they are more likely to buy from you. How do you build trust? By developing credibility. What is credibility and how do you go about building it?

When you provide a service to your clients, or you sell high cost, high quality products, credibility is one of the things you need to help you grow your business. You won't find it listed as one of the tools you can put into your 'marketing mix' and yet it is vital for your success.

This issue of Scribbles looks at some of the ways in which you can build credibility for yourself and your business. I've also recorded a short video about building credibility, so if you'd rather listen than read, just click here.

Best wishes,

Chantal

How to Build Credibility

Credibility is about good reputation; it is the power or influence it gives. All your prospective clients will be naturally suspicious of you, so it's your job to show them that you can be trusted by building respect with them. When someone trusts you, they are far more likely to buy from you. Your credibility is what allows you to develop the high level of trust needed for someone to agree to spend their money with you.

So how do you build your credibility?

Be helpful. When you meet a prospective client or referrer, find out how you can help them. What sort of clients are they looking? Do you have a new supplier you can recommend to them? If they ask for your advice, share your knowledge and expertise with them. Don’t keep it all to yourself and only help your clients. Give whatever you can.

Stick to what you're good at. You need to become an expert in your field and the only way to do this is by sticking at it. Don’t get distracted by something else, just because you think you can make money from it. Don’t try to jump onto a new band wagon – focus on getting even better at what you already do well and become known for that. You can't claim to be an expert when you've only been doing something for a year, so you need to really work at it over the years.

Be consistent. As well as sticking to what you do and being consistent in your services, you need to show consistency in how you promote your business. A company that keeps changing its name or branding is likely to confuse potential (and existing) clients. Create a brand that reflects your values and then stay true to those values.

Write about it. One of the best ways of sharing your expertise and thereby building your credibility is by writing about it. Blogs, articles and newsletters are a great place to start. Don’t brag about how great your business is, but focus on being helpful. Give your readers tips and ideas to help them. Once you've mastered short bursts of writing, thing about putting more of your knowledge into a book. A book will really boost your credibility.

Speak about it. Giving talks about your experiences is another way to share your knowledge with a large number of people and therefore increase your credibility. Running workshops and seminars allow you to share even more, over more time. A word of warning – if you've not had any training in public speaking, or you're very nervous, you can actually do your credibility more harm than good. Get some professional help if you need it, before embarking on a career on the stage. When you can do it professionally, you'll see your credibility soar.

In order to turn a suspicious prospect into a trusting client who loves what you do for them, look at all the ways in which you can build your credibility. Select the tactics that will work best for you and you'll be able to build a great reputation and a loyal following of clients.


	Ad Hoc Marketing Doesn't Work Being consistent in your marketing is vital for building your credibility. Your message needs to be consistent and you need to keep saying it, because ad hoc marketing does not work. There are a few places left on our next Marketing Planning workshop in Oxford on 26 June 2103. It costs just £40+VAT for a full day and there are a few places in left. Click here to book your place and boost your credibility.



	How to Survive the First 10 Years At Appletree we'll be celebrating our 13th Birthday in September, with a big party on the lawn outside our office. On the same day we'll also be celebrating the launch of my second book, which is all about how to survive the first 10 years in business. In it I share some of the mistakes I made, so you can avoid them; and some of the best advice I've been given and can give, to help your business to thrive. Click here to order your pre-launch copy of the book.



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