5 Sure Fire Ways to Build Trust

People choose to buy from you, offer help, and grant rewards based on trust. In many ways, trust is your most valuable resource. Stephen Covey in his book The Speed of Trust tells us that, "when trust goes up, speed goes up and cost goes down."  Here are a few of the ways to increase your success by building trust. While you may already do most of these things, missing even one of them can ruin it all.

1. Be Dependable. Deliver what you promise, and promise only what you can deliver. Report delays immediately. Be on time. Leave early for appointments. Set realistic deadlines allowing for the unexpected. Show courtesy by returning phone calls. Be predictable. Use self-control; anger repels and scares others.
2. Listen. Show interest and respect by paying attention to what the other person is saying. Ask questions. Then make it easy to answer them. Accept the other person's ideas as valid, even if you disagree. Avoid listening through filters of what you want to hear. Be open to new ideas. Realize that you could always know more.
3. Be Honest. Tell the truth. Lies demean the teller more than they fool the listener. Act with integrity. Make decisions as if you had to deal with all of the consequences.Treat others with respect and choose actions that add value for everyone.
4. Provide Data. Tell stories that show past achievements. Quote compliments. Collect data. Keep a victory file of successes, testimonial letters, and other good news. If necessary, ask for testimonials, references, and compliments. Create data. Plan good deeds that lead to complementary stories.
5. Take the High Road. Help others perform at their best. Give without expecting a return favor. Do good things because that makes the world a better place. Show courage during uncertainty. Seek the good in others. Trust others because this shows that you expect to be trusted.

Remember, that trust in any relationship takes maintenance. Whether at home or with a customer, you need to make sure you are always keeping a watchful eye on how well you are maintaining trust. If you'd like to learn more ways you can create and maintain trust, we are here to help!