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Tag: customer trust

  • 8 Ways to Build a Business That Can Run Without You | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Entrepreneurship is a hard road. There’s no rule book, and as a business owner, it can feel like you’re always on call.

    Each summer, before my children start school again, I put that life on pause. We load up our RV and head out for a multi-week trip. I don’t invite distraction during this time: in fact, my team knows that I’m off limits. This time is for me, my family and our relationships.

    Building a culture that can persist when I’m not in the office is crucial — not only to the success of my business but for my personal life. Creating culture takes intention, but the payoff is worth it. I won’t spend my waning days on vacation worrying about what I’m stepping back into.

    I know. That’s because I work to decentralize myself from my business.

    Not just short-term gains

    Decentralizing yourself from your business isn’t just about the short-term gain of getting to go away on vacation or finding time to incorporate personal passions into your life outside of your business.

    It’s about building a significant company.

    Significant companies are ready to transition at any point. To have value in the eyes of a buyer, my business can’t just be about me.

    That’s not to say that my mark isn’t on the business. Far from it. I put the work in on the front end with my executive team to craft eight “trust accelerators” that allow for clarity, alignment and informed decision-making.

    Related: Lack of Trust—What Does It Do to Your Company? Here’s What Leaders Need to Know

    Beyond core values

    Almost every company has core values. We have them, too. But, right about the time that the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we all noticed that they weren’t working. While core values are general north stars for any organization, sometimes they can feel like they’re a galaxy away from the day-to-day issues that every person in a business must take accountability for.

    What makes us unique is our trust accelerators, which are married to our core values. More than just guiding principles that we put on a wall, trust accelerators are active rules that we follow interaction to interaction.

    In fact, we don’t put these on a wall somewhere in our waiting room: each trust accelerator is printed on a card that each member of our team carries with them.

    Your culture is yours alone. These are the trust accelerators that we live by:

    1. No meetings after the meeting

    How we live it: If everyone is in a room to make a decision or discuss an initiative, they’re there by design. It’s inauthentic to invite input and then have two executives go into a room to debrief and make the real decision.

    If a member of our team has something to contribute, we want them to do it in the room where the actual decisions are being made.

    How it builds value: If people work at a place where they have obvious input into real decisions, they take more accountability for their contributions.

    2. Put yourself in other people’s position

    How we live it: We’re not just interested in the “how” of people’s actions; we’re interested in the “why.” After all, they may have good reasons that unlock clues about how we should operate. By seeking understanding, we build connection.

    How it builds value: Empathy is a critical skill — not just for connecting with colleagues but for connecting with customers.

    Related: 5 Foolproof Strategies to Help You Let Go and Trust Your Team

    3. Listen while avoiding judgment

    How we live it: My business, Exit Planning Institute, focuses on educating, credentialing and empowering Certified Exit Planning Advisors as they guide business owners through value creation and successful exits. While advisors have witnessed the factors that contribute to an owner’s success, every owner’s journey is unique — and there are many ways to build a significant company. Only through listening can we understand each other’s motivations and values, and embrace perspectives that might be counter to our own.

    How it builds value: If a conversation is necessary, it deserves to be full-throated. That’s only possible with a listener who is willing to be curious, not judgmental.

    4. 100% preparedness and participation

    How we live it: Collaboration is crucial to an empowered workforce that can function without its leader. Our culture runs on every person showing up prepared and participating.

    How it builds value: Every member of our team knows that they were selected for a reason. They can’t reach their full potential unless they are ready to contribute — and actually do.

    5. Deliver the mail to the right address

    How we live it: If we have an issue — or reason to praise someone — we don’t go to a trusted colleague or a supervisor. We go right to the correct address: the person we want to discuss with. It allows for more authentic communication — see “Listen While Avoiding Judgement” — and limits gossip, an incredible culture-killer.

    How it builds value: Every member of our team knows they’re accountable to every other member—and our doors are open to have a conversation with each other.

    6. Honesty without repercussion

    How we live it: We’re not at work to be well-liked or adulated (although that happens sometimes, too!). We’re at work to advance our business. By cultivating an atmosphere of respectful honesty, we get to offer our insights and listen to how others might do things differently.

    How it builds value: When every person on the team feels like they can contribute, we see how they might grow into their careers at the company — in the short- and long-term.

    7. Respectful

    How we live it: We’re bound not to see eye to eye. However, these trust accelerators do a lot of work to help us understand that we’re all working towards the same goals. When we put respect first in every interaction we have with each other, it reinforces that our differences aren’t personal — and can sometimes be assets to our business goals.

    How it builds value: We can’t tackle the hard stuff until we see each other as humans. If everyone knows that their perspective is respected, we tap into each other’s skills.

    8. Confidentiality

    How we live it: We have to move past surface-level conversations if we’re going to be a significant company. We’re not shooting for good. We’re going for best-in-class. That requires trust—and in this case, trust that if something is shared confidentially, it stays confidential.

    How it builds value: When we have deep trust, we believe that our colleagues—the ones we depend on to bring our goals to life—will do everything they can do to help us all achieve something great.

    Related: 7 Proven Tips for Building Trust and Strengthening Workplace Relationships

    Empowering your leaders

    It isn’t easy to be an owner and not be in total control. However, there’s a multiplier effect that comes with empowering your employees and building trust across the organization. To build a culture where every person feels a sense of ownership, there must be two-way trust: employees feel trusted, and leaders actually trust the people they work with. Additionally, as I empower our leaders to build a culture where they are trusted to make informed, quick decisions, I’m also sure to:

    1. Train the executive team on my long-term vision.
    2. Be transparent about our profits/losses, our operations and even my salary. It takes a great deal of time to educate the leadership team, but it enables them to know the short-term impact of every decision.
    3. Over-communicate. I’m shocked by how many owners don’t communicate with their leadership team. They can’t make decisions that I’d ultimately agree with if they don’t know what I’m thinking.

    Related: How to Close the Trust Gap Between You and Your Team—5 Strategies for Leaders

    Building a culture of trust is something I think about every day, and not just because I know that culture will ultimately pay off with a more successful exit.

    Culture also comes easily to me — it’s what I like to spend time on.

    If you don’t, you can still build culture. Finding a Certified Exit Planning Advisor who specializes in company culture can help you start building human capital at your company.

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    Scott Snider

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  • The 5 Leadership Habits That Quietly Kill Trust in a Team | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    In times of crisis, employees pay great attention to what their leader is like. It is in these moments that trust shifts from a “soft value” to a strategic asset that directly affects motivation, retention and even financial results.

    Companies with high levels of trust outperform competitors in efficiency by up to 400%, and 93% of business leaders believe that trust directly impacts financial performance.

    Yet, the reality is not that great. According to Gallup, only 20% of employees say they trust their leader. Edelman reports that just 19% believe CEOs are honest, while 68% think leaders intentionally mislead them.

    Missteps during turbulent times don’t just dent a leader’s reputation — they shake the very foundations of the business. In this article, I reflect on five common mistakes leaders make during difficult times and offer guidance on how to avoid them.

    1. Micromanaging

    Leaders often believe that being across everything is about quality-checking; in reality, it’s more about a lack of trust in the team.

    In a survey of 14,000 employees for Jacob Morgan’s book, Leading with Vulnerability (2023), only 16% reported ever having faced a leader who showed vulnerability, asked for help, or acknowledged mistakes. That leaves the majority feeling undervalued and with no motivation.

    Under Bob Chapek, Disney’s leadership became known for excessive oversight. Staff felt that their creativity was being stifled, as leadership was unwilling to delegate. There was also a significant amount of instability and mistrust stemming from internal tension and declining morale among employees.

    Empower your team to lead on their responsibilities. Effective delegation enables leaders to focus on broader goals and provides employees with the space to grow.

    2. Wearing the “Superman” mask

    The instinct to appear unshakable is understandable. Yet it often comes with a risk of emotional burnout, and, ironically, disconnection from the teams. There’s no trust with no authenticity attached. Teams that see a more empathetic leader are more likely to collaborate openly, share ideas and remain engaged.

    It’s essential to remind yourself that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness. When Hubert Joly took the helm at Best Buy, he faced lots of challenges from digital competitors. Instead of hiding his doubts, he openly sought advice across the team to co-create solutions. The result was not only a successful turnaround but also deeper trust between leadership and staff.

    Leaders do not have to be flawless superheroes. They need to be authentic humans.

    3. Lack of flexibility

    Everything changes, and leaders now face an average of 3.2 major changes simultaneously. Before 2020, most organisations encountered only two significant shifts per year; today, that number is closer to nine. Yet only 10 % of organizations believe they respond well to such dynamics. A common mistake is clinging to outdated models and processes, even when market signals indicate a shift. Employees quickly lose trust when they see their leader ignoring reality.

    When Starbucks experienced slowing sales, they turned to a new CEO, Brian Niccol. He launched a “Bold New Chapter” strategy: simplifying menus, removing extra charges for plant-based milk and re-emphasising Starbucks as a “third place” for connection. As a result, pilot cafes already show improved sales and customer satisfaction.

    4. Overlooking small wins

    In crises, leaders often focus so intensely on problems that they forget to celebrate progress. Ignoring small wins leaves employees feeling that their efforts go unnoticed, which weakens motivation and trust. A 2025 study revealed that only 19% of employees receive recognition weekly, even though frequent and meaningful praise significantly boosts engagement and productivity.

    Be specific, timely, and personal in your praise. It can be as simple as a message in Slack or Teams or a comment in a meeting. Leaders who pay attention to achievements create a culture where people feel valued and motivated.

    5. Burning out

    According to Vistage, 71% of CEOs regularly face burnout, with a third experiencing it almost daily. Leaders need to prioritize recovery, activities and proper sleep. As the Financial Times noted in 2024, many CEOs now treat rest not as weakness but as a strategy. There are two types of entrepreneurs. Some proudly claim success came from working “day and night without pause”. Others learn to delegate, protect their health and focus on strategy. Both can succeed, but only one builds a sustainable organisation.

    A good leader knows that trust of the team is not a “nice to have”. It’s the foundation of performance, especially when the storm hits. The leaders who succeed are not those who strive for perfection, but rather those who are authentic, adaptable and empathetic. They delegate, acknowledge both challenges and wins and care for their own well-being, thus inspiring their teams.

    In times of crisis, employees pay great attention to what their leader is like. It is in these moments that trust shifts from a “soft value” to a strategic asset that directly affects motivation, retention and even financial results.

    Companies with high levels of trust outperform competitors in efficiency by up to 400%, and 93% of business leaders believe that trust directly impacts financial performance.

    Yet, the reality is not that great. According to Gallup, only 20% of employees say they trust their leader. Edelman reports that just 19% believe CEOs are honest, while 68% think leaders intentionally mislead them.

    The rest of this article is locked.

    Join Entrepreneur+ today for access.

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    Slava Bogdan

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  • Want to Build Trust? Focus on Data Privacy | Entrepreneur

    Want to Build Trust? Focus on Data Privacy | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Did you know that 422.14 million people were impacted by data compromises in 2022 in the US alone? With increasing instances of data breaches and unauthorized data use, it’s no wonder that data privacy has become the top priority for customers. A Cisco report states that 76% of people say they would not buy from a company they do not trust with their data.

    As a result, you must apply comprehensive data safety measures to retain your customers’ trust in your company. This is especially crucial in marketing because customer data collection, storage and analysis drive modern marketing.

    If you are wondering how you can take measures to safeguard customer data while marketing and bolster their trust in your company, you’re at the right place! I’ve put together this guide to help you understand data privacy in marketing in simple terms. It will also help you devise cost-effective strategies to adhere to customer data regulations.

    Related: 8 Ways a Data Breach Could Take Out Your Company Tomorrow

    Understanding data privacy in marketing

    Data privacy in marketing refers to protecting and responsibly handling consumer information collected throughout your marketing endeavors. Why is this crucial?

    Marketers engage in a plethora of data collection and handling activities. This includes personal and behavioral data that help them gain insights into their target audience and provide personalized experiences. However, the threat of data privacy breaches is growing daily, and a breach can have severe consequences.

    These include reputational damage, legal repercussions, financial loss and loss of customer trust. So, every marketer must prioritize customer data security and comply with privacy regulations. Let’s understand how this works.

    Related: Schools Are Getting Slammed By Cyberattacks and Student Data Is No Longer Safe. Here’s How to Navigate Cybersecurity in the New, Digital Classroom

    Ensuring customer data protection

    First, you must ensure your website is secure, and consumer data is used for legitimate purposes. After all, the Harvard Business Review found that 84% of consumers avoid shopping from brands with suspicious websites. But there’s more! Here are the critical methods you must apply carefully to safeguard your consumer’s privacy and trust.

    1. Compliance with data protection regulations

    The most important step is to ensure compliance with data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States. These two acts are the primary customer data regulation frameworks, and if not followed, they lead to substantial fines and reputational damage.

    CCPA, which was enacted in 2020, grants consumers the right to know about collected personal data and request the deletion of their information. It mandates the organizations to provide a list of third-party organizations that will have access to the data upon request from the customer. Enterprises failing to comply with the regulation can face statutory damages that range from $100 to $750 per consumer per incident.

    GDPR was enacted in 2018. It grants individuals control over their data. Businesses that comply must obtain informed consent for data collection, provide privacy policies and notices and implement measures to protect the data. Noncompliance can result in a fine of €20 million or 4% of total revenue, whichever is higher.

    By incorporating stringent measures as per these laws, you will fulfill the legal requirements and instill confidence in consumers regarding their information and strengthen the brand reputation.

    2. Implementing Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

    Multi-factor authentication is an added layer of security for enhancing data security in marketing, and it is growing in use due to its effectiveness and ease of use. Under MFA, users must provide multiple forms of verification, such as a password or code sent to their phone number or email.

    As a marketer, you can implement MFA across customer portals, employee access, and administrative dashboard. You can also go a step ahead and implement advanced methods such as biometric systems to strengthen security further.

    With MFA, you can significantly decrease the risk of a data breach by allowing only authorized individuals access to sensitive customer data. This will naturally bolster consumer trust regarding your data handling practices.

    Related: Safeguarding Your Corporate Environment from Social Engineering

    3. Implementing Decentralized Finance

    DeFi is an innovative technology that uses blockchain to create a decentralized ecosystem for secure financial data management. As per a recent survey report by Antier Solutions, about 15-20% of small businesses are already utilizing DeFi services for financing successfully. This indicates that Defi is living up to its promise of safety and reliability. But what makes it so effective, you may ask?

    DeFi platforms use ledger technology and cryptography to decentralize data storage and eliminate potential risks. Moreover, DeFi uses smart contracts to ensure transparency between both entities. Smart contracts are self-executing contracts that automatically execute predefined conditions and are stored in blockchain. You can utilize smart contracts to obtain consent from consumers regarding data collection and usage.

    In contrast to Defi, traditional centralized financing has data storage systems that pose inherent vulnerabilities to data breaches. So, vulnerability at even a single point can allow hackers to extract data.

    4. Prioritize Supplier and Vendor Security

    Marketers who collaborate with third-party suppliers and vendors may provide access to consumer data. If you are amongst them, it is necessary to conduct due diligence when selecting partners. Furthermore, your contracts with them should include provisions that require third parties to comply with the same data protection and privacy standards as you.

    5. Establish Incident Response Plans

    Despite all measures, there’s always a risk of things going south as technologies develop rapidly! So, developing a comprehensive incident response plan is vital as it helps you effectively address and mitigate the impact of any data breaches or privacy issues. Here’s what you must do to establish an effective incident response plan-

    • Start by establishing a cross-functional incident response team. This must comprise individuals from different departments, such as IT, communication, legal, etc., to bring together a range of expertise.
    • You must have an escalation plan ready to ensure incidents are promptly forwarded to the appropriate management level.
    • Develop clear communication protocols for both the internal stakeholders and external parties, such as the affected customers and regulatory authorities.
    • Designate official spokespersons for prompt and transparent communication because it helps maintain trust and demonstrates a commitment to addressing the incident responsibly.

    Lastly, don’t wait for emergencies! Conduct regular tabletop exercises and simulations to test the effectiveness of your plans and identify areas for improvement.

    Summing up

    Data privacy has become the most fundamental aspect of maintaining customer trust and building strong relationships in the era of data-driven digital marketing. Its importance cannot be overstated in a world where data breaches are rising in frequency and customers are increasingly sensitive about their data safety.

    So, remember to analyze and implement the points in this guide carefully and always stay up-to-date with the latest privacy regulations, data security threats, and customer expectations. The area of data safety is constantly evolving, and only the most agile and vigilant marketers will find lasting success.

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    Vikas Agrawal

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  • Entrepreneur | Startups: Use the Power of Transparency to Earn Customer Trust

    Entrepreneur | Startups: Use the Power of Transparency to Earn Customer Trust

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The hype that often accompanies new startups can be both a blessing and a curse for entrepreneurs. On the one hand, it increases the likelihood that investors will be ready and waiting to hear about your new startup. On the other, it means there’s a lot of pressure to go big and deliver fast to stand out from the competition. This has led to an environment where “fake it ’til you make it” has become something of an unofficial motto in Silicon Valley.

    For those just starting out, this approach can feel like the only way to get ahead. Startups are rarely funded in excess, and the people providing that funding are pretty much always short on time. That means you’re dealing with tight competition and a small window of time in which to present your best self to investors. It can be extremely tempting to mix imaginary future successes with the reality of the present moment to make your startup seem like the best investment out there.

    However, this creates an environment where investors approach everything you have to say with skepticism, regardless of whether you’re telling the truth. It also fosters an unhealthy environment where successes are exaggerated and failures are swept under the rug. On the extreme end, this leads to high-profile disasters such as Theranos; even in moderation, it can cause lasting harm to your startup’s business prospects and your own reputation.

    Related: How Transparency In Business Leads to Customer Growth and Loyalty

    Honesty is your best selling point

    Instead, you should try to be forthright and transparent right from the start. This engenders trust among investors and also puts you in a better place with potential customers. According to a report from NielsenIQ, 72% of consumers consider transparency to be either “important” or “extremely important” when it comes to choosing whom to buy from.

    With my own company, I’ve found that people are more willing to recommend us as a startup worth investing in. This isn’t because we offer guarantees that we won’t end up being one of the 90% of startups that fail. Rather, it’s because people know where we stand — both in the areas where the company is succeeding and those in which it’s struggling. Creating a positive brand image isn’t about removing risk from the equation. It’s about making both the risk and reward crystal clear to investors.

    The startup world might seem intimidatingly large, but when you narrow it down into specific niches, such as fintech or food tech, it becomes much smaller. You might start out as an unknown entity, but once you build a community around you, your reputation in your industry will likely precede you. You should make sure that reputation is one you’ll be happy to have associated with you for the rest of your career.

    For entrepreneurs who want to build that all-important customer trust, here are a few places to start.

    1. Balance optimism and realism

    I have to admit that I am more of a skeptic than an optimist, which makes one wonder: Why run a startup? I like to think of myself as more of a critical thinker. I would prefer to find the flaws in the path than have the market show it to me later. Transparency in business isn’t about admitting you don’t know the answer to something. Instead, it’s about admitting you don’t know the answer yet. You need to tell people where you are but also what your plan is for getting to where you need to be.

    If you’re still trying to figure out what or where your startup is, don’t shy away from that, either. You can be forthright without sounding lost at sea. Talk to potential investors and customers about your great idea, as well as the ways in which you’re moving toward understanding how to put that great idea into a commercial package.

    Related: 8 Practical Tips for Successfully Launching Your Startup

    2. Build your foundation on defendable information

    Data is important in any organization, but having data in a startup shows that you have done your homework to the furthest extent possible — whether that be market size backed by multiple industry contacts or lab data that has been repeated more than once. We have all seen the good news story that is based on only a single data point, but a company needs to build its foundation on defendable information.

    Remember that the goal shouldn’t be to raise money just because you can — it should be to raise money because you should. The best way to prove that is by backing up your efforts through data that shows what your startup is doing is impactful.

    Be honest about what kind of revenue to expect and what obstacles you’ll encounter. If all you have is a rosy, unrealistic forecast you relied upon in order to secure initial funding, it will only be a matter of time before you find yourself at the end of your runway with no real idea of how to take flight.

    3. Ask yourself the tough questions

    To succeed as a startup, you need to do some serious self-reflection. Understand that it is just as important to have a board made up of individuals that will ask the organization the tough questions as well. Ask yourself: Is your startup something that can actually make it with today’s technology and consumer demand? If it is, do you have enough money to make it happen?

    The answer to these questions might be no, but it’s better to know that before you’ve sunk your time, money and reputation into an idea that just won’t work. This can not only sink your startup but can also end up sinking your career as an entrepreneur. One such example is the drone startup Airware. The startup could have potentially made it if it had saved its funds and waited for its clients and tech to get up to speed. This is an excellent case to use as a comparison for future startups to ask themselves hard questions about budgets, market readiness and more — while not counting their victories with prestigious investors before reaching the finish line.

    Related: 5 Must-Haves for Entrepreneurs and Their Startups to be Successful

    While “fake it ’til you make it” might look good on a coffee mug, as a strategy in the real world, it leaves a lot to be desired. You might be able to convince venture capitalists to take a risk on you at the start, but if you’ve built your business on the back of empty promises, there’s nowhere to go but down.

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    Larry Clarke

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  • How to Build Trust in an Untrustworthy Industry

    How to Build Trust in an Untrustworthy Industry

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Trust is crucial if you want to build a loyal customer base and a positive reputation for your business. Establishing trust not only helps you keep your current customers but attracts new customers to your business, making it essential for any entrepreneur looking to go the distance.

    Building trust isn’t as easy as it used to be, and customer satisfaction has been declining for years. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), 80% of companies have failed to increase customer satisfaction since 2010.

    The ACSI found that most customers naturally dislike certain industries. For instance, cable companies, airlines and health insurance providers are automatically seen as less trustworthy by many consumers.

    If your industry puts you at a disadvantage, you’re going to have to work even harder to build trust and customer loyalty. Here are six strategies you can use to build trust in an untrustworthy industry:

    Related: 5 Strategies for How to Make Customers Trust Your Brand

    1. Embrace transparency

    Embracing transparency is one of the best ways to build trust and customer loyalty. If you want to build trust, you’ll need to always be upfront in your interactions with customers and avoid making false or misleading claims.

    You should also communicate openly with your customers and share information about your company’s policies and pricing. Talk about any potential risks that come with your product at the beginning of the sales process, and disclose any relevant information about your company’s sourcing or manufacturing processes if it’s the subject of debate.

    Transparency also means being upfront about any issues that arise in your business. Most customers are willing to forgive you for a mistake, assuming your company takes responsibility and does what it can to fix the situation.

    2. Follow through on your promises

    If you want to build customer loyalty, you have to do what you say you’re going to do. Following through on your promises can look like maintaining a consistent brand image, providing a reliable service and being consistent in how you deliver products.

    Always honor any warranties your business offers, and provide customers with any additional help they need. You should also strive to operate with integrity and engage in socially responsible business practices.

    Lastly, take ownership of any issues that arise, and be willing to do what it takes to solve the problem. This may mean offering customers refunds, allowing them to exchange items or making significant changes to products or services.

    3. Encourage customer engagement

    Communicating regularly with your customers is another way to build trust and establish a sense of loyalty. For example, you can send out a regular newsletter where you share information about your company. You can also make customers feel valued by creating a loyalty program, hosting events or building a social media community.

    But communication is a two-way street, so you always want to respond to your customers’ complaints and concerns. If you’re in a notoriously untrustworthy industry, your company should consider a dedicated customer service team that’s available to resolve issues quickly.

    Your business needs to be open to customer feedback and willing to make changes based on that feedback, too. Sending out surveys and asking your customers to leave you online reviews is a great place to start.

    If you receive negative feedback, be sure to respond in a timely and professional manner. Customers know that occasionally things will go wrong — it’s how your business deals with it that makes the difference.

    Related: 7 Ways to Build Consumer Trust Naturally

    4. Utilize customer testimonials

    Customer testimonials are a great way to build trust with potential customers. They provide social proof that your product or service is trustworthy and can be a valuable marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. Customers will always believe in an unbiased review more than any influencer or corporate messaging strategy.

    You can also ask customers to provide a video testimonial. Offering incentives, like a discount or gift card, can help encourage current customers to participate.

    5. Invest in security

    One of the quickest ways to lose customer trust is by putting their personal or financial information at risk. Equifax, Target and Marriott were all involved in major data breaches that exposed millions of customers’ information.

    Data breaches don’t just happen to big businesses — attacks against small businesses have been rising in recent years. Small businesses tend to be less prepared for a data breach and usually don’t have cyber insurance to deal with it, making them a prime target for cyber actors.

    You can invest in security by installing firewalls, antivirus software and other security tools to protect your network. You should also train employees on security best practices and how to identify and avoid potential threats.

    Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of your current security measures. You can also collaborate with security experts and consultants to look for ways to improve security in your business.

    Related: 3 Tips to Build Trust and Drive Business Transformation

    6. Be easy to contact

    There are tons of benefits to utilizing automation in your business. For instance, chatbots allow you to respond to customers after hours and can aid your overall customer service strategy.

    But, as you know, nothing is more frustrating than attempting to contact a business and being unable to get a real person on the phone or contacting customer service and having to wait on hold for an hour first.

    If a customer has a problem with your product or service and they’re unable to reach anyone, it sends a clear message that they don’t matter to your business. And, once customers feel like they don’t matter, it’s almost impossible to repair the relationship.

    That’s why you must have an easily accessible customer support team. When you’re easy to contact and provide customers with the help they need, it shows that you care about them beyond the initial purchase.

    Again, building trust is not easy, but by embracing transparency, keeping your promises, encouraging customer engagement, utilizing customer testimonials and investing in security, you can stand out as a trustworthy business even in an untrustworthy industry.

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    Joseph Camberato

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  • 5 Ways to Build Trust and Reliability

    5 Ways to Build Trust and Reliability

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Any entrepreneur knows that a critical aspect of growing one’s business and elevating your brand is to step up as a thought leader in your field. For instance, we’ve all marveled at the CEO who shares words of wisdom on LinkedIn or the icon names behind our favorite newsletters and podcasts. But when it comes time to build your credibility and find your audience, it may seem impossible to know where to start. Social media is crowded these days — how does anyone stand out from the crowd?

    Luckily, there are ways to ensure your voice is heard and stands out from the fray. Becoming a thought leader takes dedication and hard work, but it can be done with the right strategy and an honest approach. Read on for five crucial tips on becoming a go-to voice in your field.

    Related: 5 Tips for Using LinkedIn to Become a Bonafide Thought Leader

    Step 1: Develop your own voice

    Before beginning any other aspect of becoming a thought leader, it’s crucial to define your own voice. Audiences these days are hyper-aware of inauthenticity and quickly pick up on false optimism or incorrect knowledge. Whether you’re speaking on past failures, insecurities, or weaknesses, remember to stay true to yourself and your expertise when sharing your insights.

    Similarly, the only way you can really stand out from the crowd is by being yourself! From your sense of humor to your creative vision, leaning into your unique point of view will differentiate you from others and develop engaged, loyal followers. Don’t try to emulate others you already see in the field. Originality always wins out.

    Related: How to Showcase Your Expertise and Become a Thought Leader

    Step 2: Use each platform thoughtfully

    Once you know your point of view, figure out how to leverage your learnings and insights across the different social platforms. Today’s vast array of social platforms have very different uses and audiences, so you’ll want to share your thoughts in a variety of ways across each while remaining true to your overall message.

    For instance, LinkedIn is primarily text-based, with room for occasional video and image posts. It’s also a platform designed to engage and encourage others, so lean into the community aspect.

    Meanwhile, video-first platforms like TikTok and Instagram have entirely different best practices; you may want to lean into trending sounds and memes or share stories from your POV in short clips. And if you post on Twitter, you’ll want to encapsulate your message in brief, text-only posts. Each platform offers significant benefits when used correctly, so research (and use) them before posting, and don’t try a one-size fits all strategy.

    Related: 10 Tips to Developing Your Personal Brand Through Thought Leadership

    Step 3: Listen to others

    The phrase “thought leader” makes it seem like you’ll always be the one leading the conversation, but remember that you need to listen to others, too! An essential part of remaining an authority in your field is constantly seeking knowledge and growing. From reading books and articles to respecting diverse voices, make room in your life to expand your mind so that you can remain at the top of your game.

    Another essential element of listening is never to pretend to hold authority or knowledge when you don’t have it. If a subject isn’t in your wheelhouse, that’s okay! Your audience will respect you more if you can acknowledge your information gaps, especially if you can take constructive criticism whenever thrown your way.

    Related: 50 Strategies for Becoming a Thought Leader in Your Field

    Step 4: Analyze what’s working

    When building your audience and brand, you’ll want to take a step back regularly and see what resonates with people. Are certain parts of your message getting positive feedback more than others? Are there specific questions that crop up again and again?

    Be sure to incorporate any statistics and audience feedback into your posting schedule so you’re not simply speaking into a void. Your audience wants to feel that they’re having a two-way discussion, so distilling your message to what they want to learn is key to an engaged, long-term audience relationship.

    Related: 4 Proactive Habits to Build the Career You Want

    Step 5: Get out into the real world

    While social media, blogs and podcasts are crucial for thought leadership in today’s modern age, don’t forget to get out from behind your computer screen from time to time. Real-life conversations can significantly benefit your thought leadership growth and demonstrate to online audiences that you genuinely care about your industry.

    Attend conferences and panels in your field and take the opportunity to network with others. Even simple coffee dates are a great way to regularly make time for real-life discussions. While it may seem easy to develop your brand online, much of being an entrepreneur still rely on a face-to-face conversation — so don’t forget to carve out time to make those real-life connections.

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    Adam Petrilli

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