One of the most challenging things that service based professionals and creativepreneurs face is establishing a solid credibility when just starting out or even starting over. Whether you have been in business for several years but you are reinventing how you do things and launching new models, or you are just getting started, credibility is vital to your growth and success. Here are three simple secrets to gaining that essential trust component quickly and easily to capture clients and profit.
#1 Look Established (Even When You Aren’t)
Yes, appearances do count. This lesson is from a recent trip I took to San Diego. There is a delightful hotel, The Lodge at Torrey Pines and while I was staying next door at the Hilton, I decided to indulge in lunch and a spa treatment at The Lodge. I was captivated. It appeared to be built back in the 1930’s in the Arts and Crafts Style. As an interior designer and kin to Frank Lloyd Wright, this is one of my true favorite styles.
They had a glass case by the dining room with old photos of the alleged owners, a diary, and more. The materials were all antique in feel from the patina velvet to the period patterned carpet and the aged mahogany paneling. It was all beautiful, elegant without being stuffy and very comfortable. I was stunned to find out it was only eight years old (not a typo!) They had literally 
crafted an entire story to support the historical look and feel created and it worked. They looked and felt established, trustworthy and definitely worth the rarified rates.
Viking did this when they began as well. Most people (including me) thought that Viking ranges had been around for 100 years or more. In fact, Fred Carl Jr’s legendary company is barely twenty years old. He selected a name that brought age and implied history. He backed this up with marketing materials that reinforced the solid nature of his brand and gave them instant credibility (having top drawer quality always helps.)
#2 Look Big (Even When You Aren’t)
You don’t have to be a big company to be credible, but sometimes it can help for people to think that you are more than a one person show. Building a team can be virtual and mean simply that you work with vendors to provide the finest service.
For years when I am asked how big my design firm is, I ask in reply “how big do you need me to be.” I consider my vendors as partners so whether a project requires three vendors or twenty with workrooms and installers, I am flexible to suit my clients needs.
Today there are easy tools like www.grasshopper.com (no clue why they changed their name from gotvmail, that made sense), and virtual answering services to help you look bigger. By limiting access to yourself, you add the perception of greater value.
#3 Look Connected (Even When You Aren’t)
Social media is a profoundly valuable tool for being visible and visible typically leads to credible. When you appear in more places you look better connected. You can also choose high profile individuals to associate with on Facebook, LinkedIN, and Twitter.
Be selective in those you share as Top Friends and whose Fan Pages you join on Facebook. Seek out industry leaders to connect with on LinkedIN. Always make your invitations personal on both networks and be sure to let that person know (compliments work well, but not fawning) why you want to connect.
Check out blogs of your favorites and be sure to leave relevant and meaningful comments to garner their attention. This can lead to all sorts of opportunities. In addition, providing testimonials or reviews of those whose work you know first-hand (products, seminars, services) can put you in the spotlight and at the least, get you into a much more visible orbit.
Whether you are starting out, starting over, or adding new services and products to your mix, your credibility is integral to your success. Implement the secrets shared here to quickly and easily rise to the top.
