I’ve been thinking the last few days about what attribute I would like my business to be known for. What do people think of our small business? Are we a trustworthy business? What does it mean, and take, to be trustworthy?
Trustworthy has a lot of synonyms that mean similar things; but first, let’s look at the definition of trustworthy. According to the Encarta Dictionary: English (North America) that is included in Word 2007, “trustworthy means reliable, deserving trust or able to be trusted.” Some synonyms are dependable, reliable, responsible, truthful, honest, constant and honorable.
As I work with colleagues in the industry I’m in, it concerns me when I see trust eroding between businesses and consumers.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has conducted four Trust Surveys. In their latest trust survey, there were some alarming statistics. The result of their findings is that there is a significant disconnect between business perceptions and consumer reality. For example, one finding demonstrates that the trust gap is growing:
“Consider that 90% of business executives think customers highly trust their companies while only 30% of consumers actually do.”
I would like to think that Borlok Virtual Assistants (Borlok VA) is a model for other aspiring virtual assistants – whether or not they are just starting out or have been in business for many years. In order to build trust and strengthen a reputation, I need to demonstrate certain characteristics and traits that would show that my business and its subsidiaries are dependable.
As a company that works in the highly competitive online freelance industry, my goal is that our friends, clients, staff and colleagues view us as being fair and dependable, that we have a good track record and that we’re knowledgeable. But, along with those qualities are the unwritten connotations that we are profitable, up to date in trends, skilled and credible.
Ways to Become Trustworthy
So what are some ways that you can ensure your small business is trustworthy? Let’s take a look:
- Be honest all the time with yourself and with others – Be sincere and truthful in your dealings with vendors, colleagues and clients and friends. Go above and beyond to foster that precious relationship that you can have with your customers — and everyone else.
- Be consistent – To me, this means that our clients should be treated the same; and in our case, that means to provide global expert services with quality and on-time delivery. In addition, provide excellent customer service to ensure you don’t have issues with client retention.
- Deliver on your promise – if you say you are going to meet a specific deadline, meet it; but better yet, exceed it.
- Say what you mean and mean what you say; then follow through by walking the talk – there’s no room here for being wishy, washy, is there?
- Have an open door policy – no one should be afraid to speak with you. Foster collaboration.
- Honor your contracts – if you have a non-compete clause in your contract, make sure you honor it. The same would go for a non-disclosure agreement and all other aspects of that contract.
Becoming trustworthy doesn’t happen overnight. It takes working at it 365 days a year. The benefits of being trustworthy mean you get – and keep – more clients and build a solid reputation. So, is your small business trustworthy?
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Pam Lokker is a master writer and proficient virtual assistant. Borlok Virtual Assistants is the place to get global expert VA services with quality and on-time delivery.
Updated 1/21/2025
