Build your reputation by helping others build theirs. (Anthony D'Angelo)
In today's global economy, we have the opportunity to impact, via the internet, people half the world away as well as those down the street. However, because of the multitude of messages we are subject to as a result of this media, distrust among consumers is more pervasive than ever.
How do we overcome this distrust to make the sale of ourselves or our product?
We foster relationships to build our online reputation. We work on relationships with visitors to our blogs, and relationships with customers at our websites. We stand behind our word, and behind our product. We become a trusted resource, a guide, a coach to encourage others trying to make a go of an online business, or a mentor to others already with a business online working to improve their lives.
We work on relationships with other online business owners, trading ideas and insights, promoting each other's website or product. We prove ourselves to be reliable and trustworthy. We look out for the interests of others as well as our own.
Once these relationships are solid, we can invest in them and spend them like currency. Confidence flows back and forth between such parties because each "trust account" has a positive balance. Credit in each account has been earned by value proven, promises kept, and deadlines met. The benefit of a good reputation cannot be understated, and is thought by some successful internet marketers to be the greatest asset their businesses have.
Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked and never well-mended. (Proverb)