A recent coaching client of mine asked a really great question, “Devani, how do I build credibility when I am totally new in my business?” Awesome question! Building credibility is a lot easier then you may think! When you leverage tools such as social media, you are able to do a lot and build trust quicker! Let me run through 5 of my top tips to build credibility:
Tip # 1: Have a professional and appealing online image. You want a clear message and your brand to be consistent and sharp. This will not only stand you out against the crowd but also give you huge credibility when someone goes to Google you or checks out your website. My company Purl Media Solutions can whip you up an amazing online brand & presence that won’t kill the bank. In addition, I recommend investing in business cards that have your matching branding and a great picture! Your first impression needs to be strong, this will do the trick!
Tip #2 Have a solid “about me” section on your blog, social channels, Biznik, Meetup.com and anymore you can think of. Include your experience, background and story of where you are at today. You can even get a professional writer to help if you are having a writers block.
Tip # 3 Create & practice a 30 second elevator speech. This is a big one! Once you have this mastered and someone asks you what you do…you won’t be fumbling around anymore! I learned how to master my 30 second commercial through BNI, a weekly networking group. They have amazing training on how to put together your bio.
Tip#4 Offer clients discounted services or pro-bono work in exchange for testimonials. Testimonials are great for building trust! Most clients would be happy to give you a referral (because your awesome) and a discount is a nice way of saying thank you. It also sets the stage that you are newer and are offering the service to get more experience under your belt. By setting it up like that, they are more likely to give you feedback on your services to help aid you for the future!
Tip #5 List Swap and interviews. If you have started on building a list (if not pick up my List Building Blueprint here) then this is a great option. I have used this a few times and have had success. Find someone similar to your mindset and business values that is not a competitor to what you do. For example I do more business coaching than personal coaching so I like to partner with personal coaches as I believe they go hand in hand. I will promote a product or coaching launch for them to my list and they will do the same for me.
If you don’t have a list built up yet I suggest finding someone you admire and look up to and see about getting an interview with them? You can do it via the phone, video, webinar, ect. Now the other parties audience is going to be checking out who you are, building up your reputation. You can even use that interview for future projects or free gifts to your list.
Now get out there and keep rockin! Stay tuned for more!
To Your Success,
