Cyber Week Sale! 50% Off All Access

Why is it Important for Entrepreneurs to Build Trust? To be trusted is a greater compliment than being popular

By Prerak Shah

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Pixabay

What are the factors essential for an Entrepreneur to succeed? Great idea, product or a service, adequate funds, effective marketing strategy and a skilled team to deliver. However, while all those are critical, the most crucial and not often talked about factor is trust.

Trust is the fabric that holds everything together. Today, when technology has made the world come closer and where commerce has crossed geographical boundaries and consumers will be dealing with people they'll never meet in person, acquiring and sustaining the trust would become all the more critical. Today the wide amount of business (product/services) is conducted on portals and websites. The increasing impersonal experience of businesses requires a great deal of trust.

Trust Issues are Humane

Customers are hard-wired to seek trustworthy people with whom they can do business with – may it be purchasing a service/product OR selling a service/product on payment/credit terms. Trust issues in general, are of two types. One, that businesses out there are to make higher profits by selling at a much higher price than its perceived value. Secondly, more specific trust issues revolve around internet security, fraud, identity theft and lower quality products/services delivered than promised/showcased. It is up to the entrepreneur to eliminate areas of mistrust and strengthen trust amongst its consumers.

People are hard-wired to seek trustworthy people with whom they can do business with – let it be purchasing a service/product OR selling a service/product on payment/credit terms. Trust issues in general, are arising from two logical points. One is that people believe that businesses out there are to make higher profits and for that, they sell products at a much higher price than its actual or perceived value. Secondly, more specific trust issues revolve around security, identity theft, fraud and cheating i.e. lower quality products/services delivered than promised/showcased. And to be successful in the highly competitive market of today, it is an entrepreneur's own benefit, to eliminate such areas of mistrust by providing the best of service/product and the right price and.

Trust is Contagious. Trust Attracts Trust

As an entrepreneur, the mark of a trustworthy person is when you keep promises to others as well as to yourself. Keeping promises is closely correlated with willpower, ethics and self-control, and these virtues are essential to building successful team and business. If you invest early in becoming a person that others can rely upon, you are likely to attract more and more people, consumers, towards you and your business, and benefit of recognized as a trustworthy brand would be priceless.

Trust is Not Imposed or Begged, It's Earned and Offered

Trust isn't something that you can buy by paying price OR applying force. Many cruel kings in our history are a prime example of that. While people followed and obeyed their orders, they could never earn the respect or love of their "praja'. Where else, many kings and saints – like Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa, have ruled the heart of people without having any authority to rule. Same goes for business.

In older days, a business that our ancestors ran, cultivating trust was primarily an individual's affair. They had limited reach but with their own code and conduct, they were able to establish very strong repute with their customers, which then propagated further through word of mouth. But in today's age powered by the internet, the concept of trust has changed forever. While trust remains at the heart of commerce, the methods to build trust have changed.

In the digital age, it's just a snap of fingers for consumers to recommend to others a company that they trust. A satisfied customer with digital channels can spread the word about an experience with your business to, potentially, a limitless number of people, simply with the press of a few keys on his/her computer or a smartphone. And, do know that consumers are paying attention, as its important to them to make their next purchase decision. Beware though, as a good healthy recommendation can rapidly grow your business, mistrust can mar your business repute at a much faster pace. So while trust cannot be purchased, being attentive to customers' genuine needs and service requests and handling them well is the best way to earn trust.

The Foundation to Build Trustworthiness - Under Commit and Over Deliver

As much rewarding it is to build trust, losing trust can be equally detrimental. So don't try to be popular by promising more. Make sure that you only make business commitments that you know you can keep. Over-commitment without matching delivery leads the entrepreneurs to quickly lose respect. There is one more thing: Not making a commitment is also not an option. One of the traits of notoriously unreliable people is refusing to make promises in the first place, thinking that making no commitments relieves them of any worry about breaking them. People see through this strategy quickly and will tag you not reliable and indecisive, as well as not trustworthy. So be willing to make commitments, it is very important but at the same time, committed delivery is far more important.

The Bottom Line: Invest in Reputation Management

In the end, essentially it is the same market that all companies fight for - they may have teamed with similar skill sets, they may offer similar products or services and their prices difference also may not be that big. However, key distinguisher that successful entrepreneur has is – over the period of time, they have earned the trust of their audience. As the future world becomes more complex and impersonal, a trust will increasingly become more crucial for businesses and investing in reputation management – through trustworthy delivery and reputation marketing, will be mandatory for any business – small or big, belonging to any industry domain.

Prerak Shah

Executive Director & Jt. CEO, DEV Information Technology Ltd

Prerak Shah is Executive Director and Jt CEO at Dev Information Technology Ltd. “Lead by example” is his philosophy as he motivates team in providing businesses with solutions that aptly aligns technology, process and people and in turn, helps business maximize their IT investments.

Before returning home in 2009, Mr Prerak acquired MS in Computer Science, ITIL certification, became Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI, and had successfully led many global projects to fruition. In his 22+ years of career, he has assisted in implementation of many IT projects - ranging from dynamic websites, Business Process Automation Applications, Portals and ERP Solutions across many verticals.

He relies on good governance, adheres to project management principles, and spearheads company’s PMO, processes and CSR activities.

Also the AVP of PMI’s Ahmedabad Branch (PMI Mumbai Chapter) - he looks after spreading knowledge and awareness of  project management practices in Gujarat region via way of forums, workshops and trainings and during his tenure, PMI has mentored many aspirants to become certified professionals.

Helping less privileged is subject close to his heart and strongly believes in uniting for cause by empowering the ones that are already working on it. 

Inspite of the heavy work demands and pressure, he has always made it a point to spend and invest his time in assisting Yuva Unstoppable and has been recognized by Yuva Unstoppable as “Youth Icon” for his continuous support and guidance in spreading the kindness and participation in their programs that are aimed to help the less privileged and make our society a better place to live. 

Business News

Google CEO Sundar Pichai Says 'You'll Be Surprised' By How Google Search Changes Next Year

AI has already changed the look of search, but Google's CEO says there are more changes to come.

Science & Technology

You Have 1 Month Left to Prepare for These 5 AI-Powered Marketing Changes — Act Now Before It's Too Late.

Big changes in 2025 will redefine marketing as AI evolves rapidly, offering growth opportunities but also risks. Learn how to stay ahead in this week's video, covering new search platforms and avoiding over-automation.

Business Solutions

Build Professional Websites Without Coding or Paying More Than Once

Create stunning WordPress sites easily with MaxiBlocks — a cost-effective alternative to expensive website builders like Wix and Squarespace.

News and Trends

Recur Club Announces Credit Offerings for Startups Beyond Series A and SMEs

In FY 24–25, the platform also plans to deploy an additional INR 2000 crores through its Recur Swift program for startups.

Leadership

How to Master the Art of Delegation — Lessons From Andrew Carnegie's Legacy

Here's what Andrew Carnegie can teach today's entrepreneurs about leadership, teamwork and effective delegation.