Core Values: How Trust Improves Your Online Business

There are four charms on a necklace that I (almost) never take off. One of those charms is an oak tree. I wear that oak tree to remind me of the importance of deep roots and meaningful relationships built on trust. Since without those deep roots, the crown of that tree won't be nearly as healthy or vibrant.

I find this to be especially important in business, because I just can't even think of business as not being personal. [Btw, that "business isn't personal" term was coined in the 1930's when Otto Berman, an accountant for the mob, was known to say, "nothing personal, it's just business".]

Moral of the story, I hope the rest of us don't follow the advice of a mobster and instead find value in the personal nature of business and how it can truly create magic and meaning in our entrepreneurial endeavors and, eh-hem, on our bottom line.

As someone who prefers deep, meaningful relationships with fewer people to a huge network of people I barely know, I absolutely value trust: the kind of trust that says that I can attest to someone's work because I've been there in the trenches with them; the kind of trust that builds friendship and care for each other; the kind of trust that brings value and downright fun to everyday business... so we all grow together.

I started to think about this when a former colleague of mine reached out on LinkedIn. I haven't worked with her in almost 20 years. And yet, without a doubt, I'd love to work with her again. Or recommend her. Or catch up over a drink because we have awesome history together.

When it comes to running a business, genuine friendships and trust are more than just nice-to-have's. They're the secret sauce that can turn a good business into a great one. It's not all about dollar signs; these relationships can make work more enjoyable and fulfilling, and they can help us grow as people, too.

So let's talk as down to earth as possible about trust. It's way more than just being able to count on someone. It's about getting each other, respecting each other, and being able to vouch for someone because you've seen their skills in action. Trust is what turns acquaintances into business allies. It's the dream team maker. And while it's not all about money, it's integral to your bottom line.

You don't need another listicle, so let's dig deep into those roots of trust - those that foster your business and provide meaning to your entrepreneurial life.

Alright, let's get real about the power of trust in our work lives.

First off, trust is like fertilizer for your business, making everything grow faster and stronger. When your team members feel trusted, they see the green light to step up, share their out-of-the-box ideas, and get stuck into the meaty bits of projects. This kind of trust works like magic, nudging your business to grow and bloom. Plus, when folks feel trusted, they're more likely to stick around and put their heart and soul into their work, making the daily grind less of a grind and more of a groove.

Let's think about trust as the superglue that holds your team together when you're all pulling in the same direction. It's like having a secret language that allows you to communicate effectively, be open to feedback, and bust through obstacles like a superhero. When everyone trusts each other, they feel more confident about their role and they give it their all. It's like going from a bunch of solo artists to a harmonious orchestra overnight.

Trust is also the golden key to building solid-as-a-rock relationships with business partners. Once that trust is there, you can cut the corporate mumbo-jumbo and get straight to business, with full transparency and respect. This is what keeps your business relationships strong, leading to awesome partnerships that can take your business to the next level. Trust isn't just about making the current project a success, but it's the secret ingredient to ensure you're in for the long haul, creating sustainable and rewarding business relationships.

Now, let's tackle trust from the customer perspective. This is where it gets really juicy. Think of trust as the invisible thread that binds you and your customers. When your customers trust you, they're not just buying your product or service, they're investing in a relationship with you. They believe in what you're selling and why you're selling it, and they're willing to stick around to see what exciting thing you'll do next. It's like having a loyal fan club that's always cheering you on, even when you hit a few sour notes.

Trust also turns your customers into your best advertisers. When a customer trusts you, they'll happily rave about you to their friends, family, and that person they just met in the grocery store checkout line. It's like having a bunch of mini billboards walking around town, singing your praises without you having to spend so much on advertising. How's that for cost-effective marketing?

And, ready to drop the facade? Trust gives you the freedom to be authentically you in your business. [Isn't that such a relief?!!] You don't have to put on a persona or become a corporate robot. When your customers trust you, they trust the real you.

They appreciate your quirky humor, your unusual business hours, or your unorthodox approach to solving problems. It's like having permission to run your business your way, while your customers cheer you on saying, "Go ahead, we trust you!" It's kind of like having your dark chocolate 7 layer cake and eating it all in one sitting... without any worry about the calories, portion control, or belly ache. Yep, we're talking awesomeness.

So, trust and work-life balance, huh? Well, let's dive into this sea of trust, where work and life float in perfect harmony.

Now, imagine a day where you wake up, make a cup of your favorite coffee, and get to work, all while wearing your comfy pajamas – no judgement here! This is possible when there's trust in the workplace. Your colleagues, board (if you've got one), and even your team trust you to get the job done regardless of where you are or what you're wearing. They don't need to micro-manage or keep an eagle eye on you. This trust gives you the flexibility to work in a way that suits your lifestyle. It means that you can pick up your kids from school, have a workout session in the middle of the day, or even take a power nap (come on, who doesn't love a good nap!). Essentially, it's like having a magical time-turner that lets you juggle your work and life just the way you like it.

But, trust isn't just between you and the people counting on you; it's also about trusting yourself. When we trust ourselves, we can set boundaries and say "no" when we need to. We don't have to be superheroes trying to do it all. Trust yourself to prioritize things that matter most to you. Whether it's spending time with family, going for a long hike, or just having some 'me' time (and yes, binge-watching your favorite series counts!). Trusting yourself also means taking breaks when needed without feeling guilty about it. It's like giving yourself a high-five because you know what's best for you.

And let's talk culture. Trust creates a positive work culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. When your colleagues trust you, it boosts your confidence, keeps you motivated, and reduces your stress levels. And guess what happens when stress goes down? Your happiness shoots up, like a kid on a sugar rush! This positivity seeps into your personal life, making you a more cheerful and relaxed person. So, take a moment, pause, and remember that trust isn't just about business; it's about life. Remember, when trust takes the front seat, work feels less like work and more like a rewarding journey.

Alright folks, let's talk moolah. No, not just the green paper kind, but the wealth of benefits trust brings to your business' bottom line. It's a simple equation, really. Trust equals loyalty, and loyalty equals repeat business. Your customers are more likely to come back for seconds (or thirds, or fourths…) when they trust you. They'll keep adding your products to their carts, filling your Stripe account, and spreading the word about your awesomeness. Trust me (no pun intended), their loyalty is like a gift that keeps on giving.

Now, don't forget about how you save, too. When you're trusted, you spend less time convincing people you're the real deal and more time doing what you do best. Whether that's creating courses about how to sling the best burgers, hosting challenges to lose those pesky 5 pounds, or teaching your customers how to get their Huskies to not be such escape artists, your time is better spent on your expertise, not on damage control.

Finally, let's talk about the long game. Trust isn't something that happens overnight; it takes a long, committed relationship. It's the key to sustainable growth. By building trust, you're not just making quick cash. Instead, you're planting seeds of loyalty that grow into repeat business, referrals, and reputation. It's a domino effect, but instead of knocking things down, you're stacking your benefits higher and higher. Now, don't you think that's a solid game plan for your bottom line?

And of course, this all does lead to making more money in the end. But, in the right way! From repeat sales to the money you save on advertising when you've got a loyal customer base who loves sharing how great you are, trust is a powerful currency. Plus, when you've got that loyal fan base and reputation, your brand becomes worth more in the market. (We call this goodwill.)

Trust can take your business to the top. It encourages customers to stick with you for the long haul, drives value in the form of repeat sale and referrals, and gives you leverage in the market.

Creating deep roots and relationships based on trust invites customers and business owners alike to let go of the facade and be their authentic selves. Trust gives us the freedom to run our business our way, with others cheering us on with full confidence. It also creates a positive work culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. And finally, trust drives loyalty which translates into the increased revenue you're looking for.

At Sidkik, trust is one of our core values.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on trust. How important has trust been for you as an entrepreneur or creator?