If you’ve just ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, it can be difficult to work out how you are going to compete with the well-established businesses that have been trading for decades within your field. You are the new kid on the block, and your competitors and potential customer base look at you through suspicious eyes. Why should they switch supplier, company or service and buy from you instead of a long-standing rival? It’s up to you to prove your worth. Take a look at how you can prove that your startup can be trusted and flex your credibility muscles.
Reviews
Without a doubt, the most influential medium of securing new business is through review sites. Any potential customer looking to purchase from a specific company will not do so without heading onto Google, searching the name of the business and venturing onto their testimonials page, social media feed or independent feedback site to check out their reviews. Companies who pride themselves on exceptional customer service, fulfilling promises and going the extra mile are those that receive the most glowing feedback. If you can build up a series of exceptional reviews for your fledgeling business, you will be showing your potential customers that you are credible and trustworthy.
Communication
To be a credible entrepreneur leading a successful business you need to be visible. This doesn’t just mean having a snazzy website or posting a generic comment on your Facebook page, or Twitter feed once a day. You need to communicate with your clientele. If you receive an email query, make it a point of business to respond within four hours. Leaving emails to linger shows a level of unprofessionalism that you don’t want to perpetuate. By creating an open and honest dialogue with customers, you are showing them that you are willing to make an effort irrespective of how trivial the query may be.
Proving Your Promise
It’s all very well and good having delivery estimates, guidelines for the quality of the product you are selling and timescales for the service you may be providing. However, the real test is whether you are willing to prove your promise. By taking out one of the many surety bonds on offer, you are effectively drawing up a legal contract to promise that you will deliver what you have stated in a contract. This means that the person or company you are dealing with can feel safe in the knowledge that you will deliver. This enhances your credibility prowess as you are willing to demonstrate your sound reputation using a legal stance.
As a new startup, it can be tricky to hold your own against your rivals and build momentum. It’s vital that you show your customers that they are valued and that you will go out of your way to provide an outstanding consumer experience. By following this advice, you can prove that your company is honest and trustworthy, a credible entity and the best to do business with.
