“Products that are remarkable get talked about.” -Seth Godin

Remarkable businesses develop a positive reputation and gain trust. This trust is your #1 resource; it is the foundation of your marketing efforts. How do you go about gaining this trust? Here are a few points to consider:

1. Make improving your customers’ lives your #1 priority.
2. Be honest. Admit your mistakes and fix them to the best of your ability, but also be sure to acknowledge your achievements.
3. Don’t use key ideas from employees, customers, family members, and friends without giving them some kind of recognition and credit.
4. Develop an outstanding sense of perspective – see your products and services from multiple perspectives. Empathize with your customers and employees, and ask yourself if you would be happy with your business if roles were reversed.
5. Be straightforward with your marketing and discard manipulative maneuvers. In this age of information, many of us are catching on to these phony approaches. Be yourself and say what you do with no BS.
6. Be aware that most people are annoyed with spam. Don’t email, call, or text anyone too much unless they indicate they want this kind of contact.
7. Be direct with your employees. It’s important to treat them with respect and pay them fairly for their efforts.
8. Offer fair prices and be nice to your customers and employees.
9. Don’t lie to your competitors. If you don’t want them to know confidential information, simply refuse to tell them or anyone else.
10. Offer frequent customers special discounts.
11. Offer anonymous satisfaction reviews to your customers and employees. Be sure to read the feedback regularly and carefully.
12. Have fun! If you’re not, it will be obvious to those around you and discourage confidence.

These are just a few ways to gain trust in your industry. I believe these tactics will help inspire a sterling reputation, which will help you create a remarkable business and gain respect.