Micro-Businesses Rely On Trust For Success (NAPSA)—Arecent poll found that people who run small businesses are among the most trusted groups in America. In fact according to the survey, the only Americans trusted more than small-business owners are teachers. Survey respondents gave teachers an 84 percent trust rat- ing and small-business owners a 75 percent trust rating. As a micro-business owner, people don’t do business with you because of your brand nameorbig advertising budget. “They do business with you because they trust you,” says Robert Hughes, President of the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). “If you don’t have their trust, you don’t have their business.” The NASEoffers these tips to help micro-businesses build trust with customers: Never commit to doing something for a customer if you don’t believe you can follow through. Keep your word. This is your most powerful sales tool. Stand behind what you say and what you sell and seal it with a handshake. If the unexpected happens and you can’t deliver, communicate with the customer. Offer alternatives and ask what you can do to lessen the inconvenience. * Don’t change your mind after you commit to a project. * Treat employees, suppliers and customers with honesty and fairness and your entire company will reflect integrity. Get to know your customers. Let them know you as a person and not just a vendor. They are more likely to trust you if they know you. Tell them why you started your business and why you believe in your product and services. Consider the implications. If you cheat customers today, you won't have their business tomorrow. Without customers, you won't be in business very long. Need more suggestions on how to grow and nurture your microbusiness? Visit Entrepreneurial Connection (www.entrepreneurial connection.com) powered by the NASE. This informative Website provides tools, tips and training for the self-employed and microbusiness owners. EntrepreneurialConnection.com focuses on presenting you with fresh ideas and insights you can use to succeed as an entrepreneur or micro-business owner. The NASE is the nation’s leading resource for the self-employed and micro-businesses, bringing a broad range of benefits to help entrepreneurs succeed and to drive the continued growth of this vital segment of the American economy. For more information, visit www.nase.org or call 800-232-6273.
