Credibility is Key Online and Offline

Build your online credibility Many times, before going on stage to present a marketing seminar, attendees walk up to me and say, “I Googled you.”

People who plan to do business with you, or are curious about your background, will first see if they can find information related to you on the Web. They’re looking for two things: presence and credibility.

I approach business the same way, which is why I recently canceled an order received by Email.

The order was fairly large in cost. That alone makes a savvy marketer cautious before proceeding. In the end, I declined the order for five reasons.

1. The company’s name and telephone number isn’t listed anywhere on the Internet. The company could be new, so I looked at other details.
2. Another country was part of the shipping address. It could have been an oversight, but…
3. The method of payment didn’t include the security code.
4. A “throwaway” Email address accompanied the order rather than a business Email address.
5. The comments section of the order asked me to put the package “on the porch.”

Credibility online and offline defines and elevates your market potential, whether you’re on stage or placing an order. People search for “signs of life.” They want validation of your existence and to learn what others think about you. Have you built that type of credibility?

I don’t know if I turned down a good order or a bogus one, but I am satisfied with my decision. Make sure, to the best of your ability, that anyone who’s preparing to do business with you feels the same way.

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