A baker in Portland is about to stop serving some of her customers, and it is not about the pastries

Stop and think about it. I bet you do, too.

So think about this, as a business owner, or one who offers some type of service to others, why do you suppose people do business with you? Initially it is most likely, because you offer some product or service they require. But it is only a matter of time, after they have gotten to know you, that they conclude they either do or do not like you, and most importantly of all, they've determined that they can trust you.

So how do you create trust? How do you become trustworthy? How can your business develop the reputation of being trustworthy? It can be as simple as A, B, and C.

Appreciate your customers

To appreciate something means to raise the value. Mostly this just comes down to great customer service. For example, when a customer walks into your store, your business, or office, how are they greeted? Do they feel valued? Do they feel welcomed? Do they feel appreciated?

Honestly there are places of business that I would never frequent again in my life. Why? Not because of an inferior product, but because of how they made me feel. If I feel ignored, or as if I'm a bother to them, then I won't be a bother any more!

On a deeper level, ask yourself, how does my product or my service raise the value of my customer? How does it meet their need? How does it improve their life?

And it does go both ways. In the case of my bakery owner friend, these "high need customers" must learn to appreciate the high quality product they are receiving.

Be a person of your word

Recently I hired a "professional" to build a water feature in my backyard, a tiny pond with two or three little waterfalls. As time went on and a broken promise was followed by a broken promise, I quickly came to the conclusion that this person is not dependable and whenever he would make another "promise" I would think to myself, "I'll believe it when I see it."

As a person who has to make commitments all the time with my coaching and leadership training company, I've determined that I will never become the person of whom others say, "I'll believe it when I see it."

In order for that not to happen, one of the personal and business values by which I live is, the DWYSYWD principle.

DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU WILL DO! Nothing chips away at the foundation of Trust than empty, broken promises.

Dr. George Powell

So do you want to grow your business? Do you want to be successful? Do you want others to speak highly of you? It's simple, be a person of your word.

Consistently deliver

How many times would you fly with an airline that advertised 98% of the time we'll get you there safely? Or how many times would you eat in a restaurant that boasted high quality food products most of the time? Or how often would you go back to a Company that once-in-a-while delivered on their product?

The answer is never, never, and never! Why? Because you want, need and expect consistency. So do your customers!

So why should I do business with you? Or maybe the better question is: Why would I do business with you? It's most likely because I've come to know you. I've learned that you are likeable. But most importantly of all, I know I can trust you.

By the way, when you visit me in Portland, I'll be sure to take you to my European Bakery.