Hello Reader,

Displaying credibility is key to earning trust. But if displaying credibility is so important to building trust, why do so many independent consultants struggle to display it?

Envision reading an email with an offer from a digital marketer whom you don’t know. The offer includes a discussion on how small businesses can excel with digital marketing AND three tactics you can implement immediately. Sounds intriguing! You are looking to improve your digital marketing presence. Why not talk?

You have no idea who the person is so you perform an internet search to learn something, ANYTHING, about them. Nothing pops up. You search LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and still nothing.

You’re not sure what to believe and with limited time in your day for extra conversations, you pass on the offer to talk.

I can relate to the experience. At one time I was that person. When I started out as an independent consultant, I had experience and expertise, professional looking business cards, a website, and a nicely written profile. I sent emails and letters. I left voice mail messages asking to connect and discuss current information technology trends. What did I hear? CRICKETS.

What I quickly realized was that people didn’t know me. As the saying goes, if people don’t know you, they don’t trust you. If they don’t trust you, they don’t hire you.

I've found mid-way through the year is a great time for me to review and update my Credibility Essentials. Why? Because I'm thinking about what I need to have the best year yet and position myself for next year.

These essentials are easy actions and documents that Help Market You!

Fortunately the work to be seen as credible is not hard. It is very doable. But, CREDIBILITY and TRUST are in the eye of the beholder — your client.

Ask yourself, if a client (or prospective client) tries to find out something, ANYTHING, about you, what can they easily find? Then ask, is what they find current and up-to-date?

Until the next Consulting Insight,

Laura Burford

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Whenever you’re ready, here are ways I can help you become an Experienced "Go-To" Consultant:

​Consulting Mastery: A Path to a Profitable Business (Hybrid Online Course Starts September 3rd): Walk away with a "less is more" framework that enables you implement effective, efficient processes that create the right clients, consistent revenue, and you enjoying life on your terms.

​​​​Determine Your Business Core: Focus, Ideal Client, and Point of View (Self-Study): A course focused on helping you define and clarify your what, why, who and how with the help of validation.

​Explore Consulting: Is Consulting a Fit? (Next workshop on September 6th): Assess Your Consulting Fitness in 3 Hours.

​Consultant Assessment (Document): A free downloadable document to help you assess your knowledge and skills.

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