Don’t Lose Credibility

Credibility is important in any business or project. Credibility has many sides to it, so learn and know the elements of credibility.

1. Integrity
2. Expertise
3. Good Judgement
4. Communication
5. Likability

1. Intergrity

Intergrity is always key. How can I trust the?, Let me count the ways. Integrity is a major part of credibility, it’s a commitment to truth, fairness and objectivity. You should maintain a track record of Integrity. Companies who are commited to what they say and do, who do what they promise and are open about their practices and policies are perceived as more credibile than others.

• Look at your behavior, invest some time into clarifying your values.
• Build a reputation for honest and ethical behavior.
• Own up to your mistake, don’t cover them up, prove that you can rectify the mistake

2. Expertise

Being competent is always key. Do you have the skills to pay the bills? Can you do what you claim to know how to do? Are you competent?  Competence comes from your knowledge, education and/ or experience. You may not have a college degree but do you study and learn about different subjects, that can assist you in growing in your business?  If you do have a college degree, do you continue to learn about different aspects of business or careers?

 Competence and expertise go hand in hand. What ever your case may be always continue to learn. In the business world learning never stops. Your competence turns into expertise when it is put to the test.  

Being competent shows that you are an expert in your field or on a certain subject. If you are very competent & knowledgeable in what you profess to do and can handle the tasks that you say that you can do, then you show your expertise.

• Always continue to study and learn about topics related to your career field, it’s an everyday thing in business or careers, continuous learning will broaden your horizons, keep you up to date on what’s new in the business world which can help you to continue to succeed.
• If needed, get a license or certification in your field.
• Doing or requesting high-visibility projects can test your competence, expertise and provide a track record
• When working with a client, stand up for what you say that you can do, show and prove.
• If possible, participate with key people in projects at your company to show your level of competence.

3. Sound Judgement

Having sound judgement is good judgement. Credibility is shown through the decisions that you make and how well you take action. When you have sound judgement skills, you have some ability to analyze compelx situations, ask intelligent questions and make good decisions.  A person with sound judgment usually has both cognitive and intuitive gifts.  You are able to see towards the future, see the bigger picture and have a better perspective.

• Don’t be afraid to ask others for their opinion in many situations.
• Don’t make too quick judgements, take a decent amount of time to think things through.
• Stay on top, stay ahead of the competition, always be up to date on the current trends in your industry.

4. Communication

Don’t be so arrogant with your expertise. Listen to others to help gain some insight into their perspectives. Being able to LISTEN TO OTHERS and being understanding is a big part of communication. Better communication skills show that you can be trusted to listen and work with the best interest of others in mind. If you become known for building commitment and cooperation, for being level-headed and fair, everyone will want you on their team or turn to you for advice.

• LISTEN TO OTHERS & LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES
• Demonstrate concern for others’ values, goals, and objectives
• Take time to understand another’s point of view before refuting or rejecting it

5. Be Likable

You build credibility when you are likable. People build trust in you, buy from you cooperate with you and approve your proposals.  You got to kill’em with kindness. It may even hurt you to do it, especially with arrogant people but don’t be too fake about it. Being too fake shows. Strive to have and show genuine kindness.

• Look for the brighter side to things, talk about results and don’t harp on problems.
• If you have problems, talk about them in a professional manner, learn from your mistakes, make notes, hear everyone out then come to a civilized conclusion and put the matter to rest.
• If the problem rears it’s ugly head again, review your notes from the past then you’ll know how to deal with it.
• Kill’em with kindness, go out of your way to be nice, show concern to clients.
• Most IMPORTANT: Express gratitude, thank your customers for their business.

Having good judgement can help you to make sound decisions. When you know and understand the elements of credibility and how to use them they can boost your credibility and your business.  

All of these elements makes credibility a package deal, you can’t have one without the other.

CLERICAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

RENEE ~ VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

EMAIL: INFO@CLERICALSOLUTIONSINC.NET

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