Trust is Everything

Companies hire people they trust. Businesses trade with people they trust. Professionals connect with people they trust. Now, replace people with "personal brands."

Companies hire personal brands they trust. Businesses trade with personal brands they trust. Professionals connect with personal brands they trust.

Both statements are true. You may not consider yourself as a brand yet but you will. We live in an incredibly competitive world where it is imperative to stand out in a crowd of generic people. Everyone has a degree now. Everyone has a few recommendations. Everyone has internship experience. None of that is enough to land a job anymore. You need a personal brand that builds trust with potential employers.

A new york times survey (1999) asked, "of people in general, how many do you think are trustworthy?" The result was an average of 30% of people in general would be trustworthy. Then it asked, "of people you know, how many do you think are trustworthy?" The result: 70%!

If you develop an authentic personal brand that shares your story, people will trust you more. And an increase in trust results in an increase in goals achieved. The best way to build trust is by telling personal stories of actions you have taken that illustrate your brand attributes- qualities that earn you the right of authority in your niche.

Book to read on storytelling: Whoever Tells The Best Story Wins by Annette Simmons