How to build trust with clients

So, you've got an exciting concept for your new delivery business, or perhaps you're venturing into any other entrepreneurial endeavor. You've meticulously planned your strategy, identified your target market, obtained your business license, designed those sleek business cards, and have your fleet of trucks ready to roll. But what's the missing piece of the puzzle? Well, that's where the crucial element of trust comes into play.

WELCOME TO THE BUSINESS WORLD! One vital aspect that can make or break your success is how you can establish trust with potential clients. After all, why would a new client choose to work with you?

Building trust with clients is not just a necessity; it's an art form. In this competitive landscape, it's essential to understand how to build and nurture trust with your clients. So, let's dive into the key strategies and principles that will set you on the path to earning your clients' trust and, in turn, growing your business.

“Sometimes your smallest customers can bring the most referrals  and that's why it's important to know how to build trust with clients“ 

Why is client trust important for your business? 

So Why does client trust hold the key to your business's success and the ability to entice clients away from their current providers? Let's face it – a business without a robust customer base is just a fleeting dream.

In the early stages, as a newcomer to a competitive market, being selective with clients isn't always an option, and every client becomes a valuable asset. Surprisingly, it's often the smallest clients who can open doors to significant referrals, contributing to your business's growth. With looming expenses, there's no time to waste – it's time to take action and attract new customers.

In the following article, we'll unravel the ten pivotal reasons why customers and clients make their decisions about whom to collaborate with

5 reasons Why Clients Will Reject Your Business 

Business owners are inundated with offers day in and day out. It can become so overwhelming that the owner might even resort to saying, 'Sorry, the boss is unavailable today,' just to avoid the constant sales pitches. Imagine a typical supermarket: there's the product supplier, the beverage supplier, the milk delivery vendor, and the list continues with countless others vying for their attention. So, grab a pen and paper because we're about to highlight the common mistakes to avoid when trying to secure a spot for your business within their doors.

Reason 1: Bad timing 

When it comes to acquiring new clients, timing is critical. It can make or break your pitch. Consider this scenario: imagine the business owner has just experienced a day of dismal sales. In such a situation, waltzing in with a big smile to discuss additional expenses might not be well-received. On the flip side, entering a bustling shop when the owner is swamped with customers can also lead to a quick rejection.

Whatever the circumstances, it's essential to read the situation and trust your instincts. Always be prepared with a business card and a written proposal, which you can leave behind if necessary. Timing is the art of knowing when to approach, and a well-timed follow-up can often make all the difference.

Reason 2. Talking to the wrong person

In larger businesses with a multitude of employees, it can be a daunting task to identify the right person in charge. You may receive directions that lead you to the right contact or, in some cases, the wrong one. It could be the CEO or simply the loading dock manager. Regardless of whom you encounter, your success hinges on your adaptability.

If you manage to seal the deal, that's fantastic. But if you find yourself taking down contact information, remember to leverage it wisely. Send a thoughtfully crafted postcard or letter outlining your proposal. This approach ensures that even if you don’t connect immediately, your message continues to resonate and may lead to future opportunities.

Reason 3. Over-selling 

To create a pitch that oozes class, charm, and curiosity in just three sentences, remember that less is often more. Avoid the common pitfall of talking too much; instead, let the business owner speak, actively listen, and empathize with their concerns. Your response should be a direct solution to their problem, like our example: "If we fail to deliver on time, we'll waive our service fee." This approach captures their attention and demonstrates your commitment to addressing their needs, establishing trust along the way.

Reason 4. Owner dealing with a friend or family

Theirs  Nothing to be down about when the owner is dealing with someone they know; chances are they would rather support a friend's or relative's business than engage with a stranger. Building trust with clients is essential in such situations. To achieve this trust, leverage your connection to the client by emphasizing your shared history or experiences.

Additionally, demonstrate your reliability by consistently delivering high-quality products or services on time. Providing exceptional value and showcasing your expertise can further solidify trust. Build a personal connection with the client, show genuine interest in their business, and maintain open and transparent communication. Competitive pricing that reflects the value you offer is crucial. You can also offer testimonials and references from satisfied clients to build credibility.

Collaborate instead of competing; propose working alongside their existing contact or providing complementary services. Finally, remember that patience and persistence are key in building trust with clients, especially when competing with established relationships

Reason 5. The price is NOT right

When your prices seem high to a potential client, you might be tempted to lower them in an attempt to secure their business. However, this approach can often lead to failure. If you reduce your prices too much, you risk compromising your ability to maintain a healthy profit and keep your business thriving. It's also possible that the business owner is negotiating and trying to get you to lower your prices. In such cases, it's essential to stick to your pricing strategy and never work for less than your services are worth

5 Ways To Build Trust with Clients

1. Get referred:  The majority of the time when a new business sends a referral to their friend or colleague, that's usually enough to get you the client. But don't get too confident; you can still get the boot. Here's how to build trust with clients in such situations: Walk in with a smile introduce yourself, and be humble. Being overconfident may get you rejected. When they accept your business because it's 75% due to the referral, remember that they trust the person who sent you, not you. So now, you need to make them trust you and show them the reason you were referred: because the work you provide is great."

2. Become an expert in your niche: When you have a deep understanding of your field, it demonstrates to clients that you're worth considering. It shows that you excel at what you do. As time passes, you'll become a master in your industry, and this expertise will significantly contribute to earning the trust of your clients

3. Be straightforward: Don't sell them dreams. Avoid making promises you can't keep. Promising unrealistic dreams to clients may provide short-term satisfaction, but it won't sustain a positive relationship in the long run. It's important to be straightforward, and it's perfectly acceptable to decline certain requests or questions when necessary. Saying 'yes' just to please customers can lead to disappointment later when they realize you couldn't deliver on your commitments

4. Impress them with your actions, not words: This relates to the 'talking too much' aspect. When a client grants you the opportunity to demonstrate why they made the correct decision, you significantly increase your chances of retaining them as a long-term client. Focus on completing the task, receiving payment promptly, and maintaining a strictly professional approach. Clients appreciate this.

5. They need to be able to count on you:  Are you willing to take calls at 2 a.m. and interrupt your current tasks to address a client's needs? This level of commitment can earn you customer loyalty. When clients can depend on your responsiveness, they're more likely to continue doing business with you. Clients often switch services when the level of effort required fluctuates from the beginning to the end of their engagement.

In building trust with your customers or clients, they must have confidence in your capabilities, knowing that your expertise is ideal for their needs. One way to accomplish this is by showcasing your track record of satisfied clients, which is a vital component of how to build trust with clients. As your business evolves and matures, you'll naturally become more proficient in your field, whether you operate a delivery start-up or a marketing firm. Taking the time to truly understand your client's needs without overpromising is also a key element in building and maintaining trust.