Do you wonder what factor the top leaders consider most for success? Well, it’s trust-building. The ability to create trust isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a game-changer for professional growth and business success. It’s not about talking the talk; it’s about walking the walk, earning trust over time through actions.
But why does it matter?
Because trust is like the magic ingredient that draws the crowd: People want to do business with you when trust is in the mix. What’s more, transactions happen faster when trust is at play.
Now, let’s talk about how you can weave this trust magic on LinkedIn, where real connections matter. Building trust on LinkedIn isn’t just about presenting your skills and achievements but connecting with your audience on a personal level.
We’ll explore actionable strategies for building trust on LinkedIn.
1. Give a Sneak Peek Into Yourself as a Person
In the corporate world, we often get caught up in showcasing achievements and forget about the human side of things. But on LinkedIn, building trust is different. It’s not just about listing your professional successes but also about showing the person behind the professional front.
So, how do you build trust on LinkedIn? Simple – let people see the real you.
- Share bits of your life that connect with your leadership journey.
- Talk about experiences that shaped you, going beyond the usual professional stuff.
- Share your mission and vision. So, what’s your big goal? What are you trying to achieve, and why does it matter to you?
- Don’t be afraid to be open about your goals and what you want. You don’t have to act like you’re perfect. This kind of transparency makes you more human and approachable.
When you tell a story that goes beyond your job titles and accomplishments, you actually create a connection. You become more than just a profile; you become a relatable person. This human touch is precious when it comes to trust-building.
Plus, when people see the real you on LinkedIn, it’s easier for them to relate. And when there’s a connection, trust follows. So, break down the walls of formality, be yourself, and let people in. Trust us; it makes all the difference on LinkedIn.
Read also: How to Become Viral on LinkedIn
2. Display Your Achievements and Commitment to Values
Okay, so everyone talks about their achievements, right? But when it comes to building trust on LinkedIn, it’s not just about any accomplishment; it’s about the ones that match your core values. In other words, focus on the stuff you’ve done that aligns with what you believe in.
Share your wins on LinkedIn not to show off but to be clear about your success history.
Talk about achievements like leading a company through big moments – it shows you’ve done it before and can do it again. Or share stories about how your work has made a positive impact, like solving tough problems for customers or helping employees start their careers.
When you share your achievements on LinkedIn, make sure they show your dedication to your principles. Talk about projects or milestones that scream, “Hey, I stick to my values!” This way, you not only showcase your skills but also prove your integrity in action.
This way, you’re not only saying, “Look, I’m good at what I do.” You’re also painting a picture of your character. It shows you’re not just competent; you’re a person of integrity. This is crucial because, on LinkedIn, people are not just looking for skills; they are looking for someone they can trust.
And here’s the magic: When potential clients see a strong link between what you value and what you’ve actually done, trust naturally follows. It’s like a byproduct of your authenticity. When they can connect your words with your actions, trust becomes a no-brainer.
3. Validation Through Social Proof
In a world full of choices, people want proof that you’re as good as you say. On LinkedIn, it’s about showing real evidence that you’re trustworthy.
Think of social proofs like having friends vouch for you. This means getting testimonials, recommendations, or endorsements from people who’ve worked with you.
But how do I ask for social proof, you ask? Well, don’t be shy. Ask your clients and colleagues to share their experience of working with you. This isn’t bragging; it’s letting others talk about your credibility.
Next, put these social proofs where everyone can see them: LinkedIn.
When people see positive words from others on your profile, it’s like a big green light. It says, “Others trust this person; you can too.”
It’s not just you saying you’re good; it’s your friends backing you up. That’s how social proof makes your professional background super convincing. Explore social media hacks to grow your social proof and brand.
4. Let People See You Giving Back
Trust grows when people see you making a real positive impact. This means showing that you’re more than just your job.
For example, it is a good idea to share industry insights, volunteer, or help your community. It’s not just good for the world; it’s great for building trust.
Remember, when you prove you’re committed to making a difference, it tells a story. You’re not just good at your job; you’re a professional who cares about leaving a positive legacy.
So go ahead and let people see the real you – someone making a positive impact, not just in business but in the world. It’s not just about building trust now; it’s about leaving a legacy of trust for the future.
5. Solicit and Act on Feedback
Getting feedback is like having a superpower in building trust on LinkedIn.
Don’t be shy – ask your network for their thoughts. You can use surveys, polls, reviews, ratings, and comments for this purpose. It’s like opening a conversation that can make a positive impact on your professional life and personal brand.
In doing so, be ready to really listen and change things based on the feedback you get. It’s not just about hearing; it’s about doing something with what you hear.
When you include your audience’s voice in your professional journey, it leads to long-term relationships. It shows you care about what they think and you’re not afraid to make things better. Also, it demonstrates that you’re committed to always getting better.
6. Build Long-Term Relationships
Building trust isn’t a one-time endeavor.
Long-term relationships are the bedrock of trust on LinkedIn. Explore strategies to stay connected with your audience post-engagement, offering ongoing support, education, and value. A consistent presence in their professional lives reinforces the trust established during the initial interaction.
Keep in mind that building trust is like growing a plant – it takes time and attention.
This means it is not a good idea to disappear after that first interaction. Instead, stay in touch with your audience. Share useful insights and help them learn and grow. It’s like nurturing a friendship – you’re there for more than just the initial meeting.
Imagine if you only heard from a friend once in a blue moon. It wouldn’t feel like a real friendship, right? It’s the same on LinkedIn. Being consistently present in their professional lives is like saying, “I’m here for the long run.” It reinforces the trust you built in the beginning.
7. Establishing Authority Through Valuable Information
Position yourself as an industry authority by consistently providing valuable and educational content. Share tutorials, LinkedIn articles, how-to guides, listicles, tips, and advice relevant to your field.
This not only demonstrates your expertise but positions you as a go-to source for information. As your audience sees the value you bring, trust naturally follows. Choose your own content strategy on LinkedIn and create useful information for your users.
8. Consistent Brand Messaging
Imagine your brand as your own unique style – like wearing the same color every day. It helps people recognize and trust you.
Likewise, it is vital to ensure everything you share on LinkedIn fits your style, brand voice, and tone – whether it’s about you or your business. It’s like sticking to a theme so people always know what to expect.
When your LinkedIn posts, messages, and everything else have a consistent style and tone, it shows a united front. It tells people, “Hey, I’m solid and trustworthy,” and that builds trust.
Remember, it’s about keeping things steady and reliable across all your LinkedIn interactions.
Conclusion
Building trust on LinkedIn doesn’t have to be a challenge. You can do it by sharing personal stories, showing your values, proving your worth with social proof, giving back, asking for feedback, staying connected for the long term, sharing useful stuff, and keeping your style consistent.
Why? Because doing these things not only makes you look good professionally but also creates a network of trust. And always remember, on LinkedIn, being real and connecting on a human level is the secret sauce for making lasting and meaningful connections.