Credibility

Credibility is an important part of any successful person. Before someone buys into your idea, product or business they must buy into you. The person who has the most credibility is also the person who makes the most money, works with the best clients, and gets the most recognition. What does it take to build credibility? In the world prior to the flattening of the global economy it meant years of experience, a good education, and usually good references. However today’s modern entrepreneur needs modern ways to gain credibility and show that they can stand against the seasoned veterans.

Although the credibility indicators mentioned are still the main units of measure the process in which we obtain them has completely changed. This blog post examines credibility 2.0, how to build your credibility and market value in today’s global workforce.

My company is comprised of people completely under the age of 25. We are young, dedicated, ambitious and have the resources of giant companies. However when we walk into a board meeting, convention or negotiation people assume we are interns, employees and sometimes even the children of the people they thought they were meeting. Often times age can be a huge factor, people assume that young people do not have experience, reliability or resources of a seasoned veteran.

I guarantee to you young entrepreneurs this misconception does not have to be true. I believe my age works in my favor but only because I have the credibility behind it. I would like to dispel the myth that credibility and experience can only be achieved with grey hair and years of experience.

Experience 2.0

To prove that experience should no longer be measured in years I would like to compare the differences in another emerging profession due to new innovations in technology. Professional poker… Yes I am serious. Prior to the invention of the internet and online gaming a seasoned veteran could only play one hand at a time, and at only one table at a time. With the invention of online gaming a poker player can play dozens of hands at a time at over a dozen tables. In a single year an online poker player can have the same experience as a seasoned veteran playing for 50 years.

In this same aspect my company has worked with as many clients, and on as many projects as our competitors that have existed for decades, that also have more employees and more overhead.

” Experience should be measured upon work done, connections made and goals accomplished, not time spent and money wasted.”

Credibility 2.0

Being on both sides of the interviewing and negotiating table I can tell you that credibility indicators go a long way. The following are examples of these credibility indicators and how to attain quicly in the new world.

(1) Have credible mentors / advisors
A Credible Mentor Allows You To:

1. Leverage their experience and reputation.
2. Instill stability and lets people know you are not alone.

 

3. Have someone to turn to in any situation, the ability to have
  a panel of experts who are there to help you guide your success.

4. Leverage their network and connections.

How do you get a good mentor? I contact the people I admire and have learned from, I believe if you are going to learn from someone it should only be the best. A great way for people to find these mentors is through SCORE and the Small  Business Association. They provide you free resources and one on one counseling.
Another way is to research the best people in your area who are experts at what you are doing. It is as easy as sending an email or a single phone call. I have been surprised to see that these experts are usually more than willing to guide an ambitious young professional, and if not, move on to the next one because you will find one.

(2) Join organizations and associations in your industry that have a good reputation and a decent sized membership.

Being Apart Of Associations Allows You To:

1. Show that you are a part of a credible network of people.
2. Show qualification in the form of acceptance to these organizations.
3. Indicate that you are an expert in your industry.
4. Shows that you understand what is going on in your industry and actively participate in its community.

The best way to build these credibility indicators is to join associations and organizations in your field. I recommend joining 2-3.

(3) Begin teaching what you are doing to others.

Teaching people what you do indicates:

1. That you are an expert in your field.
2. That you are a reputable person and are respected in your field.
3. That you have professional skills outside of your specific area of expertise.
4. That you are a possible role model or leader of other people.

How do you begin teaching? Begin speaking!

Examples would be to begin consulting or counseling for others in your industry. Also begin to speak at meetings and conventions in the organizations that you have joined. Begin to speak at schools and small businesses then build your way up to big businesses and household name companies. Offer free seminars and workshops.

(4) Be an Expert, Be the Most Professional.

Lets be honest, If you don’t know what your talking about none of the credibility indicators matter. A great way to build this credibility indicator is to prior plan and prepare for every meeting. A great way to do so is write down an agenda and minutes for every meeting. This way you don’t miss important points and always have a road map to refer back to later. You can have all the credibility in the world but if your professionalism and face to face time at a meeting does not properly represent you no one will know what your capable of. Writing an agenda will always make you better prepared, more organized, more confident, and more like an expert.