Transparency Builds Trust

The “latest and greatest” is fun but the businesses who survive for the long term are built on solid principles.  Industry giants adapt to changing markets while holding on to their core values and core products. 

The dot.com boom of the late 1990s became the dot.bomb of 2000-2001.  Only the companies with solid business practices such as Amazon survived.  Amazon.com’s “stock went from 107 to 7 dollars a share, but a decade later exceeded 200.”  Amazon withstood the .com stock crash by focusing on solid business principles.  They kept a firm grasp on business basics while testing a few new ideas on the trendy scene.

2013 is only a few weeks away.  Entrepreneur.com identified eleven new trends for America.  One trend leaped off the page – “Transparency Builds Trust.”  There has been so much rhetoric on the air waves for the past several months.  Most of it has been contradictory and anything but transparent.  Consumers have become weary and leery of false promises and marketing claims which are only partially true or not followed through.

Transparency Builds Trust

Hesitation is frequently found in politics and advertising.  Good news, companies actually exist who focus on the consumer and back their customer service with action. 

Jim Joseph, branding expert and author of The Experience Effect for Small Business, said "It's the emotional benefits that make you a brand and get you into people's lives so they come back time and time again."  Brands who build trust and constantly back it up increase the value of the company. 

Concerto Marketing Group found that when people trust a brand, 83 percent will recommend it to others; 82 percent will use its products and services frequently; 78 percent will look to it first for the things they want; and 78 percent will give its other products and services a chance.”

How does a company create a trusted brand?

Be authentic in order to connect emotionally.  Speaking truthfully, clearly, honestly and doing what you say creates an emotional bond and customer loyalty.  You only have to connect with customers emotionally if you want them to remember you, trust you and purchase from you.

You trust McDonalds to give you the same hamburger experience throughout United States or in Hong Kong.  You trust Starbucks to deliver the same coffee experience in China as in the United States.  PrintPlace.com exemplifies transparency and trust in printing.  You know you can trust the quality, fast turnaround and the famous PrintPlace guarantee.

Whether you are ordering postcards, brochures, business cards or letterhead stationery, you know you can trust the exceptional customer service and excellent quality.  With the instant pricing calculator, you can adjust each and every standard option: quantity, paper, color, size and even proof and turnaround time.  The price is clearly displayed leaving the process completely transparent.  Finishing options and custom services are also available. 

PrintPlace.com embraces innovation and creativity with its new free downloadable design templates for brochures, business cards and postcards.  They recognize the importance of listening to customer requests and exceeding customer expectations.  PrintPlace.com incorporates creativity and innovation without sacrificing core values and core products.

Companies which become household names and industry icons hold securely to core values without losing touch with the creativity to respond to current market trends.  One of the major keys to business success is transparency.  Build a brand customers can trust and constantly focus on upholding that reputation for honesty and quality.  Transparency builds trust.