Building Your Credibility

Credibility = Trust + Expertise

Credibility is the cornerstone of persuasion. Without it, your audience won’t commit time or resources to considering your idea or proposal. Your credibility manifests itself on two levels:
Your ideas. Are your ideas sound? For example, does your notion for a new product make sense in light of current market conditions and business concerns? Have you thought through the ramifications?

You as a person. Are you believable? Trustworthy? Sincere? Have you proven yourself knowledgeable and well informed? For instance, if you’ve proposed a new product, do you have a solid understanding of its specifications, target markets, customers, and competition? Can others perceive that understanding?

Credibility can be expressed as this simple, powerful formula:
Credibility = Trust + Expertise

ACTION POINT: The more trust you earn and expertise you accumulate, the more credible you and your ideas become.