This morning I attended the Trust Summit breakfast briefing at the Harvard Club in New York. The event consisted of a panel moderated by Robin Carey, CEO of SocialMediaToday, and included “Trust Agents” authors and social media gurus Chris Brogan and Julien Smith, along with David Maister and Charles Green, authors of the original book on trust, “The Trusted Advisor.”
Whether it’s with services, software or something else entirely, today’s speakers talked about how we can move the needle. As the panel pointed out, the idea of trust isn’t anything new; however, the ways in which we can engender that trust are evolving. The questions become not only about what to say and where and how you say it, but also what value you bring to others. It’s often immeasurable.
So how do we become a “trust agent” or trusted advisor? Challenge the status quo with social media. Be helpful and interested. Deviate from the script. In other words, be ready to take some chances and for the mistakes that come along the way. The bottom line: if you stick with what you say you believe and actually do it consistently, you’re on the right track.
I never would have dreamed that I’d say this, but I think Vanilla Ice was onto something. Chris Brogan quoted him, giving one of the best pieces of advice about how to get involved in social media: “Trust, collaborate and listen.” The rest, and valued relationships, will come along the way.
By Katy Zack
