Trust and why it matters in the marketplace

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/08/2021 (1547 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We all have that one friend who has the unique ability to shape every conversation to centre around them. They are fantastic speakers, but terrible listeners. And it’s hard for us to trust them with our emotions, fears, or insecurities because it seems as though they don’t really care.
Businesses are like people. The ones that stick to touting how great they are, without connecting with or listening to their customers, have difficulty cultivating trust.

And trust matters.

Trust is what ties consumers to companies. It’s what allows them to exchange their hard-earned money for the goods and services they need and want. It’s what allows companies to flourish in their communities and communities to flourish around their companies.

Sadly, there are those who simply want to build their banks, without a care for how they’re breaching social norms and ethics. This is where the Better Business Bureau comes in.

The BBB works to shut down scams and alert the public to them. The BBB investigates, mediates, and reviews businesses on allegations of dishonesty. It tracks real reviews of companies and compile them into a profile, so consumers can get accurate information about the places where they’re spending their money. It provides guidance for consumers on how to navigate online marketplaces, saving them money and stress.

The BBB also works with companies that want to operate ethically but need help and advice on how to do so. For those companies that have this trust thing figured out, the BBB works to lift them up in the marketplace so more consumers can feel secure in their transactions. These companies have committed to upholding the BBB’s standards for trust.  

That’s another sure-fire sign of trustworthiness — a company’s willingness to hold themselves accountable. Businesses should operate like trustworthy people — living by their moral code and working to become better for those around them while striving for their goals.

Those are the businesses and people we turn to when we need something, especially if it’s important. The ones that have violated our trust or have a reputation for not following through on promises are the ones we learn to leave behind.

More of us win when businesses and consumers that trust each other and work toward shared goals in their communities, and that’s exactly what the BBB is working toward.

For more information on the BBB and its programs, visit www.bbb.org