Developing credibility

Yet for a moment you were happy to believe that he existed and was possibly important in the world.

Have you ever pondered the million or so quotes floating around Facebook that are attributed to Einstein.
I think he has probably ‘‘written’’ about three extra books since he died. But tag his name onto an idea and suddenly everyone, without questioning, believes in it.

His name gives it credibility because of the world’s perception of him as a genius. Credibility.
In a world of much information but little truth, credibility is one thing that helps you stand out.

Consider the case of Wikipedia versus the Encyclopedia Britannica. Wikipedia was created by people like you and I, anyone can edit it.
While they have criteria for referencing and formatting as well as moderating new contributions, there is little to stop me going online and fabricating a bit of information.

There is always a hint of doubt over Wikipedia credibility but this is not the case with Britannica, no one doubts them as a reference source.
How do you gain credibility? Well it comes from three main areas. Have you succeeded in the area you are seeking credibility in?

Are you an expert in the knowledge of the area? Have you ever coached someone to succeed in your area?
Any of these three criteria – success, knowledge and coaching – get you instant kudos.

Not only should we be seeking to achieve these, but we should be asking the same question of anyone (and their sources) throwing information and advice our way.

95 percent

Success comes with achievement. The 95 percent market share course is run by gentlemen who took three products to having a 95 percent share in their field.

They have success and should probably be listened to. Since then, of course, they have amplified their knowledge and trained others to give them even more of a position of strength.

Knowledge, the practical sort, comes with a lot of studying. Not just the reading type either, but the actual get your hands dirty research that makes your facts applicable.
Study is not just reading books and absorbing facts. Study is the questioning what is presented, trying to see if it works, refining a counter thesis, and trying again.

Realise that knowledge is often specific. I am not likely to listen to a soccer commentator who tries to tell me what I’m doing is wrong in my golf swing.
Coaching requires a special sort of person. We can all tell people information. We can all spew out data.

We can all tell another person how to do a job to some degree. Coaching involves immersing yourself in someone else’s success.
Working to build on strengths, recognising and helping deal with weakness. It goes beyond just telling ‘‘how to’’ but includes correcting and adjusting.
As you can see, all of these take time to do.

Credibility takes time to build. It forms part of your reputation and gives you a voice that people trust.
This is why we trust word of mouth references so much. They are vouched for by someone who has experienced success with the person they are referencing.

No one sends their friend a bad builder to renovate their kitchen, no you tell them about the great guy who came in and did a job for you that has stood for 20 years.
So you are probably wondering how you can build some of your own ‘‘cred’’. Here are a few starters.

Deliver what you said you would do early, preferably with a ‘‘Plus one’’ addition to make you look better.
Gather information in your field, read more. Be mentored by someone else with great credibility, their name rubs off on you.

Mentor someone else. Stay the distance. It can take a while to build up a reputation, years even. Keep at it.
And finally, stop forwarding me urban legends about Whatsapp/Facebook/Twitter and charging me for the service, spreading untruths really does nothing to enhance your reputation.

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