How to create credibility?

Guys today I had a small discussion with a fellow friend at my office. We talk casual until to a point we arrive at this topic. (great world, we did discuss about other things but I could relate that to online business . . . .that is the beauty of knowledge).

So the question is How? Well in summary I will point them out here.

It got to be a win-win situation, or else you will end up losing. On the internet where the communication is instant, if your reputation sours, your going to hide somewhere!

Okay these are few points for you to think about:

1. Socializing Power – Social power is basically your ability to interact effectively with people and to bring the best out of them. If you could interact, socialize, negotiate and communicate, you are pretty much basing your credibility on this socializing power.My advise is do not overdo it, so watch the balance.
2. Expert Power – This is a kind of power to those who have a combination of legitimate and information power. They are experts in the field for an extensive area of knowledge. So people tend to respect them. So we must be one. Be an expert in our field by providing lots of information to subscribers. This is the way to go, and if you are the kind that likes to read voraciously, then internet marketing is definitely your cup of tea! And my advise is always be humble when you share your knowledge. Respect other views too. As I said it must be a win-win situation.
3. Information Power – You are the owner of the knowledge. Your are the expert and know the secret to the knowledge or information. I would advise that if you are an information power holder or guardian, keep upgrading your information sources and your power will grow into expert power.
4. Legitimate Power – This is what I called an Executive Power. When you are in a formal position of authority, your have legitimate power. As a chairman of a board of directors, you have legitimate power. As a coach or trainer, you have legitimate power. This power will create your credibility, but do not assume that just because you are a boss to 10,000 people, that others will automatically listen to you. Just be careful with this power.
5. Coercive Power – This is where we must be extra careful. Here is one example. One day, my staff were scolded over the phone by an unreasonable customer. My subordinate heard about it and called the other guy to reason with him and ended up being insulted instead. So in return, my subordinate shouted at him to stop victimizing other people just to get a rise from them. If your coercive power is directed to protect those under your care, your credibility soars!
6. Reward Power – If I gave you $100, would you like me more? Most probably but not if I gave everyone else $500. Reward power has an issue in that you need to be FAIR. So as an internet marketers, we give out a ton of FREE bonuses, win clients over, then help to build a long term relationship with them. Do beware, such power is only externally motivating and does not always help in a long term relationship. It is just the beginning!