Lara Nieberding

Who recommended: Cristina Favreau, The Savvy Entrepreneur

What I am reading: Get Clients Now by C.J. Hayden

Where in the book: page 14

Why I am reading: To make the most of my marketing

Which quote: “People do business with people they know like and trust.”

How this quote adjusted my thinking:

I have heard this phrase used a lot lately. The snake oil salespeople of internet marketing want to sell “techniques” to fast track this process. For example, some internet marketers will say put your picture on your web site. You know, so people will “know, like and trust you.” However, I think you should consider the other side of the issue before you take that advice. When I visit a website and the first thing that greets me is the artificial, perfectly aligned, perfectly white toothed smile of the owner of the website I immediately think the owner is arrogant. They put themselves first. They put themselves before the visitor of the website. They put themselves before their business. I am at their website because of their business NOT because of who they are. Trust me, I click away as fast as I can.

Please do not get me wrong. There is a place for the website owner’s picture. If I choose to click on the “About Us” link or the owner’s profile or bio, then I do not mind a professional picture. I think it is appropriate because at my click on the “About Us” link I have chosen to get to “know, like and trust” you.