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The Trust Edge had its first article published in The Huffington Post Blog on March 20, 2013. The Trust Edge will now be a contributor to The Huffington Post.

AR

-AR

Twin Cities Live, The Trust Edge, Building Trust

Zappos! vision is simple: One day, 30% of all retail transactions in the US will be online. People will buy from the company with the best service and the best selection. Zappos.com will be that online store.

Zappos! is an online store that provides the best selection in shoes in terms of brands, styles, colors, sizes and widths and makes sure the customer’s order will arrive as quickly as possible.  Their company has risen out of the internet sales business as one of the most trusted. Why such success? Zappos! has a clear vision, and focuses on one or two specialties in which they excel. Zappos! focus remains, to be the best service and best selection.  Because of its success, the mega-giant online retailer Amazon.com bought the company in 2009, in hopes to learn and grow alongside them!

How do they keep their employees motivated and customers satisfied? The hold tightly to their 10 core values.

1. Deliver WOW Through Service
2. Embrace and Drive Change
3. Create Fun and A Little Weirdness
4. Be Adventurous, Creative, and Open-Minded
5. Pursue Growth and Learning
6. Build Open and Honest Relationships With Communication
7. Build a Positive Team and Family Spirit
8. Do More With Less
9. Be Passionate and Determined

10.  Be Humble

Having clarity means having a clear vision. A clear vision inspires, unifies, and gives powerful focus. A clear vision will focus on one or two specialties in which you excel and will motivate others around you. 

-AR

Zappos!, Vision, The Trust Edge, Amazon, Consumer Trust, Trust in Business, Trust in Sales

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Google has become the web user’s favorite search engine. Type a term or phrase and following is a list of sites containing relevant information. Google wasn’t the first search engine to enter the market, and yet, they have climbed their way to the dominate position with a hefty $29 billion in revenue. All of this success comes despite being a little more than an idea just 10 years ago. So how did Google get to be so big, so fast?

It can be traced back to their vision. Google’s mission is simple: “To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” This includes everything from the company’s magnificently simple home page to the complicated algorithm that generates results. Google is enjoying the public’s trust as well as huge profits.

 Search Engines, Google, The Trust Edge, Consumer Trust, community of trust, consistency

As I am up with the my family on the farm where I grew up I am reminded of how healthy things grow and sick things die. On the farm healthy animals and crops grow. Sick ones don’t, and often die. It is the same in organizations isn’t it? Healthy people and organizations grow and sick ones get stagnant and even die.

When we take the time to water and cultivate relationships, ideas, and competencies growth is nearly certain. However, when we get complacent and careless, we start to shrivel. Many say, “The grass is greener on the other side”. The truth is it is greener where one tends to it. Tend to your relationships, clients and organizations daily and see great growth, and green pasture!

August brings many things to mind but for motorcyclists it signifies Sturgis. This annual rally brings upwards of 400,000 people to the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota. Avid motorcyclists are loyal to their brands, especially Harley Davidson riders. Though the company suffered from a poor reputation and was even threatened with bankruptcy in the 1970’s, it was able to regain credibility through company restructuring and developed brand awareness. Today it is known for its loud exhaust and committed followers. Customers trust that the purchases of a “Hog” will deliver not only a quality motorcycle but also an invitation to the Harley culture. That’s why this month’s Trusted Company is Harley Davidson.  

How does one make a lasting difference? By doing the little things consistently. James Garlow, in his book “Tested by Time” said, “If you don’t like who you have become it is because of the small seemingly insignificant decisions you have made over time. If you like who you have become it is because you have made thousands of seemingly little decisions well over the course of many years.”

To a large degree Garlow is right isn’t he? If I am a overweight it because I have had too many calories over time, not because I ate too much yesterday. If I am a good husband it is because I have loved, honored, respected and cared for my wife over time. It is not because I gave her diamonds and roses yesterday. Not that that wouldn’t help.

If I am a good leader I am continually doing the little things that share vision and care for my team. It is the little things that make the big difference. What are some little things that could change one’s life over time?

1. Eat healthier (JoeDilon.com has one good option for eating and exercize).
2. Shut off the TV.
3. Write one appreciation note a day to a client or coworker.
4. Take 5 minutes to prioritize the day.
5. Read good books.
6. Spend some around wise people every week.

Keith Cunningham said, “Ordinary actions, consistently done, create extraordinary results.” Take a few minutes to list a little thing that would make a big difference in you physically, mentally, spiritually, at work, in relationships, and at home. Over time, you will see a significant impact.