Face it ’til you make it

We’ve all heard and applied the famous ‘Face it ’til you make it” mantra. It sounds like good advice — right? You just fake it … and then you make it. It’s a simple two-step process.

I wish business, the world, and my life were that simple. We all do — right?

The performative part of this mantra is dishonest. Sometimes results are achieved. But do the end-results produce a positive, sustainable business, society, or life? I’ve learned that this process is a zero sum game not to be trusted.

Luckily, I trust the Design Processes strong foundation built on trust and honesty.

Design honestly begins with the intent to improve an outcome and attract positive, trusting relationships for the users.

The design process requires honesty and builds trust.

Here’s why Fake it ’til you make it doesn’t work. It wasn’t Designed to.

When I’m faking it- I’m telling myself a lie and living that lie until the day I make it. I’m also lying to everyone around me –

Instead of working to build trust in my own experiences, knowledge, and worth — I’m faking it. I’m not relationship building.

Building a trusting relationship with yourself and others makes it easier to Face it ’til you make it.

Today, more than ever, businesses are built and destroyed by honesty and trust. If a business isn’t able to build or sustain trust the results can be fatal (read the news about Facebook to grasp the impact that loss of confidence can have).

Trust and Honesty are the foundation of a Brand. Yup. It’s that important.

Here are eight simple branding principles designed to build trust …

Humanize It

Create an emotional connection with your users — through stories and honestly sharing successes and challenges. Giving your business a “human” aspect — showcasing ‘About us’ pages, staff profiles, mission statements on your website.

Build It

Establishing credibility builds relationships. If your customer trusts the companies and people you work with, then why shouldn’t they trust you? Customer reviews are also useful, especially in high volumes. It’s all about building and maintaining those relationships.

Certify It

Knowledge and wisdom build trust when shared positively. It’s worth looking into available certifications — even if they’re not well known to people outside your industry. Being certified validates the quality of your products, services, and staff.

Show It

Product demos, videos, or even physical samples allow your customers to test your offering on their terms. Yes, some might decide it’s not for them. But you’ll build up a more positive relationship than if you try to selling consumers something that they didn’t need. And the people that do buy from you know they’ve made the right decision.

Guarantee It

Keep it simple, easy, and honest– no small print or hard to understand rules. Terms and conditions, as well as privacy and copyright statements, will help your customers know that you take your business and their rights seriously. Warranties and a dedicated, friendly support team give your customers an additional “safety net” and show that you are willing to fix things that aren’t working.

Give It

Give the power of choice to your customers. Make your customers feel like they have a choice — even when there’s a clear journey you want them to follow. Framing, loss aversion, triggers, delighters, anchoring, and scarcity can guide users without actually forcing them or giving them no alternative options.

Teach It

Explaining what your products and services do in an easy, entertaining, and fun way is really important. Blog posts, tutorials, and case studies are great ways to help potential customers understand the benefits of your offering engagingly.

Never talk down to your customers — you have to work to build the relationship — they don’t.

Respect It

The right amount of honesty is important. When you go to the grocer, you want to know where the food you buy comes from… but probably don’t want to hear about how it became food. Make sure you’re honest about the right things; there will be details that you don’t need to include, but the last thing you want is a customer doubting your credibility because there’s important information you’ve omitted.

Relationship building is the key to long term success, especially in these challenging, ever-changing times. All good relationships are built on honesty and trust. Design a successful brand by Facing it ’til you make it.