Stakeholders want entrepreneurs to be transparent, so just be honest about your company and your goals.
Fremont, CA: Why is credibility important? Consider the startup entrepreneur attempting to persuade a group of stakeholders and investors to pursue a new and innovative idea in the absence of a proven concept. Or the entrepreneur who runs into production issues and requires credit from his business partners for a few days, weeks, or even months.
Be honest
Dishonesty, without a doubt, is one thing that will instantly kill credibility. Lying will undeniably undermine your efforts, but so will embellishing or providing information or feedback out of context, selectively, or manipulatively.
Stakeholders want entrepreneurs to be transparent, so just be honest about your company and your goals.
Be objective
Unless you are building your brand on the basis of being subjective, it is best to take objective stances on business issues and avoid preaching. It is especially important to exclude topics or subjects of discussion that are unrelated to the business and are not directly related to meeting your objectives.
Your priority should be to direct your energy and resources solely toward tasks and assets that will assist you in meeting your objectives.
Be sensitive
Empathy for your team members and customers is something you should have and demonstrate. This goes beyond simply being politically correct in your business to fully comprehend all of your stakeholders' backgrounds, desires, and needs.
For example, if you are a bootstrapped startup, emphasizing to your team the importance of cutting expenses and working more hours and for less than the market rate will appear completely out of touch if you are spending extravagantly or driving your new BMW to work.
