Let’s Talk Business: September 9, 2022

Read this week’s Let’s Talk Business column online at The Emporia Gazette.

Do you ever feel like you have a sixth sense when it comes to knowing who to trust—and more importantly, who you should not? In fact, that may actually be true. Research is increasingly indicating that entrepreneurs have a more refined sense of trust than many other people.

Business owners also build trust more quickly than others in work-related situations, and tend to be more sensitive and quicker to react to dishonesty.

Building trust with customers, employees and business partners goes hand in hand with building your business, it’s worth a deeper look at what goes into trust building. An article from Positive Psychology (access here: positivepsychology.com/build-trust/) notes that it is a slow process. Keeping your word, communicating effectively, being consistent; these habits are just as important in building trust as they are in other aspects of business.

Another important trait is giving others the benefit of the doubt when their own honesty comes into question. Many times, what might seem like dishonesty is no more than miscommunication or a misunderstanding.

According to Harvard Business Review, acknowledging how someone else feels, in contrast to what they did or did not do), makes them trust you more. One of the most important ways to build trust with others at work is to focus on emotions rather than facts. That approach might be worth trying the next time you find yourself struggling to build or rebuild a relationship of trust with a colleague or a customer.

We’re sorry to announce that the Chamber’s Annual Day in Topeka on September 13 has been cancelled. Please check our twice-weekly newsletters for updates and more information. You can see current and past newsletters on the Chamber website at emporiakschamber.com under Chamber Updates.

Two ribbon cuttings are coming up this month. The first will be honoring Communication Solutions LLC (CSLLC) on Friday, Sept. 16 at 11:30 a.m., at 1301 Chestnut St. The second is to celebrate the opening of the new Rehab Apartment/Suite at Newman Regional Health. We hope you’ll join us at 1201 W. 12^th Ave. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 5:30 p.m. for this event. Chamber ribbon cuttings are always free and open to the public.

This month’s Business After Hours event will be held at the Memorial Union/Sodexo/Barnes & Noble Bookstore on the ESU campus on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A donation of $5 for Chamber members, their spouses and guests, and $8 for non-members will be requested at the door.

The Chamber’s Business After Hours events enable making new connections with fellow business professionals as well as supporting and learning about other Chamber members. Relaxing in the casual after work environment is a great way to end your day on a positive note. Register to attend on the Chamber website at emporiakschamber.org, call 620-342-1600 or stop by the Trusler Business Center at 719 Commercial St.

It’s a great day in Emporia!

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“Let’s Talk Business” is a weekly column of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Emporia. The mission of the Chamber is to be proactive in creating an environment for business and community success, guided by the vision that positive attitudes promote positive actions. Contact us at 620-342-1600 or chamber@emporiakschamber.org and visit our website at www.emporiakschamber.org.