Quote of the week! Insights from Zig Ziglar

In the world of business, relationships often determine success. Zig Ziglar, a renowned motivational speaker, captures this truth succinctly:

“If people like you, they’ll listen to you, but if they trust you,

they’ll do business with you.”

~ Zig Ziglar

This quote holds profound implications for the creative industry, particularly for artists and surface designers, where personal connections and trust are paramount.

The Foundation of Likeability

Likeability is the first step in establishing a connection. For artists and surface designers, likeability can stem from various factors, such as their artistic style, personality, and ability to communicate their vision. An artist’s work can captivate an audience, evoking emotions and admiration. This initial attraction is crucial as it opens the door to further engagement. People enjoy following and interacting with artists whose work they appreciate and whose personalities they find appealing.

In the digital age, social media platforms are instrumental in building likeability. Artists and surface designers can showcase their creations, share their creative processes, and interact with their audience. These interactions help humanize the artist, making them more relatable and likeable. However, while likeability can draw people in, it is not enough to convert admirers into clients or collaborators.

The Power of Trust

Trust, as Ziglar points out, is the key to transforming relationships into business opportunities. For artists and surface designers, building trust involves consistently delivering high-quality work, meeting deadlines, and maintaining professionalism in all interactions. Trust is earned through actions that demonstrate reliability, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

In the creative industry, where subjective tastes and artistic interpretations play significant roles, trust also involves authenticity. Artists who stay true to their unique vision and values are more likely to build a loyal following. Clients and collaborators need to believe that the artist will stay committed to their creative integrity while also delivering on promises.

Practical Applications in the Creative Industry

1. Consistency and Reliability: For surface designers, this means consistently producing designs that meet or exceed client expectations. Whether working on textiles, wallpapers, or any other surface, reliability in quality and delivery fosters trust. Clients need to know that they can depend on the designer for consistent results.
2. Transparency and Communication: Clear communication is vital. Artists should be open about their processes, timelines, and any potential challenges. This transparency builds trust, as clients appreciate honesty and are more likely to be forgiving of issues when they are communicated early.
3. Professionalism: Professional behavior in all aspects of the business relationship—from initial meetings to final delivery—reinforces trust. This includes respecting contracts, maintaining a positive attitude, and handling feedback constructively.
4. Showcasing Expertise and Experience: Sharing previous work, client testimonials, and case studies can significantly build trust. When potential clients see a track record of successful projects and satisfied customers, they are more likely to trust the artist or designer with their own projects.

Relating Ziglar’s Quote to the Creative Process

For artists and surface designers, Ziglar’s quote underscores the importance of moving beyond mere likeability. While it is important to create work that resonates and to cultivate a likeable persona, the ultimate goal is to build trust. This trust is what drives long-term business relationships, repeat clients, and referrals.

Artists who focus on building trust will find that their likeability serves as a foundation, but it is their reliability, professionalism, and authenticity that seal the deal. In a competitive industry, trust becomes the differentiating factor that not only attracts clients but also keeps them coming back.

Conclusion

Zig Ziglar’s wisdom reminds artists and surface designers that likeability can capture attention, but trust secures business. In the creative industry, this means consistently delivering high-quality work, maintaining professionalism, and building authentic connections with clients. By focusing on these principles, artists and designers can transform admiration into lasting, profitable relationships, ensuring their long-term success in the industry.