Knowledge is no longer Power. Trust is

Knowledge is no longer Power.

The Internet and its free flow of information has made knowledge commonplace. We often have TOO MUCH knowledge! Yes, it's still valuable, but . . .

Jim Cathcart eloquently states that:

[Power] has moved from Knowledge to Trust. In any situation, the person who is most trusted by others is the person with the most power. In Social Networks you are able to build your connections, strengthen your reputation, and expand the number of people who feel comfortable communicating with you.

See Jim's thoughts on knowledge, power, and trust and what they mean in a Web 2.0 world.

I agree with Jim -- we need to build trust. Build it before we need it.

Just like networking once you need something doesn't work, trying to build trust after you need it also doesn't cut it.

How do I recommend you build trust?

For starters, act like yourself (trust needs to be built naturally) and try to add value wherever you can.

Yes, online and offline too. Be a great and helpful person -- that's pretty much it in a nutshell.

Comments

[Vanessa Hall]

I just love it when I see things like this. I think trust has been forgotten in all aspects of our society, whether in the technological space, in our business world or in our personal relationships.

Some tips on how to build trust - manage expectations of others, meet their needs, and keep the promises you make to them (implicitly and explicitly). Sounds simple, but its a proven model. Check out my website and book 'The truth about trust in business' for more information, and actively build trust!

Vanessa

[T Demop, Blogging for Business]

Hi Vanessa,

Thanks for your input. I think trust is more important than ever -- we interact with a greater number and variety of people now than we ever have before.