Host Jeremy C. Park interviews Nancy Beckim, Vice President and General Manager with the Better Business Bureau Serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky, who highlights the Better Business Bureau’s new Trusted Professional Accreditation program for independent contractors, solopreneurs, and gig economy workers in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky. Nancy explains that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been building trust in the marketplace for over 100 years, focusing on highlighting businesses that operate with integrity while also addressing consumer complaints and scams. She describes the BBB as a membership organization where businesses must qualify for accreditation based on eight standards of trust. The discussion covers how the BBB seal serves as a trust indicator for consumers, with businesses agreeing to standards including honest advertising and privacy protection.
Nancy highlights a new BBB accreditation opportunity specifically designed for the gig economy, targeting independent contractors, solopreneurs, and small businesses that make up about 40% of the American workforce. The new program will help these entrepreneurs establish trust and differentiate themselves by meeting the eight standards of trust, providing a trust signal similar to what established businesses already have with their accreditation. Nancy explains the process for solopreneurs seeking BBB accreditation, which starts with an email to nbeckim@gobbb.org to receive an interest form. After qualification, business development managers will conduct an initial conversation to determine eligibility, followed by approval and access to benefits including a business profile page, use of the BBB logo, and networking opportunities with established accredited businesses.
Nancy and Jeremy discuss the importance of helping new businesses grow through a lower-cost accreditation program offered by BBB. They emphasize the opportunity to provide connections, access, and promotional benefits to businesses at an affordable price point, particularly targeting new entrepreneurs who might struggle with standard accreditation costs. The program aims to meet businesses where they are in their growth journey while positioning them for future expansion and higher-tier accreditations as they scale.
Nancy discusses the Better Business Bureau’s initiatives to address the gap between consumers and smaller businesses, particularly in fractional employment arrangements. She highlights upcoming events like the Songwriters Night on October 1, which focuses on supporting veteran-owned businesses through small business grants. Nancy emphasizes that the BBB serves as a partner in trust for businesses from the start, providing resources, networking opportunities, and access to events to help build and maintain trust in the marketplace. She encouraged interested parties to email her at nbeckim@gobbb.org for more information and to visit bbb.org for general information about the organization.
Email Nancy Beckim at nbeckim@gobbb.org to learn more and begin the process of the BBB Trusted Professional Accreditation.
