I’ve been smoking for just around two years now. Yes, I know it’s a filthy habit and I have no intention of getting preachy or being preached at. I simply want to illustrate that every single niche has a strong community held together a handful of core values. These values can be applied to your own passion regardless of what that may be and the best part is you can start today!

This isn’t some bullshit system that guarantees you 10,000 followers on Twitter that will magically translate into hard cash. No way. This is a tried and true method of organically gaining trust from your target audience by utilizing timeless tools. And I promise, no nicotine is required.

So very often us nicotine addicts find ourselves without a cigarette and it’s just a step down from tragic. When this happens, it’s second nature to approach a total smoking stranger and ask if they can spare a smoke. More often than not, they will generously hand you a cigarette and then ask if you need a light.

If you’re trying to build a following around your passion, you must apply this first principle even if you choose to ignore the others. It’s so crucial that you be that total smoking stranger to your niche. People are out there right now begging for someone to lend a hand, answer their questions, and become someone they trust. Don’t believe me? Go to Twitter and perform a search about your addiction. You’ll see a HUGE list of people talking about your passion. See this as an open door. This is your opportunity.

Still not convinced? Let’s say you’re passionate to jewelry, more specifically rings, and even more specifically customizing and sizing rings. Again, go to Twitter and this time perform a search for “ring sized.” Scan down the page and imagine yourself looking for an opportunity to build trust. Let’s say @jennifer123 has just tweeted, “My engagement ring can’t be sized down enough so they have to order one in instead and it’s going to take four weeks.” You should get on that shit! Follow her and send her a direct message offering to either A.) Size the ring yourself or B.) Provide her with a list of quality ring-sizers you know personally. And to offer her the proverbial “need a light?” let her know you’d be happy to provide free shipping. Boom, automatic trust.

Now we’re on the same page, my friend.

Even if you’re not a smoker, I’m sure you’ve witnessed this at one point or another. You see two lighting up outside of their work. It’s pretty obvious they don’t usually talk much, but suddenly they’re chatting away like a couple of old friends. Maybe they’re mocking each other’s brand of cigarette or talking about something that happened during work. It doesn’t matter, the point is they’re engaging.

So what is it that draws fairly unacquainted people to each other? A common interest. Seek out people who get fired up about the same thing you do, people who are eager to embrace their addictions and engage. Start a dialogue with these folks and learn from each other. It’s that simple.

Okay, so you’ve bummed a cigarette from this awesome guy and now you’re having a kickass conversation. After about two minutes of making small talk, one of you sticks out your hand and introduces yourself. This has happened to me countless times and it is the pinnacle of building trust. Not only have you helped out someone with a common interest, you’ve now added a personal touch. You are no longer strangers.

Now that you’ve found people who can benefit from your passion and have a genuine interest in it, it’s time to get personal. Don’t just be a faceless and nameless being hiding behind an avatar. Stick out your virtual hand and offer to connect with them.. Twitter, Facebook, AIM, LinkedIn, Youtube, Myspace, Google Talk…The list is endless. Be someone real and they will never forget it.

Trust is your greatest asset when building any relationship.

Image Credit: Francis Bourgouin