When we did our startup, we didn't think of anything like that. We didn't even start with the intention of doing a startup. We made a tool that solved our own needs. Eventually others found a need for the same thing and adopted it because of a want or need for what we developed. Respect wasn't needed.
Later, respect was earned through the commitment to improve, the excellent customer service, and numerous things we did to engage with the community and help users out. Don't focus on getting respect. Focus on solving a need or want for the users.