In today's world, one of the worst things you can do is trust the wrong people.
Many smart individuals get taken advantage of because they get lured into value exchanges that simply do not deliver.
Even worse, some end up trusting individuals and corporations, believing that unmet expectations will someday be fulfilled.
If you want to consistently make money (and I mean lots of money) you will have to trust someone, eventually.
Learning who to trust and how to develop trust is a skill that can be developed, and it is often refined after failure.
I F*ckd Up
I once found myself in a situation where I desperately needed a freelancer to complete a crucial project.
I had so many projects rolling, and so many freelancers working for me, that I thought I could work with anyone.
The universe has a way of setting you straight.
I had never worked with this individual before, I chose to trust them based on their promises.
It became evident that they were slow to meet expectations, and their communication was atrocious.
I had made the mistake of not valuing and building trust properly, and it led to a costly failure.
That experience reminded me of the importance of valuing how I build trust, it cannot be skipped.
It's not enough to rely on someone's promises; trust must be earned through consistent actions and reliable communication.
It also reminded me that I needed to value how I build trust in my clients and my audience.
As a quick refresher, Trust is the third step in the Value Equation.
It is built continuously after value exchanges, AND after expectations have been met.
If you have never gone through these steps with someone, you could not possibly trust them.
It is impossible to build trust without actions to discern. What you have instead is HOPE.
Hope can be built with salesmanship and words, and hope can be very dangerous.
Let's build a bit more on this harsh truth.
(click below to reveal more value)
What is Required to Build Trust
How to Vet Trustworthiness
4 Tips to Strengthen Your Trust-building Efforts
Wind Down
As we wind down this discussion, remember that building trust is an ongoing process in any business endeavor.
Building trust is not just a skill; it's a valuable asset that will lead to long-term success and financial growth.
So, continue to vet, define, and showcase trustworthiness in your journey to make money and thrive in the business world.
Are my promises realistic and achievable? Ensure your commitments align with your capabilities. While it is great to learn new things with client work, it is better to explore new software and approaches to work on your own time. This way you can communicate confidently about your experiences.
Am I communicating effectively with my audience? Keep them informed and engaged in what service or product you provide and its value.
What social proof can I showcase to establish credibility? Collect and showcase testimonials, reviews, and success stories to build trust. With permission, examples of your communication with a client can win social proof.
Remember, while "Trust No One" might be catchy, in the business world, it's all about "Trust the Right Ones" to make lots of money and thrive in the long run.
Be trustworthy my friends.
and...
Good Luck!
-Gabe-