How to Build Trust & Credibility in Business & Life | Blog

Am I Credible? Can You Trust Me?

The last thing I want in a conversation is “image” meeting “image” or “persona” meeting “persona.”

That wasn't always the case. In my desire to come across as professional, intelligent, competent, and credible, it felt like a little “extra” was needed. I couldn't just show up as me; I needed to demonstrate why I was a good bet or, worse, prove it.

Isn't that what people are looking for when deciding to work with me? Don't need to look and sound a certain way to be more credible?

I often joke that “Business Barb” would show up and do her best to demonstrate what she could offer, and “Consultant or Coach Barb” would show up to do the work.

This was all innocent. I had yet to realize that trust and credibility didn't come from what I said or how much experience I had. Trust and credibility were a natural outcome of my ability to show up present and real. Rapport, authenticity, and connection were the real influencers in a conversation.

Where we come from, inside ourselves, shapes the encounter and the outcome. Where we come from leaves an imprint. This is what draws people to us. This is where trust is built and relationships grow.

People respond to the feeling we bring.

When we show up human-to-human, in a free and present mind, we connect more powerfully with others. When we drop the “extra,” we fall into a more natural, authentic space that allows us to hear, communicate and respond with more insight.

Whether it's a sales meeting, a conversation with a client, a colleague, a friend, or a family member, the quality of rapport & connection sets the tone and becomes the foundation of the exchange.

The other not-so-surprising benefit is when we show up as ourselves, we give those around us permission to do the same. That's harder to do when a persona is talking to a persona.

I‘m so glad I decided to let “Business Barb” go.

I can feel her sneaking in at times, but in those moments, I remember, who I am, as I am, is the path to a more meaningful, more impactful, and more fulfilling conversation.

As Maya Angelou said, “People won't remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel.”

What persona might be getting in the way of more connection and impact for you?

“The other not-so-surprising benefit is when we show up as ourselves, we give those around us permission to do the same.”

“People won't remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

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Barbara Patterson is the owner of a global coaching and consulting company helping solopreneurs, entrepreneurs & leaders access more clarity, creativity, have greater impact and higher levels of fulfillment in work and life. She is the founder of Beyond Limits in Business, a global platform and community designed to point people to the source of human potential. That potential resides within and is experienced via our minds. Barb is also the host of the Real Business Real Lives podcast. You can follow Barb on Linkedin and Instagram. You can also subscribe to her weekly blog on her website at barbarapatterson.com 

 

 

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