HOW TO BUILD LASTING TRUST AND RELEVANCE

I have been giving some thought to the quality of one’s circle and the influence they can have on you and vice-versa. Between a chat with John from The Right Place Podcast & an email from Nancy from Product WYZE, who shared a great perspective on navigating economic uncertainty, a few things clicked for me.

Here’s what stood out. Do any of these resonate with you?

The Spray Painter

• Casts a wide net, hoping something sticks. Everywhere, with everyone…but remembered by no one.
• During economic uncertainty, noise gets ignored. Surface-level networking stops working. Without relevance or trust, the high-volume approach yields little return.

The Collector

• Impressive contact list, but no actual relationships. First to hit “connect,” last to follow up.
• During economic uncertainty, all big networks without real connection get exposed. In tough times, trust wins, not the numbers.
  
  

The Connector

• Smart. Thoughtful. Knows how to bring people together in meaningful ways. Adds value… and earns relevance.
• During economic uncertainty, still valuable, if they’ve earned credibility. Smart intros work, but only when backed by insight.

The Deep Diver

• Invests deeply in fewer people. Builds trust. Creates loyalty. Gets the real referrals when it counts.
• During economic uncertainty, they are built for this. Their trusted relationships deliver stability, referrals, and real traction

The Thought Partner

• Brings insight. Shares ideas. Writes, speaks, listens, engages. They’re the ones decision-makers call in tough times.
• During economic uncertainty, decision-makers want clarity, not noise. Credible, empathetic, and strategic. They become the first call.

And what I’ve learnt so far on who is best to be?

Be a “Deep Diver” with “Thought Partner” impact.

• Build actual trust, not just visibility.
• Share what you know…not to show off, but to help others win.
• Earn relevance before you need it.
• Be the name that comes up in rooms you’re not even in yet.
• Show up consistently…before you’re asked to.
• Think with people, not just for them.
• Be easy to trust, and hard to forget.

This is how you stay relevant when everyone else is scrambling. Which one are you right now?

And will you in tough times be the right person in the room?