I Can’t Go All-In If I Don’t Trust You—In Business or Life

Ever been in a situation where something felt off, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it? Maybe it was a hesitation, a contradiction, or an evasion that set off alarm bells.

Whether it’s business or life, trust isn’t optional—it’s everything.

I recently had a call with a potential client to discuss his needs and timeline, and, most importantly, to see if we were compatible. In a sense, we were both interviewing each other. 

My first red flag? He wanted to take the conversation off Upwork, even though we could have easily used its built-in video call feature. Nevertheless, I agreed—though I wasn’t thrilled about him reaching out on WhatsApp.

Before the call ended, I had a nagging feeling that something was off. I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was, but a few things didn’t sit right. 

First, he mentioned having a close connection who was a digital marketing expert, yet he dodged my direct question about why he wasn’t using their services—especially considering he admitted to having no idea how to build his brand using social media.

Second, his timelines were vague at best. He had multiple passion projects but no clear direction. He claimed to be looking for a couple of hours of support each day, but he had no concrete plan for what that would entail.

Third, when we discussed compensation and signing a contract, he brushed the topic aside with a casual ‘we’ll figure it out.’ That’s not how I operate.

Lastly, he seemed visibly taken aback when he asked if I had other clients and I said yes. He replied, "That's not going to work for me." Interesting, I thought to myself.

We ended the call with him saying he’d reflect on it and get back to me.

A short while later in the day,  I received a text that he’d like to move forward and work together right after the holidays to help him get his book promotion out by the end of January.

Honestly, I assumed I’d been ghosted—it took him 26 days into the new year to reach out, and there was no mention of his supposed timeline. Instead, he said he was taking a trip and would reach out in a week to discuss. 

I respectfully declined the collaboration altogether. 

Trust is Non-Negotiable of Any Successful Business (and Life)

Simply put: If I can’t trust you, I can’t build with you. That’s true in business, and it’s true in life. 

I’ve spent over a decade working for myself, and one thing I’ve learned is that trust determines everything—who you partner with, who you build with, and where you invest your time and energy.

Trust isn’t just about honesty—it’s about consistency, transparency, and not having to second-guess someone’s intentions.

It’s not always about big betrayals; sometimes, it’s in the small details, the things left unsaid, half-truths, omissions, and subtle inconsistencies in behavior —that erode trust over time.

And sometimes, what people don’t say tells you just as much as what they do

Omitting is Hiding the Truth

Half-truths and vague explanations don’t sit well with me. Whether in business or personal life, clear and open communication builds trust, while omission and evasion break it down.

In business, withholding key information can turn a great deal into a bad one. In personal relationships, it creates doubt. 

People often reveal who they are in subtle ways. 

When I’m working with a client or a partner who isn’t upfront about expectations, responsibilities, or risks, my antennae go up. 

Do they avoid answering direct questions?

Do they play the “I’ll tell you later” game delaying conversations about critical details?

Do they refuse to put anything in writing or have their name “on the books”?

Do you get the sense that they’re only telling part of the story?

Do their actions contradict their words? 

These are all indicators that something is off. And I can’t afford to ignore these red flags when making financial or strategic decisions.

Being able to recognize these moments isn’t about paranoia—although Patrick Bet-David from Valuetainment strongly stands by “only the paranoid survive” - it’s about protecting myself. 

That’s why it’s important to listen—not just to words, but to actions, inconsistencies, and gut instincts. 

After falling on my face more times than I’d like to admit, I realized that my naivety made me an easy target. Now, I observe patterns and take note. 

The more I pay attention, the easier it is to see when something—or someone—doesn’t add up.

It’s been my experience that if the other party is hiding something, there’s a reason. 

Reputation and Integrity Are Worth More Than Quick Money

In business and life, your reputation is everything. It’s your credibility, your currency, and your biggest asset. 

That means every decision—who you associate with, what deals you make, and how you operate—should be aligned with integrity. 

If an opportunity requires me to compromise my values, it’s not an opportunity. It’s a liability.

People who chase easy money often don’t realize that cutting corners catches up with them. 

While they scramble to keep their web of lies from unraveling, those of us playing the long game build reputations that stand the test of time.

Strong Alliances Are Built on Mutual Value

Good partnerships—whether personal or professional—is about aligning with people who make you better. 

The right relationships create leverage, open doors, and help you grow. The wrong ones slow you down.

I want to work with people who elevate the game, the conversation, the deal, or the vision— who actually show up, follow through, and make things happen.

If they bring confusion, delays, or unnecessary stress, I have to reevaluate the relationship. 

Surround yourself with people who operate with the same level of integrity and drive as you do.  Anything less is a waste of energy.

Time Is Your Most Valuable Investment—Spend It Wisely

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that time is more valuable than money. Money can be earned back; time cannot. That’s why I don’t waste it.

Time is too valuable to spend on situations or people that drain energy without adding value.

In business, time wasted on the wrong deals or partnerships can cost years of progress. 

In life, it can hold you back from opportunities that truly matter. 

That’s why trusting your gut and making smart decisions about where you invest your energy is crucial.

The Bottom Line: Trust Your Instincts and Protect Your Investments

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in business and life, it’s that trust is earned through actions, not just words.

The best decisions I’ve ever made—personally and professionally—have come from listening to my instincts, observing patterns, and being intentional about who I surround myself with. 

Business and life follow the same rules: Trust is earned, time is valuable, and integrity matters.

Choose wisely who you invest in, and never be afraid to walk away from anything that doesn’t align with your standards

If someone isn’t being upfront, if the details don’t add up, or if they expect trust without transparency, I take a step back—not out of judgment, but out of self-respect.