How to build trust in weak connections

Most relationships don’t die from conflict. They die from lack of context. We all know this truth: The quality of your life is deeply tied to the quality of your relationships. But here’s something we don’t talk about enough: The speed with which we build trust in those relationships can be a game-changing advantage. And the not-so-secret key to speeding up trust? Context. When I’ve taken the time to offer context—about what I’m feeling, why I’m acting a certain way, or where I’m coming from—relationships have almost always deepened. When I haven’t? They’ve often faded. Or worse, broken. And it usually happens slowly. Two people talk every day. But over time, the conversations flatten. Not because they care less, but because they stopped sharing context. And when that context fades, connection quietly disappears too. No matter what kind of relationship—friendship, work, family, romantic—when context is missing, connection starts to wither. And when context is shared, even simple moments turn meaningful. Let me show you what I mean. ⸻ Conversation A Alex: Hey, how’s it going? Jordan: All good. You? Alex: Can’t complain. They smile. Maybe chat a bit. But nothing meaningful gets exchanged. It’s polite. Safe. And very forgettable. If this becomes a repeated pattern, the relationship starts to erode. Not because of malice. But because of a lack of shared context. Now flip it. ⸻ Conversation B Alex: Hey, how’s it going? Jordan: Honestly? I’m okay, but a little off today. Alex: Oh? Say more! Jordan: I’ve been juggling too much. Work’s fine, but I feel like I’m constantly reacting instead of thinking deeply. It’s starting to wear on me. Alex: I know exactly what you mean—I felt that way for weeks. Want me to share what helped? … That tiny bit of vulnerability changed everything. The conversation didn’t just pass time. It built trust. It added context. And it strengthened connection. It gave the other person a texture of what you are thinking and feeling. ⸻ We often hold back from sharing what we’re really feeling because we assume it’s “too much” or “too boring.” We say to ourselves, why would that even be interesting to the other person. They are going through so much. But here’s the thing: You’re not oversharing. You’re not burdening them. You’re letting someone in. You’re giving them a map of your life. A deeper understanding. A chance to really know you. If someone cares about you—and wants to build something real with you—context isn’t noise. It’s essential nourishment. One conversation with context might be interesting. But 50 conversations with context? That’s how trust and familiarity is built to create a strong bond. That’s how teams click. That’s how friendships last. So remember this: Don’t deprive people of context. You’re not just talking about your day. You’re building something that will enrich both your lives. Set context. It matters. And it’s one of the most generous—and underrated—gifts we can give each other.

Showing weakness on LinkedIn feels terrifying. But it's the fastest way to build genuine connection. The old-school approach: → Only showcase successes → Hide all weaknesses → Project constant expertise → Maintain a flawless image The approach that actually builds connection: → Share failures alongside lessons → Reveal challenges you've overcome → Document your learning journey → Show your growth process Strategic vulnerability that builds authority: 1. Share struggle-to-solution stories ↳ Problems encountered and how you solved them 2. Reveal early assumptions that were wrong ↳ And what you learned from them 3. Document "work in progress" learning ↳ Take people behind the scenes 4. Admit knowledge gaps when asking questions ↳ Experts are comfortable not knowing everything Because people don't connect with perfection.

7 Practical Super Connector Tips for the more analytical, precise, and reserved This post is for you if… You value connection deeply Yet tend to approach it cautiously With a focus on correctness and preparedness You want connection to feel real but not reckless Intentional Not performative You see the socially engaged people laughing up circles and all of a sudden it feels as the entire room is for them You feel on the outside looking in at social events (Tip many others feel this way, you just don't know it) Here’s how to ease into authentic connection without sacrificing your nature: ⸻ 1 Prepare to Be Present You thrive on preparation soooo... use it to your advantage Before an event or conversation Jot down a few open-ended questions or reflections You’re comfortable sharing Presence isn’t just a feeling It’s something you can plan for Try this: “What inspired you to get involved in this work?” “I read something recently that made me think____have you ever experienced _____?” ⸻ 2 Redefine “Perfect” Connection isn’t about being polished It’s about being real Aim for the true response Not the perfect one It’s okay if your thoughts are still forming People connect through process not perfection Try this: “I’m still thinking through this, but here’s what I’m noticing…” ⸻ 3 See Vulnerability as Precision of the Heart Vulnerability might feel “messy” But think of it as honest clarity You don’t have to overshare Just acknowledge what’s real Try this: “I’m not usually one to jump into networking, but I do love meaningful conversations.” ⸻ 4 Focus on Shared Standards You love systems So frame connection around shared goals Ask what someone is building What they value What challenge they’re navigating Look for the overlaps Try this: “What systems or tools have helped you most in your work lately?” ⸻ 5 Give Yourself Permission to Pause Pausing is your superpower Let silence serve the moment You don’t need to fill it Stillness builds trust Reward your brain with this thought: “Stillness builds trust" ⸻ 6 Practice Low-Stakes Reps Presence is a muscle And small settings are your stage practice Start with 1:1s Small circles Familiar rooms Confidence builds with repetition And the uncertainty starts to fade (I practice connection everywhere I go—boldly Not because it’s always easy But because forming familiarity through relationship matters to me) ⸻ 7 Know That You Belong You don’t need to be bubbly to be magnetic Your calm Your clarity Your curiosity That is your shine Lead with it The right people will recognize it ⸻ In short: You don’t have to become more extroverted You just have to translate your strengths Thoughtfulness Clarity Intentionality Into connection Be real, not right Let your calm, composed presence Do the connecting And remember The most visible person in the room Isn’t always the most relational I often seek out the observers in the room They tend to offer the richest dialogue

The day I finally understood how trust really works, everything changed for me as a CSM. In my first Customer Success role, our leader had us read a book before our team offsite: The Trusted Advisor. Short. Simple. Game-changing. Inside was something that flipped a switch for me, the Trust Equation: Credibility + Reliability + Intimacy / Self-Orientation For the first time, trust wasn’t a feeling, it was something I could build intentionally. So I made a move, and this changed how I worked with customers: I wrote each element of the equation into their account. And every engagement became a chance, an opportunity to build on trust with purpose. Here’s what that looked like in real life ✅ Credibility Know your stuff. Speak with clarity. Bring insights, not just product updates. → When a customer asks how to achieve a specific outcome in your product and you clearly walk them through 2-3 workflows that get them there. → When they ask, “What are other customers like us doing?” and you give just the right amount of relevant context and detail. ✅ Reliability Do what you say you’ll do. No surprises. No dropped balls. → You follow through after every meeting. → You send the recap. → You make the intro. → You deliver on that one thing they asked for, even if it seemed minor. ✅ Intimacy Be human. Build connection. Care about what matters to them. → You remember their kid’s name. → You know they’re prepping for a board meeting next week and ask how it’s going. → You lead with empathy, not agendas. 🚫 Self-Orientation Don’t make it about you. Ever. → You don’t flex your product knowledge to sound smart, you share what helps them win. → You don’t push your goals, you stay focused on theirs. Every CSM wants trusted relationships. Not every CSM builds them on purpose. This equation gave me a new level of intention. What’s one small way you can build more trust? ________________________ 📩 If you liked this post, you'll love The Journey. Head over to my profile and join the thousands of CS professionals who are along for the ride as I share stories and learnings going from CSM to CCO.

She was drowning. I could see it in her eyes. Anybody could see if from a hundred miles away, the one who never missed a deadline, never complained was complaining a lot, always delivered, was struggling. "How can I help?" I asked during our 1:1. "I'm fine," she said, looking away. "What do you need from me?" I tried again. "Nothing. Really." For months, I kept trying. Check-ins. Coffee chats. Open door reminders. She kept deflecting. Protecting. Building walls higher. Then she resigned. In her exit interview, she finally opened up: "You tried. I know you did. But I couldn't let you in. My last manager used my struggles against me in my review." That hit me like a brick. 🧱 After managing many different teams with all different personality types, I thought I understood connection. But I'd missed this truth: Connection requires two willing participants. Some employees come to you pre-wounded: → Burned by previous leaders who weaponized vulnerability → Trained that "fine" is safer than honesty → Convinced that distance equals protection As leaders, we can't force connection. We can only create the conditions for it. What I do differently now: ✓ Consistency over intensity (showing up matters more than pushing) ✓ Actions over words (they're watching what you do with others) ✓ Patience over pressure (trust has its own timeline) ✓ Safety over speed (one breach of confidence destroys everything) The hardest part? Not taking it personally when they won't let you help. Your job isn't to break down their walls. It's to prove you're safe when they're ready to open the door. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is give them space to not connect. Yet. Leaders: Who on your team might be protecting themselves from connection? What they need isn't more trying. It's more time. #Leadership #Connection #TrustBuilding #ManagementTruths

4 Skills That Helped Me Build Genuine Connections with My Network When I started networking, I struggled to make meaningful connections. I used to think networking was just about exchanging business cards or sending connection requests. But over time, I realized that real connections are built through trust, value, and authenticity. Here are 4 skills that helped me build strong and genuine relationships: 1. Active Listening I used to focus more on what to say next rather than truly listening. But when I started paying attention, asking follow-up questions, and showing genuine interest, conversations became deeper and more meaningful. - Studies show that good listeners are 40% more likely to build strong relationships because people feel valued and heard. 2. Being Helpful Without Expectations Instead of reaching out only when I needed something, I started offering help—whether it was sharing a resource, giving feedback, or introducing people to the right connections. According to research, people who give without expecting immediate returns build stronger long-term networks. 3. Sharing My Experiences Openly I used to hesitate to share my struggles and lessons, thinking they weren’t valuable. But when I started sharing my journey—both wins and failures—I noticed more people resonated with me. Authenticity creates trust, and trust builds meaningful connections. 4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) I worked on understanding people’s emotions, responding with empathy, and adapting my communication style. Research shows that people with high EQ are 3x more successful in building lasting relationships because they make others feel understood and valued. 📍Remember, Networking isn’t just about numbers; it’s about genuine relationships that grow over time. Do you agree? Follow Swati Mathur for more. LinkedIn Guide to Networking LinkedIn #networking #connections #smpositivevibes

Here’s the best networking advice I’ve ever heard: Don’t wait until you need something to reach out. Networking shouldn’t feel like a business transaction. It’s about showing up for people —consistently and authentically. Relationships thrive on genuine, consistent effort. And I’ve seen these 7 strategies open doors I didn’t even know existed: 1️⃣ Be Real ↳ Show genuine curiosity. Approach with sincerity and a desire to help. People can sense authenticity a mile away, and it’s the key to meaningful connections. 2️⃣ Celebrate Their Wins ↳ Recognize their milestones: promotions, new ventures, even personal achievements. A simple "Congrats!" goes a long way and keeps you on their radar in a positive way. 3️⃣ Engage on Social Media ↳ Drop a comment or DM your contacts when you see their posts. Even better—send them posts or articles you think they'd appreciate. It's about showing you care. 4️⃣ Catch-Up Chats ↳ Every so often, suggest a casual coffee (virtual or in-person). No agenda needed. Just connect and strengthen that relationship over time. 5️⃣ Quick Notes ↳ Send a short, friendly check-in message. Mention a recent achievement they posted or something relevant you came across. Takes three minutes, tops. 6️⃣ Share Relevant Content ↳ Found something that could help or inspire them? Share it! (For example, “Hey, this AI tool reminded me of your project...”) 7️⃣ Track and Follow Up ↳ Use a system—spreadsheet, CRM, anything, to stay organized. Life gets busy, but connections matter. Overwhelmed? I get it. I felt that way too. So I started small, three quick interactions a week. It’s manageable and works wonders over time. The truth is, networking is not a "when you need it" thing. It's about being human and building trust. Try it and watch opportunities start showing up. P.S. What’s one way you’ve built meaningful connections in your professional life? Photo Credit: Colby Kultgen — If this resonates, give it a share. ♻ And follow Sandra Pellumbi for more. 🦉

Your network isn’t your net worth. Your relationships are. In fact, most people get networking wrong. Here's why: They collect contacts, send cold DMs, and wonder why nothing happens. I joined Giacomo Falcone's Getting Better (Newsletter) Podcast to break down what actually works. My 3 networking truths: ➝ Weak ties create big opportunities. I landed two career moves and countless speaking opportunities through casual connections, not close friends. ➝ Engagement beats adding contacts. Commenting builds trust. A random connection request doesn’t. ➝ Show up consistently, not perfectly. People trust what feels familiar. Be seen. Stop asking, start giving. The best networkers offer value before they need anything. Networking isn’t about knowing people. It’s about people knowing—and trusting—you. Listen to the full podcast episode in the comments section. It's short 'n sweet for your evening commute or hot gal/guy walk.

How I build rapport and trust in sales After being in sales for a while, I've realized that building rapport is not just about charm and charisma but about forging sincere connections that stand the test of time. Throughout my career, I've adapted my approaches to relationship-building, moving beyond conventional wisdom to embrace a more authentic and empathetic strategy. In this competitive business environment, superficial connections will put off customers. Customers and partners can easily see through forced pleasantries and insincere attempts at rapport building. As such, I try to be as authentic as I can. I've learned that genuine rapport isn't about being the most charming person in the room; it's about being sincerely interested in the other party. I want to see my customers' world through their eyes, eager to understand their unique perspectives, challenges, and aspirations. While finding common ground can be a useful starting point, I've learned that genuine connections go much deeper than shared interests, hobbies, or experiences. Instead, I focus on developing a nuanced understanding of each individual I interact with. This involves taking the time to learn about their industry, their company's goals, and their aspired outcomes. I need more than hearing what someone is saying; I have to understand the nuances of their communication. This involves paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues, asking thoughtful follow-up questions, and demonstrating that I value their input. Doing so has helped me uncover insights far beyond surface-level information, enabling me to tailor my solutions and build stronger relationships. Ironically, building and maintaining trust has become a key differentiator in sales. Trust is the foundation for lasting relationships in an era where customers are bombarded with choices and information. We can turn trust into our most powerful sales tool by consistently delivering on promises and demonstrating integrity. Once, I had a customer tell me that they could not use our services as their HQ prefers to use their internal training resources. My customer jokingly told me that he hoped their internal trainer failed to deliver so that he could justify to his HQ to switch to us. I told him no. Even though I did not win his business, I offered my resources and assistance so that his company's internal trainer could deliver the expected outcomes. What's your approach to building rapport? How do you balance authenticity with the need to build relationships quickly? Share your thoughts below! #rapportbuilding #authenticity #trust #customerrelationships My name is c.j., and I enable sales teams to reach their fullest potential and achieve outstanding results. Please ping me to find out how we can help shape your sales team to be a winning team!

7 Ways You Are Confusing Impressing with Connecting (And why it's hurting your relationships) Early in my career, I did everything to impress others: ↳ Showed off my achievements ↳ Spoke without listening ↳ Gave empty compliments for "brownie points" I thought impressing others was the key to building trust and friendships. But I was wrong. Building genuine connections is what creates lasting relationships. Here are 7 ways you might be confusing impressing with connecting (and how to build authentic relationships instead): 1️⃣ Leading with your ‘resume’ instead of your character ↳ Listing accomplishments can impress at first, but it doesn’t build lasting trust. ↳ Share your values and passions first & let people see who you really are. 2️⃣ Flattering others to gain favors (instead of authentic praise) ↳ Flattering others to win them over doesn’t create a real connection. ↳ Give praise that’s specific and backed by examples. 3️⃣ Constantly trying to be the expert ↳ You don’t need to know it all to connect. ↳ Don’t be afraid to say, "I don't know, but I’m curious." 4️⃣ Using competition as a motivator instead of collaboration ↳ Competing to prove yourself can hurt relationships. ↳ Collaborate and share credit. Work together on high-visibility projects. 5️⃣ Staying in your comfort zone to avoid vulnerability ↳ Vulnerability builds strong connections, but it can feel risky. ↳ Show up authentically, and admit when you’re still learning. 6️⃣ Speaking to impress instead of connecting through stories ↳ Sharing personal stories creates deeper emotional connections. ↳ Use storytelling to illustrate your values and lessons learned. 7️⃣ Giving advice before understanding the person's situation ↳ Offering unsolicited advice can come across as dismissive. ↳ Empathize with their situation before offering any guidance. Impressing doesn’t build relationships. Connecting does. In 2025, focus less on impressing others and more on connecting. It’s the relationships you build that will propel your career. What’s your best tip for making real connections? Share below! P.S. If you want in-depth personal and career growth advice, sign up for my coaching style newsletter! You can find the link under my name👆 __ ♻️ Repost to inspire people in your network! ➕ Follow Sheena Hakimian for daily tips like this!