Let’s talk about the silent killer in most businesses: a lack of trust.

Not a lack of talent.

Not bad branding.

Not even poor service.

If you’re constantly hitting friction with clients, struggling to close deals, or feeling like your team isn’t aligned—you don’t have a strategy problem. You have a trust problem.

In my latest Ownership Advantage episode, I sat down with Scott Carley, keynote speaker and author of Can I Trust You?, to unpack one of the most underrated growth levers in business: your Trust Credit Score™.

🔍 What Breaks Trust (and You Don’t Even Realize It)

Scott breaks trust down into five key dimensions:

1. Body Language & Presence – Do people feel your confidence? Or your chaos?

2. Motives & Intentions – Are you in it for them… or for you?

3. Core Values – Are you actually living what you say matters?

4. Expertise – Do you have a reputation for results, or just a good pitch?

5. Track Record – Can you show me—consistently—that you follow through?

This hit hard for me. Because the truth is, most business owners think they’re trustworthy. But they’ve unknowingly left small cracks in their foundation.

And as Scott says:

“Trust is built in drops…

And lost in buckets.”

🧠 A Story That Hit Me

Scott shared a powerful moment from his own journey—rebuilding his reputation after a setback. It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t overnight.

It was one consistent action at a time.

One decision. One conversation. One follow-through.

Until slowly, confidence returned.

It was a reminder that trust is always repairable—but never automatic.

⚠️ Why This Matters More Than Ever

In today’s world of AI, automation, and surface-level branding… trust is becoming your #1 competitive advantage.

Anyone can look polished online.

But when it comes time to deliver?

Trust is the difference between getting ghosted and getting paid.

Between short-term sales and long-term clients.

Between team turnover and team loyalty.

If you’ve ever asked, “Why aren’t clients following through?”

Or “Why doesn’t my team take initiative?”

This might be the answer.

✅ Here’s How to Start Fixing It

If you want to rebuild (or elevate) trust in your business, start here:

• Audit yourself across the 5 areasabove—honestly.

• Ask your team where you might be losing trust without realizing it.

• Pick one area and raise your score with consistent, intentional action.

This isn’t fluffy mindset work.

It’s a practical leadership skill that drives real results.

And if you want to go deeper, Scott’s book is a must-read for business owners who lead people, sell services, or represent a brand.