Trust

Trust is something that can shape your path to success or lead you into pitfalls if not approached wisely.

As young entrepreneurs, we often have a natural tendency to trust easily.

We overlook red flags, whether it's in personal relationships or business partnerships. This can be a costly mistake.

Trusting people without scrutiny is a common pitfall for many, including myself.

Let me share a few experiences to illustrate this.

When I was in Dubai, I trusted an older gentleman who seemed to have impressive investment opportunities.

He presented himself as legitimate and experienced. However, it turned out he was not what he appeared to be. This was a hard lesson about not ignoring red flags.

Another instance involved a business meeting in a villa in Dubai.

The person seemed credible but ended up being a scammer. These experiences taught me the importance of being cautious and analytical in business dealings.

One key indicator of an untrustworthy person is excessive flaunting of wealth.

For example, a friend of mine, who is knowledgeable in the oil industry, had a meeting with someone wearing a flashy white RM watch. Within minutes, my friend called out the person for being untrustworthy, despite the outward display of success.

This taught me that social proof, such as followers or material possessions, can be misleading. Many people have fake followers or superficial signs of success, so always do your due diligence.

At one point, I even had to hire an MI5 spy to investigate someone I was considering doing business with.

It turned out he wasn't legitimate. This might sound extreme, but it's a reminder that trust should be earned over time and not given freely.

A wise friend of mine, known as the Sartorial Shooter, often says, "Double-check, and then double-check again."

This means never fully trusting anyone without thorough verification. Always do your research multiple times and still remain cautious.

Trust is essential in business, but it should be granted carefully and gradually.

Learn from my mistakes and be diligent in your business relationships. It’s better to be cautious than to face setbacks due to misplaced trust.

Stay vigilant, stay focused, and remember that trust is earned, not given.

Go Kill It Man
- JP