🧠Weekly Mind Sweep #138 | What’s On My Mind | Trust

August 2024

Week 135: Curated Conversation; Trust

Week 136: Mind Your Business; Trust

Week 137: Manage Your Mind; Trust

*Week 138: What’s On My Mind; Trust

New to the Weekly MindSweep? Past issues live here.

It's fascinating to explore the far-reaching spectrum of Trust.

When you wholeheartedly trust another human, you feel authentically free to be yourself around them. Culture today would describe this experience as being "seen." You're calm, present, thoughtful, and mindful.

Your nervous system settles into a calm so profound it's like cradling a puppy and feeling its heartbeat sync with yours. You gaze into the sky and notice a rainbow arching overhead as the songbirds sing, and you exhale in a place of contentment.

In that moment, you feel safe.

That is Trust.

Let’s sweep the brain…

🎬 Rather watch or listen instead of read? Now you can!

👉 Click here to Listen

On the opposite end of Trust and safety lies a place where it feels impossible to breathe. You feel like you're walking on eggshells, terrified to take the next step because your brain can't predict how the other person might react if you do.

Your nervous system is in a constant state of fight or flight, creating a relentless cycle of anxiety, rumination, and fear. This state clouds your mind, affecting personal and professional decisions and choices as well as your physical well-being.

Like brains, Trust is a Spectrum.

This month, we've learned that it takes time for our brains to reach a "puppy's and rainbow" state of being and mere seconds to be in a state of holding our breath.

Trust also plays a critical role in our business relationships. As like-hearted entrepreneurs, we intend to be a safe space for our customers to be supported and get what they need to succeed in their lives and businesses.

Trust takes time, but the business world is fast.

In today's fast-paced society, the time available for building relationships has shortened, but our biology still needs to catch up. Our brains and bodies still need more time than the modern selling cycle often allows. [1]

This leaves us searching for innovative ways to make a significant impact and build Trust with our ideal clients. As we discussed in Week 136, consumers are becoming increasingly savvy.

They're fed up with corporate nonsense and eager to return to a time when they know exactly where their products and services come from. [2]

We buy from those we like, know, and Trust.

Trust is both a rare and valuable commodity. While it's true that Trust can take time to build, there are strategies entrepreneurs can use to accelerate this process without compromising authenticity:

• Consistent communication - regular and transparent communication. Keep clients updated on progress, address challenges, and share information. Open communication shows reliability and builds confidence. For example, as a small business owner, you send out weekly updates even when there is nothing significant to report. This consistency ensures that clients are always in the loop, which fosters Trust.
• Keep your word - Nothing breaks Trust faster than not keeping your promises. On the flip side, consistently following through—even on the little things—builds a strong foundation of Trust. For example, if you promise to deliver a product or service by a specific date, ensure you hit that deadline. If something unexpected comes up, let your client know as soon as possible and offer a solution. They'll appreciate your honesty and your effort to deliver on promises.
• Creating a Transparent Business Culture - Transparency in business operations, pricing, and policies can greatly enhance Trust. When customers know there's nothing hidden, they're more likely to believe in your intentions and integrity. For example, explaining why you're raising prices or being honest about challenges in a project can help clients feel more included and appreciated. Transparency turns your relationship into a partnership, not just a transaction.
• Empathy and Understanding - Show that you genuinely care about your clients' needs and concerns. When a client feels understood and valued, their Trust in you deepens. For example, listening to a client's worries and addressing them directly—rather than dismissing or downplaying them—demonstrates empathy. This not only helps in solving the immediate issue but also strengthens the long-term relationship.

But I was born with it. [3]

If you naturally trust first and tend to hold onto that Trust too long—sometimes until it leads to resentment—it's important to recognize this pattern and take steps to protect yourself and your relationships. Here's what you can do:

• Boundaries upfront - While it's great to trust easily, setting clear boundaries upfront can help you maintain harmony. When you clearly define your expectations and set limits, personally and professionally, you prevent others from taking advantage of your kindness and Trust.
• Practice the Power of the Pause - Before fully investing your Trust in someone, take a moment to assess the situation. Reflect on your past experiences where Trust led to resentment and consider whether there are any red flags or patterns you've noticed. Give yourself time to observe the other person's actions before diving in.
• Self-trust - Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don't ignore it. Often, your intuition picks up on subtle cues that your conscious mind might overlook. If you feel uneasy, it's worth paying attention to and reassessing your level of Trust.
• Adjust Trust Gradually - Instead of giving complete Trust right away, consider giving it in increments. As people show themselves to be reliable, you can gradually increase the level of Trust. This way, you're protecting yourself while still being open to building meaningful connections.

As like-hearted entrepreneurs, we're not just in the business of transactions—we're in the business of building meaningful relationships.

Wherever you see yourself on the trust spectrum, as an entrepreneur, you’ll likely interact with people who are at different points along that spectrum.

Consider how you can create a bridge to meet at a place of Trust. Trust is essential for relationships, and it's built one interaction at a time.

Remember, in a world that's tired of being sold to, your authenticity, like-heartedness, and commitment to building trust are your greatest assets.

My question for you this week depends on your end of the spectrum you find yourself:

How do you build trust effectively and quickly without sacrificing authenticity?

What boundaries can you implement in personal or professional relationships to increase trust without coming across as rigid or unapproachable?

Reply and share with me!

The answers you need for your business are already within you. If you’d like support in finding them and building a business you are proud of, I’m here to help.

Let's connect.

Book a free consultation.

Jamie’s Second Brain Corner

[1] Did you miss our month on Relationship?

[2] Week 136: Mind Your Business; Trust

[3] Genes Play a Key Role in Trust.

Registration closes 09/03/2024

A 12-week Entrepreneurial community.

Learn More & Join

What I’m reading and where to find me!

What I’m reading:

The Maid

A Novel by Nita Prose

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.

Learn More

Where to find me:

Mindful Connections:

Connecting like-hearted entrepreneurs to build relationships, offering support, understanding their passions, and sharing their names in rooms of opportunity.

Thursdays at Noon EST

See all collaborations

Join us on Friday, September 6th, at the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce for this two-hour interactive business community experience. We'll discuss ways to cultivate business through Sales, Marketing, and Communication methods that support relationship building, showing up authentically, and connecting deeper with colleagues and the people you serve. 9-11 am - Open discussion, community support, brainstorming ideas Join us in meeting business owners in our community. You'll leave with new tools to help you make connections and build your business!

Free; Registration Required

Oh, Hi! I’m Jamie Chapman

Think of me as your strategic C.O.O. and partner in business success and growth.

Self-proclaimed brain geek, relationship builder, and business consultant who helps heart-centered entrepreneurs and small businesses execute their big ideas.

I have always been a curious person who thrives on helping others succeed.

Finding solutions is what I do.

When my twin boys were diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school, I had to learn how to navigate a school system that wasn’t built for neurodiverse individuals. By helping my boys find ways to succeed in these spaces, I realized the importance of shining a light on the gifts we bring to the world.

In a society that tries to “fit a round peg into a square hole,” I am here to support entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to take a different path to success.

While supporting small businesses in various industries, I have a special place in my heart for neurodiverse entrepreneurs and ADHD business owners.

Relationships and a holistic, human view of your business needs is something I value.

I meet you where you’re at and support you in getting where you want to go.

With a multifaceted approach to problem-solving, and extensive knowledge of executive functioning, habit formation, and the neurodiverse and ADHD entrepreneur’s mind, I support small business owners to thrive and feel proud of what they’re building.

My background is in manufacturing and business operations. I use my decades of experience with developing systems and processes to make your business operations smoother and more efficient.

As a perspective integrator and big-picture thinker, I want to help you execute your vision, spot inefficiencies, and find effective ways to grow your business. 

Whether it’s 1:1 Consulting, MindSweep Mapping, or joining our Chickbook Creative community of business owners, I support idea generators in cultivating clarity and taking action to pursue their best ideas.

My purpose is to illuminate the gifts business owners and entrepreneurs bring to the world. I can’t wait to meet you and get started.

Time with me; Priceless.