Why I Didn’t Hire the Expert I Followed for Years
I followed his content for years—smart, sharp, trustworthy. But on our first call, it all fell apart. Here’s the moment I realized credibility isn’t enough… and how to protect trust in your own business.
His content said, “I get you.”
But his presence said, “I want your money.”
For over two years, I followed this popular entrepreneur.
He was sharp. Strategic. Clear.
He knew his stuff — and made it look effortless.
Naturally, I was sold.
As a business owner with decades of experience building and leading teams, I’m no stranger to spotting talent. I’d already mentally committed the budget. I was ready to hire him as a consultant.
Then we met:
What I encountered wasn’t curiosity or insight.
It was ego.
He barely asked about my business.
Didn’t listen.
Didn’t even try.
In that moment, everything clicked.
I wasn’t a client.
I was a transaction.
And just like that, all the trust his content had built evaporated.
A Lesson in Human Signals
That moment reminded me of a truth I’ve learned the hard way — both as a client and as a business owner:
Proof builds credibility.
Presence builds connection.
He had the credentials.
He had the results.
He had the online reputation.
But he lost me — because he didn’t show up with presence.
Why This Matters (Especially If You're in Consulting)
In consulting, relationships are the product.
People won’t hire you because you’re the smartest person in the room.
They’ll hire you because they feel understood, respected, and safe in your hands.
If you’ve built a business on expertise, don’t forget:
Trust isn’t just built with ideas. It’s built with empathy.
Have you ever pulled back from working with someone — not because they lacked skill, but because they lacked basic humanity?
If so, I’d love to hear your story. These moments shape how we build, lead, and connect.
Wishing you success,
HQ
30+ years in business | Helping entrepreneurs build trust that scales