3h • 3 hours ago • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn
(Hint: It’s not your price. Or your pitch deck.)
It’s trust.
And trust starts with what you say
(and how you say it).
Not with polished pitches
Not with rehearsed talking points
Not with persistent follow-ups that feel off
Just real, thoughtful conversation.
Here are 15 go-to phrases that build trust
(without ever sounding like you’re selling):
1. What challenges are you working through at the moment?
2. Would it help to see how others are approaching this?
3. What kind of support would be most useful right now?
4. I came across something that made me think of you.
5. How are you thinking about priorities this quarter?
6. Want me to draft a few ways we could tackle this?
7. Are there any new opportunities you’re exploring?
8. I had a thought that might help—want to hear it?
9. When would it make sense to circle back on this?
10. What factors are you weighing in your decision?
11. Has your team had a chance to review this yet?
12. Want to loop in someone with deeper insight?
13. What could make this process easier for you?
14. What’s more important—speed or quality?
15. What’s the upside if this goes well?
These aren’t scripts.
They’re signals that you’re listening.
Thinking ahead.
Focusing on what matters.
That’s the only way to go from “vendor”
to valued partner.
Want to know when to use them?
These 5 moments are perfect:
• When a client opens up about a challenge
• When they’re weighing a big decision
• When it’s been quiet for a while
• When a meeting is wrapping up
• When a fresh insight hits you
Which one fits your next conversation?
Follow Mo Bunnell for more ways to grow client
relationships without ever feeling like you’re selling.
(How to Set Boundaries Without Fear)
Credits to Asim Khaliq, make sure to follow!
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Boundaries Aren’t About Saying No to Everything:
(How to Set Boundaries Without Fear)
If you’re constantly overworked, overwhelmed, and undervalued, your boundaries may be ignored.
Here’s the truth:
Healthy boundaries don’t push people away.
They empower you to show up at your best.
Here’s how to protect your time & energy:
1) Communicate with Confidence:
↳ Express your limits without hesitation or apology.
2) Establish Work-Life Separation:
↳ Set defined work hours and stick to them to avoid burnout.
3) Master the Art of Saying NoL
↳ If it doesn’t align with your priorities, decline without guilt.
4) Set Expectations Early:
↳ Be upfront about your limits to prevent misunderstandings.
5) Document Agreements:
↳ Keep records of responsibilities and deadlines to ensure accountability.
6) Protect Your Personal Space:
↳ Maintain separation between work and personal life for mental well-being.
7) Enforce Boundaries Firmly:
↳ If someone repeatedly crosses the line, address it immediately.
8) Pause Before Committing:
↳ Take a moment before saying yes; don’t overextend yourself.
9) Lead by Example:
↳ Respect others’ boundaries to reinforce your own importance.
10) Clarify Your Priorities:
↳ Know what matters most so you can protect your time and energy.
Remember:
The boundaries you allow will define the balance you live.
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Follow The Balanced Leader for more!