4 Simple Ways to Build Trust in Business Meetings (without trying too hard)

Whether you’re talking to a customer, sitting across from a potential investor or simply networking, trust and reputation aren’t built with a firm handshake or a friendly smile (trust me, being Brazilian and naturally warm isn’t enough). It’s about the small, consistent actions that make people feel you’re someone they can rely on.

When I moved to Canada as an adult, without speaking a word of English or French, I had to build my network from scratch — with no university connections, no local roots, and a steep language barrier.

I quickly realized that being friendly wasn’t enough to establish credibility. Trust comes from small, consistent actions that show people you’re someone they can rely on.

As an introvert, I had to be intentional about this and pay attention to what worked — and what didn’t — when building strong work relationships.

“It’s about the small, consistent actions that make people feel you’re someone they can rely on.”

Here are 4 simple habits to make sure you make a great impression in a business meeting:

1. Be on time (but really). Honestly, this one is tough for me, but nothing screams “trustworthy” like being punctual. If the meeting is at 9:00 AM, don’t arrive at 9:05 or 9:10. Life happens — traffic, Zoom updates, last-minute coffee spills — so give yourself a buffer. Planning to arrive five or ten minutes early is a smart move. Pro tip: bring a book with you so you don’t get annoyed if the other person is late.

2. Set a clear agenda and get to the point. No one likes a meeting that could’ve been an email. Unstructured meetings waste everyone’s time and make you seem unprepared. Outline key topics, define the goals, prepare questions, and try to send the agenda at least 24 hours before the meeting. This way, everyone comes prepared, and the meeting doesn’t drag into eternity.

3. End on time — everyone’s busy. Just as showing up late is a no-go, running over time can hurt your reputation. If you said the meeting is 30 minutes, wrap it up in 30. It shows professionalism, respect for people’s schedules, and self-awareness — which makes them actually want to meet with you again.

4. Follow up like a pro. The meeting isn’t truly over when the call ends. Following up with a quick recap of key takeaways and action items shows accountability and keeps momentum going. Plus, it helps prevent the “Wait… what were we supposed to do next?” moment a week later.

It’s not about charisma — it’s about consistency.

These four habits reinforce each other and send a clear message: you’re prepared, reliable, respectful, and professional. And that’s the foundation of trust in any business relationship.

When people trust you, they listen to you, they want to work with you and they recommend you.