Confidence and Trust — Becoming Someone People Want to Rely On

Hello, this is Ichiki from Synclogistics.
Today, I’d like to share some thoughts on the difference between trust and confidence — and what it means to be someone others want to rely on.

These two words are often used in similar ways, but I see a clear difference.
Confidence is earned through what you’ve already accomplished — your track record.
Trust, on the other hand, is about the prospects ahead. It’s the belief that “this person will keep doing well from now on.”
In other words: confidence comes from the past, while trust is about the future.

■ Confidence Starts with Small Actions

To earn confidence, I believe it’s important to treat every task sincerely — regardless of its size or even importance.
One thing I am mindful of is responding promptly. Even if I can’t take action right away, just saying, “I’ll get back to you by [time],” helps build confidence.
But if you miss deadlines or don’t respond at all, it can quickly damage that confidence.

Small things matter — quick responses, clear updates, and respectful communication all add up over time.

I also try to provide a little extra beyond what’s asked.
For example, if someone asks for a quote on ocean freight, I don’t just send the price quote. I might suggest other transport options or introduce relevant services we offer.
By thinking ahead and offering what the other person really needs, you show that you care — and that builds even more confidence.

■ What It Means to Be Trusted

Compared to confidence, trust is tied more closely to a person’s character and personality.
It’s the feeling that someone is worth following — like, “This person seems like they could do something great,” or “I want to be part of what they’re building.”

What these people have in common is a high level of empathy.
Those who can feel another person’s emotions and pain as if they were their own can likewise gain empathy from others, which naturally makes it easier for them to earn trust.

When I share my business ideas, I make a conscious effort to present them as a story.
While everyone may picture the details a little differently, those who resonate with the overall direction naturally gather. From there, it often leads to, “Alright, let’s do this together.”
To me, that is the essence of trust.

■ Trust Comes After Confidence

In my view, trust is not something that can be built overnight. It grows from the steady foundation of confidence, built through even small, everyday actions.

When you consistently meet expectations — even on small tasks — people start to feel, “I can rely on this person.”
That is why, no matter how small the tasks, I make sure to approach them with sincerity and see them through to the end.
I am convinced that this is the first step toward building the future trust.

Thank you for reading.