How to Gain Instant Credibility—Even in a Business You’ve Never Tried

By leadership author and keynote speaker Ross Shafer

Let’s be honest.
You want instant credibility—the kind that makes customers trust you, recommend you, and do business with you, even if you’re stepping into a brand-new industry. Good news: it’s possible, and you don’t have to fake it.

This week, I want to share a story that proves how you can earn credibility immediately, even when you’re just getting started.

The Emily Effect: How to Become Credible Overnight

I was recently speaking at the National Portable Storage Association Conference and met an enterprising woman named Emily. Emily runs a successful business buying and selling large shipping containers—you know, the kind you see stacked on cargo ships.

What’s exciting is that these containers are getting a second life as pop-up retail shops, construction offices, and on-site storage units. Emily found a niche, and she ran with it.

But here’s where the story gets interesting.

Her existing customers loved working with her. They trusted her so much that they started asking,

“Hey, could you help us with moving and storage, too?”

Now, Emily had zero experience in the moving business. No certifications. No employees trained in logistics. No trucks.

So what did she do?

She hired credibility.

Emily found out that there are more than 2,000 Certified Moving Consultants across the U.S. These are professionals who know how to:

• Sell moving services effectively

• Draft contracts

• Handle damage claims

• Securely manage packing, loading, and transport

By contracting with certified experts, Emily instantly leveled up. Her business had immediate credibility—and she didn’t have to go back to school, get licensed, or learn it all the hard way.

The Secret to Instant Credibility in Any Industry

This is the part where you say, “Yeah, but that’s Emily.”

Well, this applies to YOU too.

Let’s say your clients love working with you and now want help with related services. Maybe you’re a designer and they want you to handle print production. Or you’re a marketing consultant and they want SEO or web dev too.

Don’t panic. Don’t say no. And don’t fake it.

Instead, hire credibility.

There are certified consultants in almost every industry—from healthcare and finance to IT, logistics, and real estate. These professionals already have:

• The skills

• The licenses

• The insider knowledge

• The trustworthiness your clients are looking for

You don’t have to reinvent yourself. You just need to partner smart.

Why This Works So Well

When you hire or contract experienced professionals, you don’t just fill a gap—you instantly upgrade your reputation. You get the benefit of their track record. Their certifications. Their professionalism.

You become the one-stop solution your clients crave—without pretending to be an expert in everything.

And the best part? You continue to own the relationship. Your clients still trust you—you’ve just made their lives easier by expanding your services through vetted pros.

That’s the modern blueprint for scaling a business.

Ready to Build Credibility That Lasts?

This strategy doesn’t just apply to moving containers or launching new service lines—it’s part of a bigger mindset shift: the confidence to grow by surrounding yourself with expertise.

Want more actionable insights like this for your team or event? Ross Shafer has spent decades helping companies grow through leadership, credibility, and customer trust. His keynote talks are known for being hilarious, high-energy, and packed with takeaways your team can apply immediately.

👉 Book Ross as your next keynote speaker and bring credibility, innovation, and growth to the center of your next event.