Building A Decent Portfolio

Introduction:

Welcome my friend,

It's only the first week of August and here we are already having our second conversation.

It does seem like we’ll be spending quite a bit of time together this month as it's gifted us five lovely weekends.

I'll sure be looking forward to each one, after all, who wouldn't want to be around their chill friend?

Definitely, not me.

It’s always a joy to share these moments with you, learning together; and I cherish every bit of it.

Here's to a delightful weekend!

Discussion:

In the context of our conversation, the word portfolio refers to one’s track record.

It’s the collection of achievements a person has accumulated over time in their specific field.

This matters because it serves as social proof of their capabilities, showing potential partners that the individual they’re considering can indeed replicate past successes in new collaborations.

Likewise, this concept extends to other areas of our lives, even informal ones without formal documentation.

Truth is, as we navigate life and interact with those around us daily, we build a portfolio with each person based on how we engage with them.

Over time, this portfolio shapes our reputation, influencing the strength of our relationships and others’ willingness to entrust us with certain responsibilities.

This forms the foundation of today’s conversation.

■ Trust - A Vital Component of Our Portfolio

Trust reflects the confidence others place in us, earned gradually through consistent actions rather than demanded or freely given.

It comprises three (3) key elements: integrity, reliability, and competence.

When our actions align with our words, we demonstrate integrity.

This also holds true when we commit only to what we can fulfill, ensuring our words have value by avoiding deceitful lines and empty promises.

The truth is, so many people would rather cheat as it's easier to do so and because of that, may mock us for our rigid honesty, pointing out the money or short term gains we could have secured.

Yet, they themselves would not tolerate being cheated on.

Which means that beneath their taunts and criticism, they quietly respect our steadfastness.

More crucially, they know where to turn when they seek truth.

That alone is worth far more than any gains from dishonest means, as we preserve our value beyond something that's on offer to the highest bidder.

The second element of trust is reliability.

Some of us reach out to others only when we need help, yet become unavailable or full of excuses when they need us.

This marks us as unreliable, and over time, they too would become hesitant to support us.

Likewise, reliability fosters trust by setting clear expectations, which is why it also includes consistency in our behavior.

If we don't show steadiness in our values, principles, or beliefs, we risk being swayed by fleeting trends, losing our identity and becoming unreliable; since no one knows what to expect of us.

The third element of trust is competence.

Before entrusting someone with certain responsibilities, we need the assurance that they can handle them.

This trust hinges on their proven ability and readiness to perform well.

Here, integrity and reliability matter little if we lack the skills or track record to deliver effectively.

In this, we see that all three elements of trust are crucial for building a portfolio that attracts opportunities to us through the relationships we nurture with those around us.

■ Making The Most Of Our Opportunities 

All solid relationships are rooted in love and mutual respect but thrive through deliberate effort.

Trust begins modestly and grows as individuals collaborate more, having observed each other’s reliability in smaller matters.

Often, we aim to network upward, seeking opportunities from those with greater experience, which is perfectly fine.

Yet, the most robust and straightforward networks form among peers who have leveled up together, and can now bring increasing value to one another.

In such networks, there’s no need for extensive vetting or sourcing contacts because trust and familiarity already exist.

However, betrayal shatters these possibilities.

Which is why it's important to maintain a reputation free of deceit or disloyalty in small matters with our friends.

This is how we encourage them to eagerly collaborate or share valuable opportunities.

When we prove ourselves trustworthy in minor things, others are more inclined to take a chance on us.

This could be the breakthrough we need.

■ Giving Others A Chance 

Where there’s integrity and enthusiasm, competence can be developed through training.

Many of us were once beginners, eager for an opportunity to demonstrate our potential.

So when we’re in a position to offer others that chance, we should embrace it as an honor and do so willingly.

This matters because by sharing our guidance, we enable others to pass it on, creating a ripple effect that uplifts everyone.

Similarly, when given an opportunity, the best way to express gratitude is to give our all, delivering exceptional results.

■ Ready For His Blessings 

Trust is built in our relationship with God.

As followers of God, when He grants us an opportunity, His blessings accompany it, bringing a deep sense of fulfillment that truly satisfies.

Many of us feel discontent because we yearn for more of His blessings, and if He is a loving God who desires our best, why do we seem to lack them?

Maybe, He is just patiently waiting, observing how we steward the responsibilities we currently hold.

When we squander our talents, we linger in mediocrity, neglecting our potential to use what we have to build what we desire by taking the first step.

Once we do so, we give Him something to bless, transforming our small efforts into something extraordinary.

■ Summary:

It's been a great time with you, my friend.

Little by little, week after week, we've deepened our connection, creating a portfolio of moments filled with love, lessons, and comforting words.

See you next weekend!

Master Apprentice.

www.x.com/truekingmaker