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The Secret Weapon of Small Businesses: Trust
The Secret Weapon of Small Businesses: Trust
The Secret Weapon of Small Businesses: Trust

Kyle Van Pelt
March 22, 2025



Why Relationships Matter More Than Marketing
Billboards don't build businesses. Relationships do. Commonwealth Financial isn't winning because they outspent the competition on ads or flashy campaigns—they're winning because they out-trusted them.
The Real ROI of Trust
Trust doesn't just bring in clients—it keeps them. Loyal clients are less likely to shop around, more likely to refer friends and family, and more open to long-term partnerships.
How to Build Unshakable Trust
Underpromise and overdeliver – Exceed expectations every single time. Surprise clients with extra value they didn't expect.
Be ridiculously honest – If you don't know the answer, say so—and then find it.
Show up before they need you – Anticipate needs and prevent problems before they start.
Trust as a Growth Strategy
Loyal clients become your best marketing channel. They share their positive experiences with others, creating a steady stream of referrals that no ad campaign can match.
Why Trust Beats Sales Tactics Every Time
Slick pitches may win attention, but trust wins loyalty. And in small business, loyalty is worth more than any marketing budget.
These insights are inspired by the latest episode of Next Mile podcast featuring Daniel Spurgeon, Managing Partner at Commonwealth Financial Services. Explore more insights on small-market RIA growth strategies in the full episode and related articles.

Connected
The Secret Weapon of Small Businesses: Trust

Kyle Van Pelt
March 22, 2025

Why Relationships Matter More Than Marketing
Billboards don't build businesses. Relationships do. Commonwealth Financial isn't winning because they outspent the competition on ads or flashy campaigns—they're winning because they out-trusted them.
The Real ROI of Trust
Trust doesn't just bring in clients—it keeps them. Loyal clients are less likely to shop around, more likely to refer friends and family, and more open to long-term partnerships.
How to Build Unshakable Trust
Underpromise and overdeliver – Exceed expectations every single time. Surprise clients with extra value they didn't expect.
Be ridiculously honest – If you don't know the answer, say so—and then find it.
Show up before they need you – Anticipate needs and prevent problems before they start.
Trust as a Growth Strategy
Loyal clients become your best marketing channel. They share their positive experiences with others, creating a steady stream of referrals that no ad campaign can match.
Why Trust Beats Sales Tactics Every Time
Slick pitches may win attention, but trust wins loyalty. And in small business, loyalty is worth more than any marketing budget.
These insights are inspired by the latest episode of Next Mile podcast featuring Daniel Spurgeon, Managing Partner at Commonwealth Financial Services. Explore more insights on small-market RIA growth strategies in the full episode and related articles.

Mailing Address
Milemarker
PO Box 262
Isle Of Palms, SC 29451-9998
lEGAL ADDRESS
Milemarker Inc.
16192 Coastal Highway
Lewes, Delaware 19958
Built by Teams In:
Atlanta, Charleston, Cincinnati, Denver, Los Angeles, Omaha & Portland.
PARTNERS




Platform
SOLUTIONS
© 2026 Milemarker Inc. All rights reserved
DISCLAIMER: All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners in the U.S. and other countries, and are used for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply affiliation or endorsement.

Mailing Address
Milemarker
PO Box 262
Isle Of Palms, SC 29451-9998
lEGAL ADDRESS
Milemarker Inc.
16192 Coastal Highway
Lewes, Delaware 19958
Built by Teams In:
Atlanta, Charleston, Cincinnati, Denver, Los Angeles, Omaha & Portland.
PARTNERS




Platform
SOLUTIONS
© 2026 Milemarker Inc. All rights reserved
DISCLAIMER: All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners in the U.S. and other countries, and are used for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply affiliation or endorsement.

Mailing Address
Milemarker
PO Box 262
Isle Of Palms, SC 29451-9998
lEGAL ADDRESS
Milemarker Inc.
16192 Coastal Highway
Lewes, Delaware 19958
Built by Teams In:
Atlanta, Charleston, Cincinnati, Denver, Los Angeles, Omaha & Portland.
PARTNERS




Platform
SOLUTIONS
© 2026 Milemarker Inc. All rights reserved
DISCLAIMER: All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners in the U.S. and other countries, and are used for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply affiliation or endorsement.

Mailing Address
Milemarker
PO Box 262
Isle Of Palms, SC 29451-9998
lEGAL ADDRESS
Milemarker Inc.
16192 Coastal Highway
Lewes, Delaware 19958
Built by Teams In:
Atlanta, Charleston, Cincinnati, Denver, Los Angeles, Omaha & Portland.
PARTNERS




Platform
SOLUTIONS
© 2026 Milemarker Inc. All rights reserved
DISCLAIMER: All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners in the U.S. and other countries, and are used for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply affiliation or endorsement.

