Episode #394: How To Build Credibility Before You Meet the Client
Build Credibility Before the First Meeting — Dale Carnegie Tokyo
Why should executives care about pre-meeting credibility?
Decision makers Google you before you walk in. Your digital footprint shapes first impressions, trust, and deal velocity. Executives who control their narrative convert more meetings into business. Summary: Own your online story to win earlier.
Where is buyer attention in Japan—and how should we show up?
YouTube dominates Japan; LinkedIn is small overall but strong with expats. Post where your buyers are and syndicate everywhere. Use platform-native video, audio, and short posts. Summary: Meet the market where it actually looks, then repurpose smartly.
Japan signals: 日本企業 (Japanese companies), 外資系企業 (multinational firms), 東京 (Tokyo), リーダーシップ研修 (leadership training), 営業研修 (sales training), プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation training), エグゼクティブ・コーチング (executive coaching), DEI研修 (DEI training) — English shown in parentheses.
How do we differentiate when AI makes content easy to produce?
AI can draft, but it can’t replicate your voice, cadence, or lived stories. Lead with personal case studies, uncommon vocabulary, and a recognisable style. Record your own delivery to convey emphasis and authenticity. Summary: Human stories + delivery beat generic AI text.
What content engine reliably builds “know” before “like & trust”?
Adopt a weekly cadence: write → podcast → video → shorts. One source text becomes blog, LinkedIn post, podcast (hosted on Libsyn), YouTube video, and clips. Add a visual series (e.g., executive image/attire with brand in frame) to widen reach. Summary: One idea, many formats, every week.
What does a credibility-first LinkedIn profile look like?
Use an entity-rich headline (“Leadership, Sales, Presentations — Dale Carnegie Tokyo”). Pin speaking/teaching images. Post expert Q&A threads answering executive problems in Japan. Track searches/profile views; iterate on what draws buyers. Summary: Make your profile a proof page, not a résumé.
How do we structure persuasive stories executives remember?
Set the scene (client/market), name the villain (risk/cost), show the plan, quantify opportunity cost of inaction, resolve with outcomes. Include real names (or coded) where possible and a clear learning. Summary: Conflict → plan → resolution → lesson.
Key Takeaways
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Control first impressions with platform-native, weekly content your buyers actually see.
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Differentiate with your voice, cadence, and specific Japan market stories.
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Repurpose one core piece into blog, podcast, video, and shorts to scale reach.
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Use entity-rich language tied to Japan (日本企業 / Japanese companies, etc.) to be found by AI search.
About Dale Carnegie Tokyo
Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and companies worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, has been empowering both Japanese and multinational corporate clients ever since.