My beloved Miami Dolphins got their third win yesterday, trouncing a team I despise, the New England Patriots. (I don’t hate them as much as the Jets, though.)

The Phins, starting 2-6, didn’t have fans questioning the credibility of the coach, players, and front office. We’re still a bit leery because we haven’t beaten a quality team. We’ll see what happens on Thanksgiving when you travel to cold Green Bay.

In sports, just like in business, credibility is everything.

When a team like the Dolphins falters, it’s not just about the losses on the scoreboard—it’s about how fans and the league perceive them. Are they a legitimate playoff contender or just a team with flashy highlights and no substance?

The same goes for you and your business. It doesn’t matter how much potential you have or how strong your skills are—if your prospects don’t see you as credible, they’re not going to pick you.

Credibility is about more than having a good track record. It’s about showing up consistently, delivering results, and proving that you’re reliable—especially when times are tough.

Here’s what to focus on to keep your “credibility game” strong:

1. Consistency: Show up, rain or shine. Whether it’s posting valuable content, responding to client emails, or meeting deadlines, your audience needs to see that you’re reliable over the long haul—not just when it’s convenient.
2. Transparency: If things don’t go as planned (because, let’s face it, they won’t always), own it. Authenticity builds trust, and trust builds long-term relationships.
3. Results: Don’t just tell people you’re good—prove it. Highlight real examples of how you’ve solved problems or delivered results for clients. But do it in a way that’s about them, not you.

The Dolphins may have picked up a win, but credibility comes from consistently proving they can beat great teams, not just the struggling ones.

It’s the same with your prospects. They’re looking for someone they can trust to deliver—not just once, but every time.

Credibility isn’t just nice to have. It’s the difference between being a “maybe” and being the clear choice.

Kick butt, make mucho DEEnero,

Dave “Still Hoping for a Winning Season” Dee

P.S. The November Inner Sanctum newsletter dives deep into building rock-solid credibility and turning it into high-value clients. If you’re serious about making prospects choose you, the deadline to grab this issue is tonight.

Not an Inner Sanctum member but want to get more meetings with high-quality leads, close more sales and make more DEEnero with less effort?

Go here: www.davedee.com/innersanctum