How does trust drive business growth? In this episode of Inspiration Contagion, Holly Jean Jackson sits down with Mike Ashabraner, known as the Redneck Connector, to explore how trust, relationships, community, and authentic connection can create meaningful and sustainable business growth.
Mike shares his journey from self-doubt and survival mode to building a business around relationships, strategic introductions, service, and intentional growth. Together, Holly and Mike unpack why business grows at the speed of trust and what it really takes to build a network that creates opportunities without making every relationship transactional.
In this conversation, we explore:
• Why trust is the foundation of sustainable business growth
• How relationships and strategic connections can create new opportunities
• The difference between motivation and inspiration
• Why harmony may be a better goal than balance
• What peak performance looks like beyond simply doing more
• How business growth can change relationships and expose old patterns
• The role of ego, shame, and comparison in business decisions
• Why asking permission matters before trying to help or sell
• How self-awareness can strengthen your leadership and relationships
• Why letting go of the outcome can lead to greater impact
Mike also shares a powerful lesson about leaving money on the table early in his business and why sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is stop trying to convince them before they're ready.
If you're an entrepreneur, business leader, consultant, or changemaker looking to grow through relationships rather than transactional networking, this conversation offers practical insights into building trust, creating meaningful connections, and growing a business on your own terms.
Listen to the full episode and let us know: What would change in your business if you focused less on networking more and more on building deeper trust?
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