In a movie scene, a boss tells his team something curious: “If you are with a client and want to earn their trust, always go for the more expensive option. Say you are offered tea or coffee — choose tea, meaning you only want the best.”
At first glance, this sounds like a strange piece of advice. How could choosing tea over coffee possibly build trust with a client? But beneath the surface, there is an important lesson about perception, confidence, and the way small decisions communicate big messages.
The Symbolism Behind the Choice
The tea-versus-coffee example isn’t really about the drinks themselves. Instead, it’s about what your choice represents:
- Tea in that context was framed as the “premium” option — a symbol of refinement, class, and quality.
- Coffee was seen as the “ordinary” or “everyday” option.
By choosing the so-called premium option, the idea is that you communicate to your client:
- You appreciate quality.
- You’re confident enough to choose the best.
- You align with high standards, just like they do.
The Psychology of Clients and Trust
In business, people often trust those who seem to share their values and outlook. A wealthy client, for instance, might feel more comfortable with someone who also signals an appreciation for finer things, rather than someone who appears to always go for the cheapest or easiest option.
This is not about being fake or wasteful. It’s about understanding the subtle ways that choices — even small ones — can influence how others perceive your confidence, taste, and professionalism.
Beyond Tea and Coffee: The Bigger Lesson
For women in business across Africa, the lesson is much broader:
- Your choices speak before you do. Whether it’s what you wear, how you present your ideas, or even how you order in a meeting, people notice.
- Confidence builds trust. Clients often respond more positively to those who make decisive, assured choices rather than hesitant ones.
- Quality over quantity. Demonstrating that you value excellence, not just convenience, can leave a lasting impression.
But Trust Is More Than Appearances
Of course, choosing tea over coffee won’t close a deal by itself. True trust comes from:
- Delivering on your promises.
- Being transparent and ethical.
- Building real human connection.
The tea example is simply a metaphor — a reminder that sometimes, even the smallest choices can set the tone for bigger relationships.
A Call to Women Professionals
As African women building businesses, brands, and careers, let us remember that trust is earned not only through our big achievements but also through the small signals we send every day. Choosing confidence, choosing quality, and choosing to align with excellence are all ways of saying to the world:
