Credibility a prime currency of influence. One secret to credibility is homework. People have trust and confidence in us when we show up having done our homework on whatever we're working on together.
We take time finding out more about their work and the topic at hand. We come with data, examples and resources. It reveals our level of caring which is infinitely more obvious than when we show up having done no work or thinking beforehand. Sure it takes time, and the investment is worthwhile if building and sustaining credibility matters.