Trust No One, Even Friends

When engaging in business relationships, treat friends as if they are adversaries to maintain both trust and friendship. This approach stems from the understanding that being fooled can happen to anyone, regardless of track record. Assume that you know nothing and remain cautious, as even a small percentage of errors can negate larger successes. Operating from a mindset of skepticism helps protect relationships and ensures a more secure approach to partnerships, hiring, and vendor dealings. It emphasizes the importance of vigilance without fostering undue mistrust.