Don't ever break someone's trust. Once you do, then nobody wants to do business with you.

The quote “Don’t ever break someone’s trust. Once you do, then nobody wants to do business with you” by Robert Budi Hartono emphasizes the critical role of trust in the world of business and professional relationships. At its core, this quote conveys the idea that integrity and credibility are foundational to successful and sustainable business dealings. Trust, once damaged, is extremely difficult to restore, and its loss can lead to long-term reputational harm.

Robert Budi Hartono, one of Indonesia’s most successful entrepreneurs and the heir to the Djarum Group—a major player in the tobacco and banking industries—understands the value of relationships in commerce. His quote reflects a personal and practical philosophy: in any transaction or partnership, reliability and honesty carry more weight than short-term profit. A single breach of trust can ripple through one’s network, making others hesitant to collaborate or invest.

The statement also speaks to the social nature of business. Deals, investments, and partnerships often rely more on personal confidence than just contracts and numbers. Once an individual or company earns a reputation for deceit, it becomes nearly impossible to rebuild the professional goodwill that once existed. In such a context, trust becomes not just an ethical virtue but a strategic asset.

In a global economy where relationships and reputation cross borders, Hartono’s advice serves as a timeless reminder. Whether in large-scale corporate ventures or everyday transactions, preserving trustworthiness is essential for growth, collaboration, and long-term success.