What are some methods to gain enough trust to achieve engagement with potential clients as a newly formed company?
There are lots of methods, but I’ll give just one answer to this excellent question:
Do NOT say you are a BRIGHT, NEW, YOUNG, FRESH, FIRM, RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE.
Although this may seem charming to yourself or perhaps even a downright recommendation, it is nothing to brag about to experienced buyers. Because it makes them generally react in two ways: avoid you as you are perceived to be a risk (continuity, quality, security), or they may try to take advantage of you.
You don’t have to lie about being a newly founded firm, just don’t emphasize it (unless you have very good reasons to do so, e.g. in situations that favor ‘flavor of the week’ suppliers).
Do emphasize experience (tell people how many years of experience the team has in the field), seniority (the level people worked at), vision (we do things differently because we see x, y, z going on in the market), guarantees, expertise, quality.
No, really. Don’t.