Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Integrity is the Foundation

     In a previous blog, I mentioned that integrity is the single most important thing you can bring to your business and your life. Merriam-Webster Online describes integrity as a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility. So, if you're working your business with integrity, it means that you are a person of your word, you treat other how you want to be treated, you represent your company with pride, you understand the ordeals of your clients and team members, you give credit where credit is due, and you don't cheat the system.
    A person can cheat the system and pressure customers/team members, and they might go far...at first. But in the end they will fail because who wants to buy from a pushy person? Who wants to follow a tyrant? No one. When you genuinely care about the people and the customers you serve, they will care back. They will be loyal and they will follow you far. Treating people with respect is not just good for the heart, but also good for your business!
    Be a reliable person. If you say you're going to do something, do everything in your power to do it. Sometimes circumstances will get in the way, that's life, but "not feeling like it" is not a circumstance that warrants a betrayal of your word. I don't always feel like going to shows. Sometimes I'll have the beginning of a migraine or be exhausted, but if I can be there, I will. I want the reputation that my business is important to me and that I treat it like a "real' business. I bet if you had an actual boss hanging over your head, making sure your presentations get done on time, you would do what you had to do to be there. Treat your business as if a boss is breathing down your neck and the self-discipline you may lack will follow suit.
    Give credit where credit is due. I try very hard to mention the specifics of where I heard an idea. I did not come up with all of these ideas on my own. Some are just common thoughts in the industry that can't be narrowed down to one group or person. Some ideas I get from books like the Build it Big series where an idea in those books will stem into other ideas in my head. I get a lot of ideas from some of the biggest names in direct sales, I put my own twist on them and post them for you to see. I want you to use my ideas, and share my blog with your team.
     Just steer your business with your moral compass (cheesy but true) and you will not be disappointed.


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I really love this blog entry. To add a thought, I think there actually are times when integrity will hurt someone in sales -- but it is still the right thing to do, for yourself and your customer. There are times when it is really easy to exaggerate the benefits of a product without getting in trouble, but if this is an act of deception it is still wrong. It takes a spiritual toll on us.

Love the blog! xo
Your cousin in Chicago
M