| Honesty is the Best Business Tool in Tough Times |
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| Written by Peter Collins |
| Saturday, 19 September 2009 04:08 |
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As long as most of us can remember, phrases such as, If you tell the truth, you won't need a great memory, I avoid telling lies, because I do not have the best of memories, or Its ok to stretch the truth as long as no-one gets hurt . . . and so on, have become part of many peoples lives. And that is perhaps one of the saddest admissions of where a greater number of todays business community are at in these challenging financial times.
As long as most of us can remember, phrases such as, If you tell the truth, you won't need a great memory, I avoid telling lies, because I do not have the best of memories, or Its ok to stretch the truth as long as no-one gets hurt . . . and so on, have become part of many peoples lives. And that is perhaps one of the saddest admissions of where a greater number of todays business community are at in these challenging financial times. The problem with today's society is that many not only deceive others, but also deceive themselves. Many are already aware that those who use phrases such as, I avoid telling lies, because I do not have the greatest of memories, in the main cannot be trusted. Many are already habitual liars, exaggerators or deceivers. Yet through all of the lies, deception, exaggerations and distortions that make up todays business world, the majority of people would still prefer to deal primarily with those that can be trusted to keep then word no matter what. The problem with today's society is that many not only deceive others, but also deceive themselves. Many are already aware that those who use phrases such as, I avoid telling lies, because I do not have the greatest of memories, in the main cannot be trusted. Many are already habitual liars, exaggerators or deceivers. Yet through all of the lies, deception, exaggerations and distortions that make up todays business world, the majority of people would still prefer to deal primarily with those that can be trusted to keep then word no matter what. As long as most of us can remember, phrases such as, If you tell the truth, you won't need a great memory, I avoid telling lies, because I do not have the best of memories, or Its ok to stretch the truth as long as no-one gets hurt . . . and so on, have become part of many peoples lives. And that is perhaps one of the saddest admissions of where a greater number of todays business community are at in these challenging financial times. Here is a word of advice everyone considering entering into any manner of sales, consulting or small business, unless you intend to spend a short term, like only a few years in business, then lie, cheat, exaggerate and do whatever else you want to. But also remember, your prospects are not stupid, you'll get caught out more often than you think, and even sooner than you think. Those people also network, so it stands to reason that your ability to continue on will gradually dry up. Then when you do get caught out and things look grim, the sales have stopped and the cash-flow has dried up, then think back to when your now acquired deceptive practices crept into your life and influenced your actions and reactions. Then think of the damage the same practices have done to your private life and then . . . count the cost. One of the best rewards of being successful is being able to feel good about yourself. When you feel good about yourself, you tend to be more astute, mentally sharper, have far more energy and achieve so much more. The only standard that should apply at all times is total honesty. Anything less, is an insult to everyone including you . . . yes you. Even a habitual liar deserves to honour themselves better than they do. Integrity, honesty and ethical conduct in business makes really good business sense . . . in more ways than one. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. Telling the truth is the only long term business policy that works Honesty is your best business weapon |