Integrity matters

In business, your reputation is hard to establish, but easy to destroy. Doing what is right, even when you think nobody else will know, can make a difference. It can mean the difference between success and failure.

I am not just referring to the big things. Little lies such as "my partner has to approve this deal" or "I am not the owner, I am just the manager", if not true, can cost you the trust of a client. But it can cost you more. Business growth often comes from referrals of others who were satisfied with what we did for them. Bad comments are more memorable than good, and can cause serious damage to our reputation and business.

It also involves being fair, even when it seems it is not needed. When that old widow tells you she will sell you her property for what she paid for it 30 years ago, when it is worth much more, is it right to accept that price because it was offered? Or should you use the same formulas you would have used for any other property? When you find that family heirloom ring in the sink trap as you do the demo work, should you sell it, or inquire to see if the previous owner has any knowledge of it?

Reputation is everything.