Has honesty in business become a thing of the past? With so many people flocking to the internet, many are asking themselves this question as they fall victim to the dark side of the internet.

The internet has a reputation and it’s continuing to live up to it.  As people search to find solutions to their problems, many end up spending their hard-earned money on “Get Rich Schemes” only to find out that they’ve been duped.  The so-called bargain they hoped for really wasn’t a bargain at all.

As business owners, we need to clean up our acts and bring old fashioned business ethics into the picture.  Businesses can and should be more than just for money.  Profits yes, but profits can be more that just financial.  What about the value we provide for our employees and for our customers?

The word ethics comes from the Greek word ethos, which means “character.” Reputation is what people think of you but character is what you are. For goodness sakes, don’t leave your character at the front door of your business.  Let it in.

Here are seven ways you can bring ethics into your business:

1. Treat your employees well. If you have employees, pay them enough and provide benefits that will better their lives.  Be kind and grateful to them because they are your best assets.
2. Be honest even when others are not. Worry about what you do and not your competitors are doing.
3. Serve your customers, clients and tenants well by providing great value and by giving them convenience.  If you give them fair prices, high quality products and services, in return they will give you their respect and loyalty.
4. Provide good customer service. Not only does this meet their needs but is also helps your business earn public trust.  Remember that your customers are your best revenue generators.
5. Stay away from “Black Hat” practices. I remain amazed at the number of businesses that continue to use unethical practices to sell their product or service.   So many people are turned off by these practices.   Wouldn’t it be better to have a customer for a lifetime than to have tricked someone into a one-time sale?
6. Be fair to your competitors. To make yourself look better, you can either tear down your competition or build yourself up.  The latter serves you better.  Look at your competitors as motivation to do better.
7. Build a win-win situation. Building your business on a foundation of honesty is a two-way street.  Your customer gets what they paid for and you get a repeat costumer that will go out and tell his/her friends. You’re building great relationships and a great reputation.

Conducting your business the right way with a clean conscience is also healthier for you.  You’ll sleep better at night with gladness in your heart that you’re doing the right things.  Gratitude will come your way and you’ll have less stress knowing you’re running your business with high ethics.

So, what will it be?  Will you play clean, or dirty?  The choice is yours!  I know what I’m going to do.  How about come along and join me.

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