On the way to walk the dogs today I dropped some money in the elevator. I was already at the end of the street when my neighbor chased me down to return it. She could have taken it. No one would have known. But that simple act of honesty really made my day. I already think highly of this new neighbor and will go out of my way to help her if she needs it.
Honesty in business
The same thing happened again the other day when I went to have a workbook printed at a small print shop in the neighborhood. The owner gave me a quote a couple of weeks earlier based on a printed sample I showed him. But when I sent it in on disk it turns out it was much cheaper than the previous quote.
He charged me the cheaper rate, but I really wouldn’t have known otherwise if he hadn’t been honest about it. I’m certainly not a big customer, but after that I will be a loyal one. And that’s one of the best reasons to be totally honest with your customers. They will appreciate it and remember it. They will also be more likely to spread the good word about your business either through referrals or testimonials. Create honesty in business.
Loyal customers
While honesty will get you more loyal and satisfied customers, being dishonest in business will drive them away. There’s nothing wrong with tooting your own horn and bragging a little about your products and services, but don’t flat out lie about them. Like I said in my previous post, you can’t please everyone. But whatever it is you have to sell there is a willing and eager audience for it. Just be truthful about exactly what it is you’re selling and the customer that wants what you have will beat a path to your door.