If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t

have integrity, nothing else matters. — Alan K. Simpson

If I were to ask you what attribute is the most influential

in regard to the success of a business, would you know

immediately which one is the most important? Based on my

many years as a business owner and entrepreneur, I have

discovered that at the very top of the list is the

distinguishing quality of integrity. Without integrity at

the helm of a company, a business is usually short-lived. In

fact, when business integrity is present throughout the

deepest layers of a company and not just at its surface, it

becomes the heart and soul of the company’s culture and can

mean the difference between a company that succeeds and a

company that falters.

The Internet’s Immeasurable Impact on the Marketplace!

The importance of integrity has always existed among the

business community, but in recent times has been shown as

falling short. It is the Internet’s immeasurable impact on

the global marketplace that is now making the expression of

integrity, reliability and credibility extremely important.

Furthermore, the consequence of global competition means

that customers will simply not consider a company that shows

any less than the highest level of integrity. Since there is

a wealth of competitive companies easily available and

accessible via the Internet, there is in fact no need to

accept anything less than the best.

Where Does Integrity Start?

In an effort to build upon a foundation of integrity, the

first requirement would be to establish excellent rapport

with clients. Based on many years of study, the best and

most practiced method for achieving rapport is by way of

Relationship Marketing. Just as it sounds, Relationship

Marketing is founded on the single and most critical

characteristic, known as “Integrity.” However, achieving

true integrity with clients often leaves many an

entrepreneur bewildered, grasping for techniques and

strategies that guarantee their futures. But integrity is

not something that can be grasped and then simply used.

Integrity in its essence must be so ingrained within the

nature of an individual, its company and the team members,

that it remains steadfast no matter what. Without question,

others sense it and find it very attractive.

The True Nature of Integrity!

Now you are probably asking yourself, what is the true

nature of integrity? There are in fact some very basic

principles that surround the qualities of business

integrity. At its core, integrity begins with a company

leader who understands the qualities of integrity which then

filters down throughout the company into every department

and every member’s approach and attitude.

In recent research performed by the Institute of Business

Ethics- an organization which is among the world’s leaders

in promoting corporate ethical best practices, it was found

that companies displaying a “clear commitment to ethical

conduct” almost invariably outperform companies that do not

display ethical conduct. The Director of the Institute of

Business Ethics, Philippa Foster Black, stated: “Not only is

ethical behavior in the business world the right and

principled thing to do, but it has been proven that ethical

behavior pays off in financial returns.” These findings

deserve to be considered as an important tool for companies

striving for long-term prospects and growth.

The following 7 Principles of Business Integrity are the

basics of integrity and a good starting off place to

consider. By integrating each of these principles within a

company environment, the result will be nothing short of a

major rebirth of the enterprise.

Principle #1: Recognize that customers/clients want to do business

with a company they can trust; when trust is at the core

of a company, it is easy to recognize. Trust defined is

assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or

truth of a business.

Principle #2: For continuous improvement of a company, the leader

of an organization must be willing to open up to ideas

for betterment. Ask for opinions and feedback from

both customers and team members and your company

will continue to grow.

Principle #3: Regardless of the circumstances, do everything in your

power to gain the trust of past customer’s and clients,

particularly if something has gone awry. Do what you

can to reclaim any lost business by honoring all

commitments and obligations.

Principle #4: Re-evaluate all print materials including small business advertising, brochures and other business documents

making sure they are clear, precise and professional;

most important make sure they do not misrepresent or

misinterpret.

Principle #5: Remain involved in community-related issues and

activities thereby demonstrating that your business is a

responsible community contributor. In other words, stay

involved.

Principle #6: Take a hands-on approach in regard to accounting and

record keeping, not only as a means of gaining a better

feel for the progress of your company, but as a resource

for any “questionable ” activities; gaining control of

accounting and record keeping allows you to end any

dubious activities promptly.

Principle #7: Treat others with the utmost of respect. Regardless of

differences, positions, titles, ages, or other types of

distinctions, always treat others with professional

respect and courtesy.

While it is most certainly an integral and positive step for

a small business to recognize the significance of integrity

as a tool for achieving its desired outcomes, that is only

the beginning. What must truly be recognized for true

success is that while certain precise universal principles

lead to business integrity, it is in the overall mindset of

the company and the unfailing implementation of these key

elements that an enterprise is truly defined. A small

business that instills a deep-seated theme of integrity

within its strategies and policies will not only be evident

among customers, associates and partners, but its overall

influence cannot help but to result in a profitable,

successful company. By recognizing the value of integrity,

and following each of the aforementioned 7 principles for

achieving integrity, your success cannot be far off.