People can’t change the Truth,
But the Truth Can Change People.

What criteria do you look for in doing business with partners? 
When looking for a business vendor, service provider or even clients, do you look for
– Expertise?
– Credentials and Certification?
– Stability of Company?
– Proven Track Record? Or
– Authenticity?
I am sure you have loads of experiences of service providers, partners, clients and teams that you can write a books with.
All the factors listed above are used to evaluate who we will do business with. Without these, prospects and partners would not have the confidence to entrust their business with you.

The One factor affecting brand affinity

But what would be the one thing that you absolutely must have before you engage in sustaining business relationships?
If you have to choose who you work with, what would be the one acid test you use?
A business (or individual) that values truth and honesty is one that I will choose to work with. The image below depicts a principle so well I just want to share it here.

Truth does not change no matter how one manipulates it.

Integrity, Authenticity, Transparency

Someone else once said and I quote “Without Integrity You Have Nothing“. Without integrity and transparency relationship will not survive; whether you are using the latest technology or not.
When a business makes decisions in alignment with their core business values, you get authentic operations, clients and prospect see a consistency in the actions taken from business owners to customer support.
They know what to expect and the brand delivers on its promises.

Google looks for authenticity too

Google Panda and Penguin is good for genuine online marketers who show their “face” and expertise through posting quality articles, blog posts, videos, audios and who communicate with their readers.
The social media age enables the public; clients, prospects and everyone else with the ability to get to know and communicate with the person they want to do business with.

So do Human Resources personnel

Even employment agencies and Human Resource departments are using social media platforms to do back ground check on individuals and professionals before hiring.
So connect with your target partners and prospects but make sure you are open and transparent. This is the age of social proof and trust.
If you find that you are like a voice in the desert, the only one still holding onto this “unprofitable” principle, then remember that light shines brighter as darkness falls around it.

Business as a channel of good

Using business as a channel to bring value to community is a highly rewarding endeavor.
However, businesses that do not uphold integrity and ethics leave a less than desirable impression on us. And we have negative impressions of businesses or marketing and sales. That is so unfortunate!
It is my hope that more transparent and ethical businesses will abound so more people can benefit from healthy transactions or exchange of valuable goods and services.
Image credit: both images are taken from Follow Your Dreams To Achieve.

Use Social Media Responsibly For Your Professional Practice