I have been working in marketing and sales for over a decade and I am socked at the level of dishonesty right now. Maybe shocked isn't the most accurate word. I guess I am disappointed. Dishonesty seems to be the industry standard right now.
When I worked in traditional media, my specific goal was to sell as much radio advertising as possible. My second goal was to try and make it work for each client.
When I worked in digital sales and email rentals, my specific goal was to get as much money from the client as possible for each send. It didn't matter if it worked for them or not.
When I worked in affiliate marketing and copy writing, I was told to be truthful, but bend it as far is it will go without lying. I was told that was how you are successful when writing copy. I would have to try and bend the truth to get people to buy or donate. That isn't right and I didn't stay at that job long.
I say, "when" because all of that is in the past. I am now running my own small media company and have found that being honest is the best way to due business. Not just honest, but very forthcoming with any pitfalls or additional pricing.
Consumers want to know exactly what they are going to get and exactly what it will cost them. Business owners want the very same thing.
In a world where almost nobody trusts politicians, special effects and fake news, there is a real opportunity for the honest marketer to gain a foothold in the marketplace. Not only does it get people to actually trust you in a time when trust is in short supply, but it also cuts down time dealing with complaints and hate mail.
So if you are doing marketing, sales or really anything in life, understand that being honest isn't only the right thing to do, it is also the most effective way to promote yourself and your products.
(all gifs from www.giphy.com)
How important is honesty in your life and in business?
To my followers, you the megaphone at my protest rally.