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 which 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.