Two phone calls. Two developers. One powerful lesson learned.
Today, I reached out to two developers to discuss a solution I needed for a large project. Both developers demonstrated competence in their field. But what truly stood out was one thing they both did that left a lasting impression on me. They provided me with a solution to my problem, and then they went a step further. They said that I might not even need to use their services. This unexpected honesty made me want to work with them even more.
Honest Builds Trust
Honesty builds trust. Trust builds relationships. And strong relationships are the foundation of any successful business. My coach and mentor, Lamar Tyler, embodies this principle. One of his newest clients, who is also in Lamar’s Traffic, Sales, and Profit program with me, shared a powerful story. Before the client had even made a purchase, Lamar helped him and connected him with a valuable resource. Lamar prioritized the client’s best interests above making a sale.
When someone seeks your solution, be transparent with them. Don’t let the desire for a sale cloud your judgment or compromise your integrity. Be honest about whether your product or service truly meets their needs. If it doesn’t, have the courage to say so.
Their Best Interest
When potential clients know that you have their best interests at heart, they’ll be more inclined to work with you. Your honesty will set you apart from competitors who might be more focused on making a quick sale. People appreciate genuine concern and will remember how you made them feel.
In some cases, your honesty may lead to not working with a particular client. They may realize that they don’t actually need your services. While it might seem like a lost opportunity, it’s quite the opposite. You’ll feel better knowing that you acted with integrity. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that you didn’t mislead someone just to make a sale.
On the other hand, if you do end up working with a client who shouldn’t have hired you, it can lead to problems down the road. When a client realizes that your solution doesn’t meet their needs, the relationship can sour quickly. They may feel misled or taken advantage of, which can damage your reputation and future business prospects.
Honesty is the best policy in business, even if it means potentially losing a sale in the short term. When you consistently demonstrate integrity and put your clients’ needs first, word will spread about your honest and excellent work. People will talk about how you helped them find the right solution, even if it didn’t involve your services. This positive word-of-mouth can be a powerful driver of growth for your business.
Your Reputation
As your reputation for honesty and quality work grows, more people will seek out your services. They’ll trust that you’ll give them straight answers and have their best interests at heart. This trust will lead to long-term relationships and a loyal client base that will help your business thrive.
The two developers I spoke with today reminded me of the importance of honesty in business. They could have easily pushed their services on me, even if they weren’t the best fit. But they chose to prioritize my needs over making a sale. That honesty and integrity made a lasting impression and increased my desire to work with them in the future.
Take a cue from Lamar Tyler and these developers. Put your clients’ needs first, even if it means potentially losing a sale. Be transparent about whether your solution is the right fit. In the long run, your honesty will set you apart, build trust, and help your business grow. Honesty truly is the best policy in business.
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Why Humility and Honesty are Two Powerful Traits of Leaders(Opens in a new browser tab)
Leading Compassionately: 8 Values for Successful Servant Leaders(Opens in a new browser tab)
Increase Your Marketing In Lean Times, Don’t Reduce It.(Opens in a new browser tab)
