But why do people lie? The answer can vary, but lying to avoid punishment is believed to be the main reason why the odd lie pops out. Further reasons could be to protect yourself or others, or to impress those around you.
Lying can have a lasting impact, so first impressions are especially important when meeting new people.
The “Meet, Know, Like, and Trust” principle
Honesty is a strategic business imperative, not just an ethical choice. As a business grows, so does their network. It is crucial that peers see you and your organisation as trustworthy. Author of Endless Referrals, Bob Burg, said: “All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust.” Once you position yourself as an honest individual, your reputation will flourish.
Meet: Authentic first impressions
First impressions are long lasting. From physical appearance to verbal and non-verbal communication, presenting yourself as your true self can help create genuine connections. First impressions have been shown to last for months and people tend to get attached to their initial impressions of others. This means it can be hard to change their opinion, even when presented with conflicting evidence. Due to this, it is important to lay down truthful foundations.
Know: Truth reveals the real you
People do business with real, relatable humans. Individuals invest time and effort in people they know can be honest, whether this is about monetary figures or personal judgements on a presentation. Truth can take the form of transparency, admitting mistakes, providing accurate information and apologising when necessary.
Like: Integrity is magnetic
Speaking the truth can take courage. It is not always comfortable to tell it how it is, and while this may be difficult at first, integrity draws people in. American educator and author Stephen Covey said: “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundation principle that holds all relationships.”
The English Dictionary defines Integrity as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles”. It takes having the courage to do what you feel is right, regardless of who will know or see. Building a reputation of integrity takes years, but it takes only a second to lose it.
Trust: Makes for lasting business relationships
Trust can be built over time through consistent, honest actions. Famous author Zig Ziglar believes: “If people like you, they’ll listen to you, but if they trust you, they’ll do business with you.” This can be seen in networking, with peers referring those they know they can trust. Showing up and providing an authentic and reliable service can build lasting relationships and foster returning clients. This can lead to increased customer loyalty.
Honesty doesn’t mean brutal bluntness
When we speak about honesty, it is important to also be empathetic and discern unspoken messages to grasp the situation. Toning down bluntness can convey the message in a more respectful and engaging way.
Reputation
Honesty can help a business establish a positive reputation and differentiate itself from competitors. I have previously won a re-compete lucrative contract in the corporate world by being honest about prior delivery issues and making sure communication channels were always open for quick action when needed.
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