If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don¡¯t \rhave integrity, nothing else matters. -- Alan K. Simpson

If I were to ask you what attribute is the most influential \rin regard to the success of a business, would you know \rimmediately which one is the most important? Based on my \rmany years as a business owner and entrepreneur, I have \rdiscovered that at the very top of the list is the \rdistinguishing quality of integrity. Without integrity at \rthe helm of a company, a business is usually short-lived. In \rfact, when business integrity is present throughout the \rdeepest layers of a company and not just at its surface, it \rbecomes the heart and soul of the company¡¯s culture and can \rmean the difference between a company that succeeds and a \rcompany that falters.

The Internet¡¯s Immeasurable Impact on the Marketplace!

The importance of integrity has always existed among the \rbusiness community, but in recent times has been shown as \rfalling short. It is the Internet¡¯s immeasurable impact on \rthe global marketplace that is now making the expression of \rintegrity, reliability and credibility extremely important. \rFurthermore, the consequence of global competition means \rthat customers will simply not consider a company that shows \rany less than the highest level of integrity. Since there is \ra wealth of competitive companies easily available and \raccessible via the Internet, there is in fact no need to \raccept anything less than the best.

Where Does Integrity Start?

In an effort to build upon a foundation of integrity, the \rfirst requirement would be to establish excellent rapport \rwith clients. Based on many years of study, the best and \rmost practiced method for achieving rapport is by way of \rRelationship Marketing. Just as it sounds, Relationship \rMarketing is founded on the single and most critical \rcharacteristic, known as ¡°Integrity.¡± However, achieving \rtrue integrity with clients often leaves many an \rentrepreneur bewildered, grasping for techniques and \rstrategies that guarantee their futures. But integrity is \rnot something that can be grasped and then simply used. \rIntegrity in its essence must be so ingrained within the \rnature of an individual, its company and the team members, \rthat it remains steadfast no matter what. Without question, \rothers sense it and find it very attractive.

The True Nature of Integrity!

Now you are probably asking yourself, what is the true \rnature of integrity? There are in fact some very basic \rprinciples that surround the qualities of business \rintegrity. At its core, integrity begins with a company \rleader who understands the qualities of integrity which then \rfilters down throughout the company into every department \rand every member¡¯s approach and attitude.

In recent research performed by the Institute of Business \rEthics- an organization which is among the world¡¯s leaders \rin promoting corporate ethical best practices, it was found \rthat companies displaying a ¡°clear commitment to ethical \rconduct¡± almost invariably outperform companies that do not \rdisplay ethical conduct. The Director of the Institute of \rBusiness Ethics, Philippa Foster Black, stated: ¡°Not only is \rethical behavior in the business world the right and \rprincipled thing to do, but it has been proven that ethical \rbehavior pays off in financial returns.¡± These findings \rdeserve to be considered as an important tool for companies \rstriving for long-term prospects and growth.

The following 7 Principles of Business Integrity are the \rbasics of integrity and a good starting off place to \rconsider. By integrating each of these principles within a \rcompany environment, the result will be nothing short of a \rmajor rebirth of the enterprise.

Principle #1: Recognize that customers/clients want to do business \rwith a company they can trust; when trust is at the core \rof a company, it is easy to recognize. Trust defined is \rassured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or \rtruth of a business.

Principle #2: For continuous improvement of a company, the leader \rof an organization must be willing to open up to ideas \rfor betterment. Ask for opinions and feedback from \rboth customers and team members and your company \rwill continue to grow.

Principle #3: Regardless of the circumstances, do everything in your \rpower to gain the trust of past customer¡¯s and clients, \rparticularly if something has gone awry. Do what you \rcan to reclaim any lost business by honoring all \rcommitments and obligations.

Principle #4: Re-evaluate all print materials including small business advertising, brochures and other business documents \rmaking sure they are clear, precise and professional; \rmost important make sure they do not misrepresent or \rmisinterpret.

Principle #5: Remain involved in community-related issues and \ractivities thereby demonstrating that your business is a \rresponsible community contributor. In other words, stay \rinvolved.

Principle #6: Take a hands-on approach in regard to accounting and \rrecord keeping, not only as a means of gaining a better \rfeel for the progress of your company, but as a resource \rfor any ¡°questionable ¡° activities; gaining control of \raccounting and record keeping allows you to end any \rdubious activities promptly.

Principle #7: Treat others with the utmost of respect. Regardless of \rdifferences, positions, titles, ages, or other types of \rdistinctions, always treat others with professional \rrespect and courtesy.

While it is most certainly an integral and positive step for \ra small business to recognize the significance of integrity \ras a tool for achieving its desired outcomes, that is only \rthe beginning. What must truly be recognized for true \rsuccess is that while certain precise universal principles \rlead to business integrity, it is in the overall mindset of \rthe company and the unfailing implementation of these key \relements that an enterprise is truly defined. A small \rbusiness that instills a deep-seated theme of integrity \rwithin its strategies and policies will not only be evident \ramong customers, associates and partners, but its overall \rinfluence cannot help but to result in a profitable, \rsuccessful company. By recognizing the value of integrity, \rand following each of the aforementioned 7 principles for \rachieving integrity, your success cannot be far off.

Robert Moment is a best-selling author, business coach, \rstrategist and the founder of The Moment Group, a consulting \rfirm dedicated to helping small businesses win federal \rcontracts. He just released his new book, It Only Takes a \rMoment to Score, and recently unveiled Sell Integrity, a \rsmall business tool that helps you successfully sell your \rbusiness idea. Learn more at: http://www.sellintegrity.com

or email: Robert@sellintegrity.com