2 Business Lessons That Could Make You a Million Dollars

1. Real ethics is an absolute necessity.

In today’s work environment, there is a feeling that one person must do whatever it takes to close a sale. With this mindset, ethical lines are often blurred in desperation to make a sale, and many are willing to offer anything and everything it takes to close the deal. Proposing a song and dance to a client and over-promising the results that can be delivered may work in the short term, but what about the long term?

Currently, I have a contract with a supplier that did not deliver what was promised. I was promised amazing results, and what I got has been mediocre at best. The hassle of getting my money back is not worth it to me, and I don’t think it’s worth compromising my own business ethics to get a quick payout. I will let the supplier finalize the contract, but I no longer see him as an expert in his field and it is unlikely that I will work with him in the future.

Fair and honest business practices are the best choice, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it will get you further. Never promise great results unless you are 110% sure that you can execute the task successfully and efficiently. It is a form of dishonesty and will ALWAYS set you back in the long run. More than anything, the first step to a successful career is to act with the highest ethical standards.

WHOSE: Bernie Madoff sweater

DO: Say what you mean and mean what you say

2. Get along with people: you will go further in life.

Getting along with others can be tricky in the business world, but it’s in poor taste to burn bridges for more than one reason. First, building positive business relationships will give your career a solid foundation and pave the way to greater success. It takes an investment of time and thought to create lasting relationships, but the end result is certainly worth the effort. The damage of sending just one sarcastic email is often irreparable and affects the way your colleagues see you.

The second reason why relationship building is invaluable is best illustrated in the following story: Recently, a young woman came into my office to be interviewed by one of my employees for an open position at a company. I enjoy getting to know our clients and often introduce myself because they have taken the time to come into the office. I started asking her about her current job and she explained that she followed her boss to her fifth business. (He had already started and sold four other businesses.) Curious, I asked him what he was like. Her response was that he was often depressed and, as a result, no longer enjoyed his work because he felt that she was more of a babysitter and less of a colleague.

Without hesitation, I said that he’s probably sorry about the burned bridges. She thought I was a genius, but I’ve burned enough bridges to know that doing so is pretty depressing. Regardless of how much money you make, it’s never nice to know that some people have constant remorse for you. Remorse is difficult to reverse and affects both how others see you and how you see yourself. Of course, some relationships won’t work out, but it’s important to realize the value of each and every professional relationship you have.

WHOSE: Use your emotions to make decisions

DO: Build bridges. Network, send follow-up emails, and always be professional.