There’s a lot of advice out there about how to grow your business. Some people say you need fancy marketing. Others say you need a huge social media following. But here’s the truth: None of it matters if people don’t trust you.
And that’s where integrity comes in.
Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. It means being honest, keeping your promises, and treating people fairly. When you build a business based on integrity, clients trust you, they stay with you longer, and they tell their friends about you.
So, let’s talk about why integrity is so important, how it can make or break your business, and simple ways to show integrity every day.
Why Integrity Helps You Get (and Keep) Clients
Have you ever worked with someone who said one thing but did another? Maybe a coach promised you big results but didn’t actually help you get there. Or maybe you paid for something that wasn’t what you expected. How did that make you feel?
Probably frustrated. Maybe even a little cheated.
Now, think about the businesses you love. The ones you go back to again and again. Chances are, they are businesses that keep their word.
When clients trust you, they:
✅ Stay with you longer
✅ Refer their friends to you
✅ Feel good about investing in your programs
But if clients feel misled, they’ll leave—and they’ll tell others about their bad experience.
How to Build Trust with Integrity
- Say what you mean; mean what you say – If you promise something, deliver it. No excuses.
- Be upfront about what you offer – No sneaky fees or last-minute surprises.
- Own your mistakes. If something goes wrong, admit it and make it right.
Why Honesty About Pricing & Services Matters
Ever clicked on a website where there’s no price listed for a service? Annoying, right?
Or worse—have you ever signed up for something thinking it was one price, only to find out later there were extra fees?
That’s why transparency in pricing and services is a big deal. People don’t like guessing games. They want to know what they’re paying for and what they’ll get.
How to Be Transparent in Your Business
💰 Be clear about pricing. If possible, list your prices on your website or share them early in the conversation.
📋 Explain what’s included. Make sure clients know what they’re getting (and what they’re not).
📝 Set honest expectations. Don’t promise “overnight success” if you know real results take time.
Example: A coach who says, “I’ll help you grow your business using proven strategies” is way more trustworthy than one who says, “I guarantee you’ll make six figures in 90 days!”
Businesses That Failed vs. Businesses That Thrived
Some businesses crash and burn because they don’t operate with integrity. Others thrive because people trust them.
🚫 Theranos (Health Tech) Once valued at $9 billion, Theranos promised revolutionary blood-testing technology that never worked. The lack of integrity led to lawsuits, bankruptcy, and a disgraced founder.
🚫 Online “Get Rich Quick” Gurus Many so-called business coaches promise overnight success but fail to deliver. They churn through clients, leaving a trail of disappointed entrepreneurs and a tarnished reputation.
Success Stories of Integrity in Business
✅ Patagonia (Outdoor Retail) Patagonia is known for its ethical business practices, from environmental sustainability to fair wages. Customers trust the brand, and loyalty remains strong.
✅ Coaches Who Offer Money-Back Guarantees Many ethical business owners include guarantees because they believe in their services. This builds confidence and long-term client relationships.
5 Simple Ways to Show Integrity Every Day
You don’t need a big plan to run your business with integrity. It’s all about the small things you do every day.
1) Keep Your Promises
If you tell a client you’ll send them something by Friday, send it by Friday. Simple.
2) Be Honest About Results
Don’t say your program will “change someone’s life” if it won’t. Say what’s true.
3) Admit Mistakes
Mess up? It happens. Own it, apologize, and fix it. People respect honesty.
4) Give Credit Where It’s Due
If you learned a great tip from another coach, say so! Integrity means not taking credit for other people’s work.
5) Do What’s Right, Even When No One’s Watching
Would you still run your business the same way if no one ever found out? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
Integrity is the Best Business Strategy
You don’t need to be the loudest marketer or have the fanciest website to succeed. You just need to be honest, reliable, and real.
When you run your business with integrity, you build a reputation that keeps clients coming back—and they’ll bring their friends with them.
Your reputation is your greatest asset. Protect it, grow it, and let it work for you.
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Come and join our community of integrity-based coaches and consultants who are out there making the world a better place!
