Holicent
VIP Contributor
According to research, customers prefer genuine businesses over fake ones. It seems like a simple concept: If you're sincere, you'll be more successful. But in practice, it's not that simple. In fact, sincerity can be one of the trickiest things to pull off in business. It's easy to go overboard and come across as phony or awkward. But if you don't do it right, it can make you look like a bad person and ruin your reputation.
In business, sincerity is a valuable asset. It may not win you customers, but it will keep them happy and loyal. Sincerity is an easy word to use incorrectly. It's often used as a synonym for honesty, which is not the same thing. Honesty requires that you tell the truth; sincerity requires that you mean what you say.
Below are two ways to make sure your business is being honest without coming off as fake:
1) Be transparent about your motives. If you're trying to sell something, be honest about it. Don't try to hide behind fluffy marketing claims or vague statements about "improving lives." Customers can tell when you're not telling the truth, so don't try to fool them into buying something they don't need or want just because you think it will make them happier.
2) Be consistent in your messaging and actions. If your company promises that it cares about its customers first and foremost, then follow through on that promise every time, even if it means losing money or missing out on opportunities for growth because of it. Your word should mean something, especially when it comes from a big corporation like yours. People will see through anything less than total honesty in this case.
In business, sincerity is a valuable asset. It may not win you customers, but it will keep them happy and loyal. Sincerity is an easy word to use incorrectly. It's often used as a synonym for honesty, which is not the same thing. Honesty requires that you tell the truth; sincerity requires that you mean what you say.
Below are two ways to make sure your business is being honest without coming off as fake:
1) Be transparent about your motives. If you're trying to sell something, be honest about it. Don't try to hide behind fluffy marketing claims or vague statements about "improving lives." Customers can tell when you're not telling the truth, so don't try to fool them into buying something they don't need or want just because you think it will make them happier.
2) Be consistent in your messaging and actions. If your company promises that it cares about its customers first and foremost, then follow through on that promise every time, even if it means losing money or missing out on opportunities for growth because of it. Your word should mean something, especially when it comes from a big corporation like yours. People will see through anything less than total honesty in this case.