Your Name is Your Word

Proverbs 22:8 A good name is more desirable that great riches, to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

I recently signed a contract with a company to do two agreed upon projects. One project was small and the other was somewhat larger. The vendor called me to say the small project was done.

When I stopped to pick up the completed project the vendor stated that she could not do the larger project for the amount that we had agreed upon – the amount stated in a contract signed by both of us. This was not due to a change in the scope of the project. She simply had decided the amount was too low because she felt the organization for whom the work was being done would become very prosperous.

I was totally taken aback. I have learned through eight years in business that your word is your name. When you sign a contract to do a project or sell a product you do not go back to the customer and say, “I want more money for this project.”

Integrity is one of the most important aspects of any business relationship. When I work with vendors I want to be able to pick up the product at the amount that was agreed upon. Now, because of this issue, I am unable to trust this individual. Due to this lack of trust not only do I not see myself working with this company for future projects, but neither will I refer anyone to this company.

I am a business woman who operates my business with integrity. My word is my name. I expect that is how the vendors that I do business with to operate as well.

I have learned over the last eight years that if I make a mistake and mis-quote a product or service, it is an opportunity for me to learn for the next project. I never go back and change the charges unless the project/product scope changes. I know and operate under the principle that a good name is more desirable than great riches. My reputation and who I am is more important than a few dollars.

Your reputation and your name is a reflection of the level of trust people have in you. Business is based upon trust. If your business is not built on a foundation of trust, it will not flourish.