I have had a lot of response from a blog post I did about a very personal situation in my business.
The point of it was was, “don’t be fooled by talk, look at the fruit.” In the internet world especially, it is easy to fall for the hype, the great sales pages and the over-the-top copy that makes promises that it rarely delivers.
All too often my inbox is filled with emails that sound like infomercials. But you know what? I guess if they weren’t working, they wouldn’t send them. So, somebody is buying the hype.
I just wonder what happened to ethics. I wonder what happened to authentic marketing. Do people have “itching ears” and just want someone to tell them what they want to hear?
Well, I’m not one of those. As a Christian, I have a personal code of ethics based on biblical teaching.
I am all for branding, marketing and sales – but I never promise what I can’t deliver.
I let my actions speak louder than my words. I have testimonials and tons of “endorsements” about the service my company provides. Real people, with real names, first and last names. Nothing hidden.
Besides, it’s harder to keep up with lies – than remember the truth. Are people really that desperate for sales that they have to lie, cheat and pretend to be something that they’re not?
As a Christian in business, it is imperative that we act ethical and have moral standards regarding our communication – including marketing copy!
Do not deceive people – no matter how bad you want the sale. Fraud is fraud.
How does one stay ethical in a world that wants to sold on “hype?”
It’s funny, I’ve been in business for more than ten years, but when I partnered with another person who had more “internet marketing savvy” than I (meaning more hyped sales copy), sales took off like crazy.
It was amazing to me to see how people responded to the “fast, quick, easy” sales jargon. Though many had followed me for years, I never over-promised. I deliver real results – but nothing is ever FAST, QUICK or EASY. People bought the “But wait, there’s more” sales jargon.
Seriously? (Said in my Kim Kardasian voice)
Those who are looking for the pot of gold at the end of rainbow will also buy the magic pill to make you lose 30 pounds in two weeks. And they will believe a person who sounds good and writes good copy – for no apparent reason other than they want to believe the hype.
It’s easy to get caught up.
Here are five questions to ask yourself if you have doubts are whether you are crossing that thin like of deception in marketing:
- Are you over exaggerating the truth to make the sale?
- Are you withholding or obscuring information that should be included to make the sale?
- Are you playing on fears of your reader or listener to make the sale?
- Are you promising something that cannot be delivered just to make the sale?
- Are you being truthful, straight forward and honest? Seriously?
Now, I know, some folks, especially internet copywriters, would disagree with some of this, but as a Christian, it’s important to stay above-board.
If you have to lie to get the sale – is it really worth it in the long run? Seriously?
Be you. Be authentic. Shine your light – and give God the glory and you’ll be blessed. That’s the bottom line. That’s success, true success.
Be a light in darkness. Shine the truth.
What about you? Have you “fallen” for the sales hype? What do you think about when you see sleazy emails and infomercial-like sales pages with nothing to back them up? How do YOU avoid the temptation?
Thanks so much for sharing this article. So many people are using these tactics just to get a quick buck. I don’t understand how they can play on people emotions like this but they do. Honesty is always the best policy. Thanks for being an amazing mentor. I look forward to more.
Hugs,
Charlotte
Thanks Chalotte, yes, marketing is not LYING. Marketing is really relationship building. Person to person….and if you lie to people in general – you’ll lie in your marketing. Thanks for the comment. I adore your marketing – you are authentic and refreshing!
Thank you! I am really enjoying these posts. Sending you a big virtual hug.:-)
What I love about this article is not only do you identify the problem, but you also give the questions to ask yourself to help people recognize what type of marketing they are doing. Many blogs will make you aware, but will not give you the tools to change. So I picked up on that immediately. Another statement I loved is that your relationship with Christ is not compromised in your business. You made it clear by saying, “As a Christian, I have a personal code of ethics based on biblical teaching.” BAM!!! When I read that, it brought a smile to my face and almost a loud AMEN here in the library where I’m sitting. I appreciate that piece of you that make what you share more than just information but life changing words of wisdom with integrity and character. There’s a difference. One last thing, what makes your marketing different is that the marketing does not outweigh the ministry. When you share your story you state that you began Ministry Marketing Solutions to market the message. Not market your ministry to make me money. Money was not the reason and that is what makes you a rare priceless commodity.
I am truly blessed by your personal coaching and mentoring and I’m excited with expectation to show the world what happens when you follow the tools that you’ve given so many like myself.
Always,
Coach Shanick
Thank you Shanick. There is not a sales pitch, marketing tactic or PR tip that can beat the VOICE of GOD. I remember when God spoke to me to step out in faith. And 12 years later, I still hear HIM and He is what guides me. I am blessed.
I truly believe that as Christians, we are to be the light of world. It’s our time to shine and give God the glory.
Thank you for your encouragement and the privilege to work with such a Mighty Woman of God! 3 John 2 to you!
AMEN!
Very good piece! Definite food for thought. Nothing will shut the anointing down on a ministry or business quicker than a lack of integrity. Thanks for your insight.
Tracey L. Moore