No matter if you are watching the news, reading social media posts, listening to politicians or watching an advertisement, it makes you ask the question Is there any honesty left in today’s world? Politicians tell so many lies depending on their audience, they don’t seem to know what’s true or a lie anymore. Our media is so urgent to break a story, they don’t let facts get in the way of their speed to press. Some of the most ignorant of people tend to share their views of the world on social media without any fact checking, it is eroding our integrity level to an all-time low.
Then look at businesses today for honesty. Some are easy to spot like, “our cars are priced so low we are practically giving them away with free financing”. If the cars are “practically free” why do I need financing? Is there creditability in the “Going out of Business Sales” at the furniture store which has been running for over a year? Does the restaurant down the street really have the” best burgers in the world”? Is there ever a day that mattresses aren’t on sale? Why can’t they just be honest?
We are so inundated with lies and bull@#$& that it just doesn’t have any effect on us anymore. We have become one of the most cynical generations ever. Even online testimonials can be tainted. The so-called unbiased services are held to the highest bidder meaning large companies are taking advantage of their deep pockets crushing small business owners that can’t afford to pay for their “favorable reputation” online service websites.
It is very difficult to have a happy customer write a review versus a dissatisfied customer who wants to vent. Honesty is really hard to find today. I don’t have a solution to every aspect of lying, cheating or trashing, but I will say I try to do business the old fashion way, using referrals from people I know and trust. It may not be the 21st century way with technology, but I find it get way better products and services using my 20th century methods versus technology. Now if only we could change politicians and our media. Good luck, you have my support!
“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”—Thomas Jefferson
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Tim Wilhoit is owner/principal of Your Friend 4 Life Insurance Agency in Nashville, TN. He is a family man, father of 3, grandfather of 3, entrepreneur, insurance agent, life insurance broker, employee benefit specialist, salesman, sales trainer, recruiter, public speaker, blogger, author and team leader with over 32 years of experience in sales and marketing in the insurance and beverage industries.