18 Ethical Behaviors of a Perfect Salesperson

Put another way, ethical behavior will not only advance your career - it will improve your whole life. Here are some guidelines to help you do so.

1. Be honest. Don't be "creative" in documenting expenses. Avoid the temptation to accept bribes of any type. And, never offer an undue incentive to buy from your company other than tokens of appreciation such as a business lunch. Major gifts, such as free trips, are not only immoral, but illegal too and will surely get you fired - or worse. The short-term benefit will never offset the negative long-term damage to your career. And, it will put you onto a track of always finding a devious way to do things other than the right way.
2. Maintain confidentiality when asked to do so
3. Be fair. Find a balance between your needs and those of others. Try to satisfy as many people as possible. That way, you will find that others will try to help you when necessary.
4. Be free of prejudice and bigotry - judge people on the basis of merit only. Prejudging situations and people will ensure that you set up artificial barriers with people who can assist you in one way or another.
5. Be loyal to your employer. Give them 100% effort. Represent them with dignity. Portray them positively in the marketplace, knowing that they, like any other organization, are probably less than perfect.
6. Carry your share of the workload. Pitch in and help others when needed, even when you are not asked to.
7. Don't misuse your organization's assets. Don't exaggerate expense accounts or use the company's assets, such as vehicles, for personal use. When there is a need to do so, get permission.
8. Don't moonlight. Salespeople have lots of freedom. This should never be used for personal gain such as selling for another organization.
9. Avoid cheating in sales contests. Sometimes salespeople might hold orders back to put them in the following month when a contest is run. It might cause late delivery. And it will deprive someone else of a prize richly deserved.
10. Tell the truth about your product or service. Never exaggerate the capability of your product. "Best" is a word that is bandied around, and is often expected. But suggesting a technical specification beyond that which will be delivered can result in a lawsuit for misrepresentation.
11. Never talk about someone who isn't around. And never insult an absent colleague or client. It will come back to haunt you.
12. Don't beat around the bush.
    • If someone has performed poorly, let them know. Right away. If you're afraid of hurting someone's feelings, that's fine. But never avoid an issue to avoid wounding someone. You'll have to get to the point some time. Better it be now.
    • If someone has offended you, take it up with that person - not the boss. He or she does not want to know. Stand your ground. Don't attack the person; address the behavior.
    • Don't get into situations where you have to keep secrets or maintain some sort of false impression
13. Always be fair.
    • Copyright is important. Don't take it lightly. Ideas are meant to be shared. Whole texts are not.
    • Would you like to see someone take credit for your work? Of course not. Give people the credit they deserve and they will be happy to work with you again.
14. Be respected for your honesty.
    • A false resumé is not only unethical, it may be illegal and it could cost you your job
    • Don't let your enthusiasm run away with your better judgement. If you are talking about facts, have data ready to support your argument. If not, remember: you are only sharing your opinion. Make sure that is clear to your listeners.
15. Put your organization in the best possible light. Does your company have a values statement? If so, it's your job to abide by it.
16. Don't betray your colleagues' trust by spying on them or blowing the whistle for little things. You won't get points from your boss for being a rat. Only step in if the law is being broken or the company's well-being is at stake.
17. Treat others as you wish to be treated. That means not embarrassing them - especially your boss. If you violate the chain of command, you are making your boss look bad. Share all memos that go above your boss or to another department.
18. Keep your word. Only promise what you can deliver. The benefits are manifold.
    • You'll attract and impress other ethical people
    • You'll save all the time unscrupulous people waste avoiding the traps they've set for themselves and fixing the problems they've left scattered behind them
    • You'll gain momentum to take you forward to the next promise