Ben Franklin’s Advice for Your Business
Posted by aonenetworks On June 6, 2013
Benjamin Franklin was active in numerous fields during his life, and we sometimes forget that business was one of them. He had a lot to say about it, too. Try reading quotes from Franklin below, and see how they apply to your own life.
Sincerity
Benjamin once said that we should “Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.” This advice still applies today, but it can be summed up in fewer words: be honest, thoughtful, and considerate. Don’t find ways to do people harm, and don’t blame everyone else for things that are happening to you. Only criticize when it’s productive and constructive. Above all, give everyone else the benefit of the doubt when possible. Sincerity will gain you respect, and it’s that simple. If you’re looking to improve relationships with your friends, family, and clients, show them that you can be trusted. You’ll become more productive, of course, because your relationships will be better off – and in the long run, that’s likely to bring you success. Not to mention that you’ll likely feel better about yourself and sleep more soundly at night.
Fairness
“Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.” Regardless of what people think justice means today, Benjamin has his own ideas about the concept. In his book, it meant integrity, responsibility, and fairness. Basically, this means you should keep your word, be dependable, and do what you know is your part of the greater puzzle. Besides those three things, make sure you always stay accountable for your actions – no one wants to ever be on a team that has members that don’t keep up with their own responsibilities and only have excuses to show for it. When you follow through with what you said you were going to follow through on, you often get more done, too – and faster.
It’s not just about what your business produces, it’s about your conduct as the owner. Be fair, be honest, avoid harming others – all of these are just as important as a marketing campaign or business plan.
