In the business world, being clever, shrewd, and opportunistic is often seen as a positive and desirable trait. A successful professional who stands out from competitors and earns more income and profits is considered highly successful. Stories and teachings of commercial skills, experience, and shrewd tactics can be beneficial and educational. However, there is a fine line between cleverness and deceit.
For example, if the promised features of a product do not match its actual attributes, or if it fails to comply with laws and standards, or if after-sales service requirements are not met, this crosses into deceit against the customer rather than a demonstration of business acumen. In today’s competitive environment, excessive ambition can sometimes lead people to cross that line. Imagine a building made with insufficient materials, offered at a low price and looking attractive… This is not trade!
Additionally, we must also be mindful of unjust accusations. If a product feature is not defined by any law or standard and does not pose a risk for general use, it is unacceptable to accuse the manufacturer of deceit based on that feature. Making such claims in bad faith is also ethically inappropriate.
A businessperson who understands market conditions well, is innovative, thinks strategically, creatively manages resources, and builds long-term trust through positive qualities, can ideally succeed with experience and skills. However, a businessperson who obscures terms for the customer, misleads them, imposes unexpected costs, engages in deceptive advertising, fails to comply with legal requirements, or does not fulfill the perceived promises will ultimately be branded as deceitful.
Therefore, use your sharp intellect within the bounds of legal and standard requirements. When those boundaries are unclear, uphold principles of ethics and fairness. Building long-term trust brings sustainable benefits that exceed short-term gains.
As we always say, trust and understanding come before business!
Dr. Bilinç Dolmacı
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