Do you lie in business?

[Michael]

Hey Guys,

Do you often lie in business? Make up figures and make people think you can do much more than you really can.

Should you lie?

Discuss...

[Blinky]

I sometimes make little white lies. :P
I don't feel it is right to lie to people and often with websites people can figure out if you are an expert in a certain niche.
e.g. all the make money online blogs. it's easy to tell who is an expert and has made abit of money.

[Sneakyheathen]

I never lie. Lying is wrong, and honest business practices will get you the clients you want and deserve.

[tomross]

^ amen, couldn't agree more.

[endlessfuture]

Well you have to lie sometimes...Like I would not tell people how I got successful directly but would lead them to buying products in making money for me. we all have to lie sometimes to get by..Being truthful 100% will get you no where in the business world!

[Renelda]

No, it is not good to lie aswell in business. My motto is this, what ever you do in darkness will reveal in light. no matter the duration of time. Consumers are not stupid, they know if your company is doing well or not. If the company is publicly traded, they will review it stocks in the market. Consumers will know base on your supply, demand and elasticity. Your business reputation and credibility is on the line if it is only surronded by lies.

[willblogforfood]

If they ask me if i can do something i say hell yeas and figure it out later.

[darroth]

I never lie. Even for those who do, with the way the internet is right now, people will find out almost immediately.

I have very little experience and I market that. Letting people know that I'm not an expert and that I'm really eager to learn opens a lot more doors than pretending to be the best when you aren't.

[tomross]

Originally Posted by endlessfuture

Well you have to lie sometimes...Like I would not tell people how I got successful directly but would lead them to buying products in making money for me. we all have to lie sometimes to get by..Being truthful 100% will get you no where in the business world!

Gotta disagree with you there. Many successful companies are very transparent about their business. Even if you don't want to be you can just not tell the public all the specifics, which is perfectly fine. Lying about it is wrong, and in cases illegal.

[mamiecierra]

You should not feel bad about using this type of optimism. Use your judgment and be sure not to blatantly mislead people. There is a fine line between having high hopes for yourself or your company and being an outright liar. Also, be sure to remember what you say, as it may come back to haunt you.