What do you think? Me? I think the two (value & ethics) are separate questions to some degree.

Ethics is something that's at the core of my business during any point in time. I measure that by three gauges:

1. “How would I feel if this email/video/or discussion were broadcast in front of those I love.” (This includes my kids. Does it represent me favorably?)
2. “How would I feel to receive this message?” (Would I feel that it was beneficial or a waste of my time?)
3. “What would I say if my mother or best friend who is in marketing were to receive this message?” (Slightly different from #1 as it's more related to the quality of the recommendation rather than the “gut” feeling of the email.)

If my gut doesn't sit right when asking myself those three questions, then I have to look at why and adjust – fast. OR if I get a queasy feeling after the fact, I need to apologize to my readers if I've made a mistake, either knowingly or unknowingly when I made it.

For instance, I've recently decided not to participate in any more time-sensitive product launches, unless the following three criteria are met:

1. It's for someone who I know personally and respect.
2. I have reviewed the product and find that it's useful, valuable, and quality. (Of course.)
3. I have thoroughly reviewed the sales funnel.

I've promoted a few launches for GOOD products that I felt could really help my readers, but the sales funnels made me personally uncomfortable, so I'd rather lose money than lose my integrity. I can always make more money.

As for value vs. integrity, I think they can go together. A person with integrity would want to offer great value. However, a person can offer value but not have integrity.

Can you tell that I think with my fingers?

ok. Here's what I'm actively working on right now.

I am removing several promotions from my autoresponders that recommended the products or services of people who I have since then found to not be people who I'd have in my home or give money to, myself. Initially I based the promotions on value, but not on integrity. Or, to be more accurate, I didn't have enough information to base them upon integrity.

Now, my decisions are based upon a much stricter criteria than they were previously – only since I have a broader base to pull from now and a better feel for what people are like behind the scenes.

So, to directly answer the question, my instinct during financial stress is to be even MORE protective of my readers, because most of them have less money to invest right now, and I do not want to be responsible for leading them to spend it unwisely. In fact, I try to include a “Do not buy this if… ” disclaimer in my promos if I think a product is only right for a certain type of marketer. My readers have said “I bought this on your recommendation” and so I choose to filter a lot of junk to get them to the best stuff – and more importantly, try my best not to add to their feelings of overwhelm and confusion. Do I always succeed? Nah. I wish. But, I do make my best judgment call at the time.

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Please comment below.

Warmly,
Nicole

You can see them here:  Pictures from Willie Crawford's Birthday.

I've got more, as promised. Of course at the event, I woke up late (from being up all night talking with Lynn) so my hair is straight outta the shower. I guess the “throw the sunglasses on quick as a headband” look didn't go the way I'd hoped! Scary!!!

Now you know just how much I love you guys!

Nicole Dean meeting the amazing best-selling author, Shel Horowitz. We're chatting about business ethics. GREAT man!

Elizabeth Ashe, Lynn Terry & Kathleen Gage are in the background.

Nicole Dean & Paul “the Media Czar” Richardson.

A heck of a business man — I look forward to making lots of money with him. (More on that soon…)

Sam “Every Day is Saturday” Crowley.

I think this may be the only time I've seen him NOT smiling like a goober. He's an extremely energetic force of nature. To know him is to love him.

Me & My Tracy Roberts Friend laughin' our butts off. (It's my blog. I can say “butts” if I want!)

You know it. That's the one and only Stephen Pierce teaching the “Mo Money” gang calls. If you haven't seen him speak yet — find him and go. He's phenomenal. Both times I've seen him, I've laughed my butt off. (There I go again with the “butt” thing.) lol.

Me and Tracy Roberts brainstorming with Laura Fenamore.

Lynn Terry, Yvonne Lyon, and Me.

Hope you enjoy!
Nicole

All photos were taken by the talented ElmerHurlstone