Does Integrity on the Internet Really Matter?

Guest post by: Michael Peregrine
Become an Author

Free PDF Download
Home-Based Internet Business On a Shoestring - By Michael Peregrine

The word "integrity" carries the idea of being complete ... sound in all respects. If the integrity of a ship's hull becomes compromised, then the entire ship is put at risk unless the breach can become sealed. The same is true of us as people. If there is a breach in the way that deal with each other or even ourselves, then that hole in our character puts us and those around us at great risk.

Integrity in dealing with others has to do with one's willingness to maintain high ethical and moral standards, and then stick to those standards, even when tempted to do otherwise. These standards include a person's honesty, leadership, willingness to help, and fear of bringing harm to another in any way. It includes our morality ... and also our viewpoint of ourselves.

Just the area of honesty is a good example. A person may become less than honest when they feel they have something to gain from it. The problem with lack of honesty is that deception ends up bringing harm to others, and it also brings harm to us in the process, doing exactly the opposite of what the perpetrator intends. If we become less than honest, let's say, then that breach in our integrity and our character has an immediate effect on how we view ourselves. We start seeing ourselves as a less than upright individual. This thinking becomes fed and then before you know it, you truly ARE an individual who is less than upright. You've jeopardized both yourself and the ability of others to make clear decisions that are based on fact.

Now, it's easy to see why someone needs to be sound and complete ... a person of integrity ... in one's own community. The people directly around us are owed respect, after all. And if we stop giving it to them, there is potential harm both to them and to us. Our reputation is most certainly at stake. Is it any different on the Internet?

Not at all! The fact is that the Internet creates a world community in which we as an individual remain a citizen. Again, our reputation as a moral, ethical person is most certainly involved when we deal with each other online. But much more than that, the way we treat others online has exactly the same potential to either help or hurt. How many examples are there out there of someone pulling off some terrible trick or hurtful scheme that ends up having dire consequences to those involved? People may assume since they are separated by great distance, their actions have little or no effect on others or themselves ... but this is far from the truth.

In a world of Internet disguises, shrouded half-truths promoted online, and lines that become more and more blurred, the idea of adhering to a system of ethics has never been more important. This is particularly true in business and marketing. If you cannot put your name, reputation and face behind your product for fear of some repercussion, then is that product worth marketing? Probably not. There's a lot at stake, and it's no time to let one's judgment become clouded by the effect that increased income might have. In fact, working online brings us the opportunity to test our metal ... to make sure that our integrity is complete in all respects, and that we are willing to stand by not only our product, but our reputation as a person who will let themselves come to harm before bringing it to someone else. Self-respect and self-esteem are prices that are entirely too high to pay for any willingness to let our integrity lapse at any time ... real world, or virtual.

Costs and Benefits of Being In or Out of Integrity

The Power of Integrity

Blueprint for Success

The Meaning of Integrity

Leading By Example!

How to Find an Ethical and Profitable Business for 2010 and Beyond

A working guarantee to bring you success

Leadership 101: Integrity by Example

Audio & Video Visibility to Support Your Brand Integrity

What are Your True Colors?

Who Really Achieves Success in Sales?

Are You In Or Out Of Integrity?

Daily Method of Operation of Internet Marketers

Profitable Online Home Based Business Ideas and the Recession; Leadership

Lesson #3: “Integrity is how I do business. That’s my main asset.”

Integrity as a Catalyst

Integrity and Honesty - Qualities Necessary for a Successful Business

Integrity-It\'s What You Do When No One\'s Looking

Profitable Online Home Based Business Ideas and the Recession; How to Avoid the Scam’s

Business Success Tip: Integrity & Reputation

Home > Marketing > Michael Peregrine > Does Integrity on the Internet Really Matter > Google +

Referred by: http://jaykubassek.com

Free PDF Download
Home-Based Internet Business On a Shoestring - By Michael Peregrine

About the Author: Michael Peregrine

RSS for Michael's articles - Visit Michael's website

Michael Peregrine is a technology trainer for attorneys, paralegals and legal secretaries who manages Legal Technology Academy, a company based in Kansas City, Missouri.

I started working in the legal field in 1992 for a legal department in New York City. After returning home to Kansas City in 1995, I worked as a legal assistant and paralegal in several firms, including two of the largest firms in the State of Missouri.

I have always been a bit of a geek, however, and tend to gravitate toward technology both in the workplace and in my spare time. Recognizing a communication disparity that tends to exist between many firms’ legal practice and their technology departments, I saw the need for individuals who were conversant in both. This led me to transition into a job as a technology trainer for a large law firm in Missouri, where I helped develop curriculum, presentations and documentation for an education program presented to staff counsel, paralegals and legal secretaries.

I enjoy sharing what I know, and feel like the coaching process can be very rewarding. Not only do I get the satisfaction in demonstrating something I know will make my students’ jobs a lot easier, but I also get the gratification of seeing people put the knowledge to work.

Starting in 2010, development began on an online educational platform (http://www.my-legal-technology-trainer.com) just for attorneys, legal secretaries, paralegals and students who plan to work in the legal field. I feel like there is a need to provide additional instruction tools on the products people utilize the most in the real world.

Click here to visit Michael's website.

More from Michael Peregrine
SelfEmployed Or Employed For Someone Else Find Yourself and Find Success
Specialized Techniques to Get REAL Results in Your Online Business
HomeBased Internet Business On a Shoestring
Does Integrity on the Internet Really Matter
Honest Evaluation of the Potential Opportunity Healthy Skeptic Or a Dose of Paranoia

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Does Integrity on the Internet Really Matter?

Related Articles

Related Forum Posts

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.


Name:
Email: