I believe most professionals understand that you may get away with something once, but at the cost of future business and credibility.  My thoughts today are triggered by Mary Ann Daniell who posted about not letting ethics slide during slower periods.

I think it would behoove everyone in the real estate industry and  ANY other industry with clientele, to think long and hard about ethical behavior and the cost of slipping before they even start their career. You hear of these scams - do you really want your name linked with scams rather than your business?

No "bending the rules" during slower times are worth an entire career. No "fudging" your ethical behavior will increase your future business. You'll always be found out, and you'll always be remembered.  Do I remember every fellow co-worker in my career? Nope. A lot, but not every one.  Who sticks out in my mind the most? The unethical few, because those are the stories told over and over, and their behavior is paraded for everyone to see, as a deterrent.  But you always get those few, who think they can slide one by.

Mary Ann Daniell had a good point, and during these slower times, a very relevant point.  But I like the posts who turn it around, and encourage people to step up their marketing during these times, not lower their standards.  Thanks to Mary for bringing up the topic. 

 Those thinking of living on the shady side - come back out in the sun with the rest of us!