When we think of our business and how real estate agents are viewed, there is obviously some reason for the reputation our industry has earned.  Sub-prime, over priced homes, falling home values, upside down sellers, bad advice makes you really stop and think about ethics, morals and real empathy in our industry.  The real fix always starts with ourselves.  Doing the right thing at every chnace we get builds our self esteem in a good way!  People that we work wiht take notice of this and a by product may be repeat or referred business!  That is a great compliment!  We cannot change the world, but I can change how I act within our world.  We have the choice each day to become part of the cure or part of the madness.  I choose to make a difference in what I can do in my little piece of the world to be a part of the positive and above board.  Years ago I came across the "Seven Deadly Sins" by Mahatma Ghandi!  I found them very basic but to the point!  They are all about business, our behavior and attitudes.  We can all make a difference if we choose to do so!

Seven Deadly Sins refer to Societal Sins:

  • Wealth without Work
  • Pleasure without Conscience
  • Science without Humanity
  • Knowledge without Character
  • Politics without Principle
  • Commerce without Morality
  • Worship without Sacrifice
  • Jim Crawford

     

     

     

     

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    20 Comments on 7 Deadly Sins of Commerce and Business

    MAR
    29
    2008
    Very good post.  I think that while all of the seven are true, the commerce without morality is the most imprtant from a business perspective.
    8:52pm • #1
    330,672 Points 58 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

    Jim:  I've known that we think alike by previously reading your posts but, this one is a passion for me!  I stay as far as possible from those who do not have the ethics or standards which one should possess.  We should not only practice honor and ethics in this business but, as we live our lives. 

    All seven points are SO easy to avoid and the counteractions are even easier to maintain in this life!  If more of us operated with the highest of ethics, our profession would not have the reputation which we do!

    8:56pm • #2
    498,243 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog
    P. Timothy McDonald  I agree!  There is more to life than the next deal!
    9:02pm • #3
    498,243 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog

    Debe Maxwell  Thanks!  We make an effort to work and refer to other agent that have the same value system as us!  Over the years we all benefit, not that we became millionaires, but because we conducted ourselves by placing clients needs first.  Even if it meant he client walked away and did the wrong deal with another agent - that is not our problem!

    9:05pm • #4
    471,835 Points 83 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
    I wish we could make those seven required reading for the politicians.
    10:09pm • #5
    3 Featured Posts
    Those seven deadly sins may be basic but they are most definitely profound!  I have never read those before, thanks for posting them!  This was such an encouraging post for me to read, you are right, we can make a difference and have a choice what kind of difference we make.  Great, great stuff!
    11:38pm • #7
    MAR
    30
    2008
    246,704 Points Outside Blog
    Jim~ All of these points are so true. The one that stands out here to me: Knowledge without Character,  back in my day as an Army officer we stood on a principle that a man was only as good as his word. In the real world everything is written, thats ok. But if i give you my word in this world you know it is so. I see some agents trying to push clients into situartion, ie... buying or selling a property, they themselves have never purchase a simalar property but yet do not seek consul. I personnally have purchase rental property (5 buildings in the last six months) 4 of the five should have not beenpurchase by the buyers. What they had in common was an agent who talked them into rental property. These buyers should have never purchase. I spoke with that agent and she said well they should have never bought them, I knew that.
    7:59am • #8
    498,243 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog
     Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck  You are so right!  We all do make a difference - it is our choice they type of difference!
    10:07am • #9
    498,243 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog
    Frank Rubi Louisiana Real Estate-Homes for Sale  That is what is all about, and if I told a buyer not to buy a home and they insisted...I'd tell them to call my competition!  I'm not writing it up!  The difference is that I have a conscience!
    10:10am • #10
    125,163 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
    Jim, as usual, great blog. Something I need to print out and tape to my computer to remind me. It should be common sense but a reminder is good too!
    10:19am • #11
    144,906 Points 19 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router
    Jim, We try to live by those rules, always a great reminder. Thanks!  I try to live my life by the golden rule and stay away from the 7 deadly sins, just makes sense and makes for a better life!
    11:11am • #13
    187,003 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

    Jim,

    Our country was built on moral fiber and conviction! What happened to us? I see many here on activerain who want to make a difference once again. I still think there is hope for America and I plan to do my part pulling that wagon. 

    3:38pm • #14
    498,243 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog
     Audrey June-Forshey, GRI, Gaithersburg, MD  I really belive most folks are very decent and always try to do the right thing!  It are the few others that can really give us a real black eye!
    4:01pm • #15
    Great post, Jim.  Important to step back from the day to day and remember these principles - particularly in light of recent events in the industry.
    7:14pm • #17
    1 Featured Post

    Jim, Thanks again for sharing.  You always give us food for thought.  I want to make a positive difference for the people in my life, that includes family, friends, coworkers, clients and customers. 

    Kathy Fisher REMAX Unlimited Lexington TN

    Call 731 845 3413 for all your West Tennessee Real Estate needs

    8:40pm • #19

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    Jim Crawford ~ Atlanta Real Estate-ABR E-PRO

    Atlanta, GA

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    RE/MAX Greater Atlanta

    Address: REMAX Greater Atlanta, 1585 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell , GA, 30076

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    Atlanta real estate broker associate, real estate columnist for www.RealtyTimes.com, real estate speaker. Real estate marketing, Internet marketing for real estate, real estate coaching Feedjit Live Website Statistics