Character Counts

It’s hard to look at the world and see some of the people who seem to get ahead without occasionally asking themselves why they should be ethical. Character Counts.

Michael Josephson, founder of the Character Counts program, saw the need for focusing the energy of people who want to do something to make our society more honest, fair, caring, and accountable. Since 1987, the Josephson Institute has conducted programs for more than 100,000 leaders - in government and the armed forces, in business and journalism, in law and law enforcement, and in education and the nonprofit community

Michael Josephson is a former law professor and businessman and become one of the nation’s most sought after ethicists. Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship are the six core ethical values in which form the foundation for the program

Trustworthiness

Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices

Fairness

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly

Caring

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment

Individuals beginning or continuing in pursuing a network marketing business should keep these values in mind when building relationships with others in the market and in building relationships with their prospects in order to develop a deepness in their credibility online.

It’s hard to trust in such a scam crazed online and offline world these days. When finding prospects and/or finding a mentor, look to these values as a template in interviewing one or the other. It may be hard to see these traits especially if you don’t possess them yourself.

Again, starting an online business is so much more than a website, email campaign, or blog. It’s about people to people relationships on not-so-selfish terms. If you can’t get past this, then you really shouldn’t be in the business. Take a look in the mirror, are you somebody you would want to be friends with?