Establishing Credibility and Integrity

Service, Credibility, Integrity and Profitability (SCIP™) are the cornerstones on which I’ve attempted to live my personal and professional life. I utilized these principles as a career agent, general agent, president of a life insurance company and as an owner of an Insurance Marketing Organization (IMO). I believe that adherence to these four (4) words makes our life easier, more enjoyable, and more profitable. I continue to research these words, examine the definitions, apply them to my business and, “self test,” to see if I am truly, “putting my money where my mouth is." But I find in my talks and writings that many times my audience becomes confused with the definitions and I find that many think credibility and integrity are the same. While they are similar, they are inherently different. Allow me to explain.

In it's simplest definition, credibility is believability, or the ability to instill belief in a person, organization, or concept. It also leads one to believe that a credible person is dependable. For example, think of your dry cleaner – “24 hour service… shirts in by 8AM this morning… back by the next day.” It’s also as simple as people being on time, items delivered as promised, like FedEx or UPS. They deliver as promised. There are many people in our lives that are perceived as credible, such as politicians, business leaders, sales professionals, physicians, etc. But sadly, we have seen many examples where we felt betrayed and surprised when one of our “credible” people ended up to be less than honest! But that doesn't mean they aren't credible. Let’s look at the difference between credibility and integrity.

Integrity means honesty. A person or organization with integrity always conducts himself in an honest way. They are your perfect partners in your business and personal life. Have you heard of the “snake oil salesmen?” They come into town with credibility, were believable, and instilled belief. But they sold ointments and elixirs that were bogus. But people bought from them. WHY? They were credible. When the snake oil salesman left town, the people found that the magic potion was worthless. His credibility vanished. WHY? He had no integrity, no honesty.

The perfect recipe is to do business with people and organizations that are full of credibility and integrity. You can depend on these people and you know their actions and words are honest. I believe that you are born with integrity and you fight to keep on the right or honest side of all endeavors. Credibility, on the other hand, is something that you must earn. It may takes years to finally acquire this title. But, regardless of how long it took to attain that stature, it can all disappear in an instant. It takes a great deal of work and attention to detail to remain credible. 

Don’t make promises that you can’t keep. Treat people with the same dignity and respect that you would want if the tables were reversed. And finally, always strive to always do what’s right.

Not a fancy business plan, but these are the reasons people do business with us and why people want to be our friends. Service, Credibility, Integrity and Profitability (SCIP™) – it has to be there for everybody!

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Until next time… good selling!
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Raymond J. Ohlson
Founder & Retired CEO
Ohlson Group
​1-877-844-0900