Ethical Selling: What I Learned from a Murder of Crows About Building Trust in Sales
In the world of ethical selling, there's a lot we can learn from...crows? Stay with me here. I recently read an article about how crows hold grudges for up to 17 years. Yes, you heard that right—17 years.
But it’s not just the offender who gets the cold shoulder (or a sharp peck). These birds will attack anyone who looks like the person who wronged them. If you resemble the "bad guy," watch out!
This got me thinking about the online business space and ethical selling.
Sometimes, it feels like we’re walking into sales calls or posting on social media only to get the side-eye from people who’ve been burned by slimy sales tactics before. Even if you’re committed to ethical selling, you might still feel like the target of someone else’s bad experience.
Let’s dive into what we can learn from our feathered friends—and how to build trust in a way that feels authentic and ethical.
The Grudge-Holding Crows of the Business World
You’ve seen it before. People are fed up with high-pressure sales, bait-and-switch offers, and sneaky countdown timers. They’ve been burned by the bad actors of the business world—those who use manipulation to close the deal—and they’ve got their BS meters set to high.
Even though you may be the most ethical, transparent seller on the planet, it’s easy to get lumped in with the crowd. It’s like you’re walking through the park, and a murder of crows is dive-bombing you just because you look like someone who once threw a rake at them.
Not fair, right?
That’s where ethical selling comes in.
You can choose to follow the path of traditional tactics—pressuring people into buying, offering false urgency, or hiding the real value of your offer. Or, you can carve out a new path, one that builds trust and long-term loyalty.
Here’s how to do it.
Ethical Selling: Leave the Breadcrumbs
In that same article about crows, there was one really interesting tidbit: If you want to stop crows from attacking, leave them breadcrumbs and peanuts. Over time, these gestures of goodwill win them over, and eventually, they’ll protect you from other crows.
The same applies to ethical selling. The key to building a loyal client base that wants to work with you (instead of being coerced into it) is all about leaving breadcrumbs of trust and value. Here’s how to get started:
Show Up Authentically: Your audience has likely been burned before. By showing up as your true self—honest, transparent, and consistent—you build real connections. People can feel when you're being authentic, and that’s the first breadcrumb on the path to trust.
Deliver Real Value: Don’t just talk about how great your product or service is. Show them. Offer real insights, actionable tips, or valuable resources that help them—whether they buy from you or not. That’s how you demonstrate that you’re here for them, not just for the sale.
Respect Their Decision: Ethical selling isn’t about closing every deal. It’s about respecting your audience’s autonomy. If it’s not the right time for them to buy, that’s okay. Let them know you’ll be there when they’re ready, without applying pressure. This simple act of respect goes a long way in building trust.
The Alternative to 17-Year Grudges
In the online business world, it’s easy to get labeled as just another seller. But with ethical selling, you can stand out. Just like feeding the crows, ethical selling is about building long-term relationships through consistent, honest actions.
Your audience has probably had bad experiences with pushy sales tactics, and they remember those experiences. But you have the opportunity to change the narrative.
By focusing on ethical selling—showing up authentically, offering real value, and respecting your audience’s decisions—you can create a business built on trust, loyalty, and long-term success.
Why Ethical Selling Matters
Ethical selling isn’t just about feeling good (though that’s a great benefit). It’s about creating a sustainable business model. When your clients trust you, they don’t just buy once—they return again and again. They refer their friends. They become advocates for your brand.
By focusing on ethical selling, you’re not only building a business that aligns with your values, but you’re also building a loyal community of clients who believe in what you do. That’s the real win.
How to Implement Ethical Selling in Your Business
So, what’s your next step? Start by asking yourself:
How can I leave breadcrumbs of trust and value in my business?
What can I do today to show up authentically for my audience and build real, long-lasting relationships?
Ethical selling isn’t about quick wins. It’s about creating a foundation of trust that will support your business for years to come. So, leave the breadcrumbs, avoid the sleazy tactics, and watch as your own loyal "murder" (of clients) rallies around you.
Key Takeaways for Ethical Selling:
Show up authentically, and don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.
Offer real value, even if it’s not directly tied to a sale.
Respect your audience’s autonomy and decisions, without pressure or manipulation.
By doing this, you’ll create a lasting impression that builds trust—and in the long run, that’s how you’ll grow a loyal, thriving client base without the ick.
Ready to ditch the ick and embrace ethical selling? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I'd love to hear how you're navigating the online business world with authenticity and trust.
