How Transparency Will Transform Your Business

‘Hello darkness, my old friend’…the melody that danced through my mind when the familiar yellowy-orange signal illuminated - the check engine light. My car had just a few weeks until inspection, and my beloved 2006 Honda wasn’t going to pass - it was time to move on, and head on into the car dealership. Now, I think it’s safe to say we all know that car dealerships aren’t the most honest of places to be - dare I say, the salesman can sometimes even be a little, well….savage. But, in typical Alyjah fashion, I always expect the best out of people.

I’ve had my eye on a Honda CR-V for years - it’s kinda my dream car, as lame as that sounds. But hey, Honda’s are reliable and I’ve always wanted an SUV. I assigned my dad the job of calling around, and a nearby Honda dealership told him about a promotion they were having on their CR-V’s. It sounded almost too good to be true, but their website confirmed it…so did their social media! I went to the dealership with my dad, picked out a salesman, went on a test drive, totally fell in love….and then we sat down to talk numbers. When the salesman slid a piece of paper with the prices across the desk (really, why do they have to do that? It kinda makes it weird), the deposit was double what was advertised, and the monthly payments were nearly tripled. My jaw just about dropped. They tried to bargain, try to convince me, tried to even pressure me, but I made it clear that they a.) personally told my dad on the phone a different price and b.) advertised that same deal on their website and social media, and I was there solely for that offer. I walked out, and I felt defeated.

So…why am I telling you this terribly long story about car shopping? Because that dealerships lack of transparency was such a huge turnoff for me, that I bought a Subaru (that I totally LOVE) instead. This whole experience had me thinking of other examples of lack of transparency, and how it negatively affects business.

I’ve seen brides talk about photographers, who promised their price for their engagement sessions was $400 and then turned around after the session and said, ‘well, if you actually want the photos, you have to pay $10 per digital image’. How dishonest is that?! Whenever I see stories of businesses taking advantage of their clients, it breaks my heart not only for the clients, but for the competing businesses who are honest and deserving of the business. Friends….this type of business may feel like a quick way to make a buck, but in the long run, the key to earning trusting and returning customers is transparency. Here are 3 ways you can be more transparent in your business:

1. Be honest in your prices. Avoid ‘hidden fees’, and be upfront about costs. Your clients or customers will feel not only disappointed, but a little betrayed if they found out you were keeping prices from them. If you’re a photographer and you charge additionally for clients to receive their digital downloads, make that clear before they book their session with you. If you have an online shop selling products, don’t list low prices and compensate with over-inflated shipping costs. Be honest and open about your prices, because once someone sees that hidden fee in the checkout, they’ll forget about the purchase altogether.

2. Be yourself. If you have a larger than life personality with a total goofball attitude, show that!! Show it on your website, show it on your social media, show it at your sessions, or meetings, or in whatever way you conduct your business. If you’re a little introverted and love a cozy cup of hot cocoa and Netflix, share those aspects of your personality and let your clients see who you are - they’ll relate to you and connect on a deeper level. The transparency will also encourage a sense of trust.

3. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. If you post all over your IG stories that you’re running a huge sale, but only one item in your shop is actually discounted, people are going to be disappointed. They won’t trust your future promises, and they’ll think of your business as a bit of a scam. If you have one item on sale for 75% off but 20 items at a 50% off discount, don’t advertise it as a 75% off sale.

When I went to Subaru, I shook hands for my new car within 10 minutes. Just a few moments later, the papers were being drawn up. Why? Because I walked in and was immediately told the total price, no hidden fees, was shown the car, was given honest and upfront answers, and was treated as though I was valued. The transparency of my car salesman made me so sure of my purchase, and gave me an experience to rave about, and spread the word to potential new customers.

Transparency will transform your business for the better, so, tell me, how can you be more transparent in your business? Let me know in the comments!