Today in 5 Minutes or less, you’ll learn:
✔ The Ethics Edge → Why most contractors secretly struggle with ethical decisions.
✔ Pay-It-Forward Principle → How timely payments and fair pricing build unshakeable trust.
✔ Promise-Keeping Power → The art of delivering exactly what you commit to, every time.
✔ Experience Excellence → Transforming customer interactions into your competitive advantage.
✔ Character-Driven Branding → Building a high-integrity reputation that attracts premium clients.
As contractors, we often face tough decisions that test our ethics. I’ve been there myself, and I know you have too.
I remember a job where I could’ve easily cut corners to boost my profit margin. The temptation was real, especially when I knew the client wouldn’t notice. But I chose a different path, and it changed everything.
Let’s dive into the world of ethical contracting and see how it can transform your business.
Pay What You Owe, When You Owe It
This is the foundation of ethical contracting, and it’s non-negotiable.
It’s not just about following the law. It’s about building trust and respect in your industry.
Have you ever not paid somebody when you should have? Did you ever try to figure out a way to get out of paying somebody something that you should have?
These questions cut to the heart of ethical contracting. Let’s break it down with some examples:
- Paying subcontractors on time, even if your client is late paying you
- Honoring agreed-upon prices, even if material costs unexpectedly rise
- Returning overpayments promptly, even if the client doesn’t notice
Each of these scenarios tests your integrity in different ways. Paying subs on time shows you value their work and reliability. Honoring agreed prices demonstrates your commitment to your word. Returning overpayments proves you’re not just ethical when it’s convenient.
If you have any of those that may have resonated with you, here’s a promise I can make to you: If you are ethical and you are of high character, you will prosper.
It’s a bold claim, but I’ve seen it play out time and time again in my own business and those of my clients.
Failing to pay what you owe can lead to damaged relationships, legal troubles, and a tarnished reputation that can take years to rebuild. Is it really worth it for a short-term gain?
Price Your Services Honestly
I get really frustrated watching people compete on price because it’s a race to the bottom, who can be the cheapest and who can do it the skinniest.
Instead, try this approach:
- Calculate your true costs, including overhead and a fair profit margin
- Communicate your pricing clearly, explaining the value you provide
This approach builds trust and attracts clients who value quality over rock-bottom prices. You simply cannot gain the market share you want by charging the least.
Your pricing strategy is a reflection of your ethics. Make sure it’s sending the right message.
Deliver What You Promise
This step separates the truly ethical contractors from the rest. It’s where the rubber meets the road.
Don’t sugarcoat things just to land a job.
You might think you’re fooling folks with a perfect five-star rating and scrubbed reviews. Newsflash: you’re not. Clients aren’t idiots.
Overpromising is a ticking time bomb. When it blows up, it’ll take your reputation with it.
Be straight with people. They’ll respect you for it, even if it means losing a job here and there.
Before starting any project, ask yourself:
- Can I realistically complete this work in the promised timeframe?
- Do I have the skills and resources to deliver the quality I’m promising?
- Am I being fully transparent about any potential challenges or limitations?
- Have I clearly communicated what is and isn’t included in the price?
- Are my warranty terms fair and clearly explained?
- Have I set realistic expectations about the final result?
Taking time to answer these questions honestly prevents future disputes and disappointments. It might mean losing some jobs in the short term, but it builds a rock-solid reputation long-term.
Your results times your reach equals your brand, AKA your REPUTATION. Make sure your results match your promises.
Prioritize Customer Experience
This is where your ethics become your competitive advantage. It’s your secret weapon in a crowded market.
When you’ve been honest in your pricing and promises, delivering a great experience becomes natural. Your integrity guides every interaction, from the first phone call to the final walkthrough.
The one area where you can be special is customer experience, the way that you engage and interact with a customer. If it’s high character, it’s going to be remembered for a very long time.
For instance, you might find an unexpected issue during a job. An unethical contractor might ignore it or charge an unfair price to fix it.
You, however, explain the problem clearly and offer fair options.
This approach turns clients into enthusiastic referral sources. It’s not just about the work you do, but how you do it.
Build a High-Character Brand
You’ve now laid the foundation for a truly ethical contracting business… By following these steps, you’re not just avoiding unethical practices. You’re building a brand that stands the test of time.
This approach attracts better clients, commands higher prices, and leads to more referrals.
High character is magnetic.
People gravitate towards those they trust and respect. It’s human nature.
When you’re known for integrity, you’ll find:
- Clients seek you out
- Top talent wants to work for you
- Other businesses want to partner up
It’s not just feel-good fluff. Solid character opens doors and builds relationships that fuel your success.
Start by examining one area of your business where you can be more ethical today. Maybe it’s how you handle client complaints, or how you train your employees. Whatever it is, commit to raising the bar.
You’ll soon see how ethics and profits go hand in hand. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s the most rewarding.
What sets us apart? How much we genuinely care.
Every nail we drive, every wall we build – it impacts real people’s lives.
When you approach your work with that mindset, it shows. Clients feel it. Word spreads.
That’s how you become the contractor everyone wants to hire.
Your Path to Business Ethics Starts TODAY
Let’s get real: We’re not changing the world overnight.
But our industry? That’s where we can make waves.
Start with yourself. Then your team. Your competitors will notice.
Before you know it, we’re lifting the entire contracting game.
And who knows? Maybe that ripple effect goes further than we imagine.
One ethical choice at a time, we can build something bigger than ourselves.
It starts with you. Today.
Are you ready to be part of that change? Are you ready to be one of the ethical contractors who’s changing the industry for the better? The choice is yours, and the time is now.
Let’s build a contracting industry we can all be proud of, one ethical decision at a time.