Selling With Integrity - Why the Way We Sell Matters More Than Ever

Selling something isn’t the problem. We all exchange value in some form - whether it’s a coach offering guidance, a café serving coffee, or a local farmer sharing produce. Trade has existed forever, and when it’s done with care, it can be beautiful.

But let’s be honest - a lot of selling today does not come from a good place.

It’s rushed. It’s aggressive. It’s clever, persuasive, high-pressure - and at times, deliberately misleading. Many people are willing to say almost anything to secure a sale - even if what they’re offering isn’t genuinely helpful. Which to me, is evidence of immaturity and a deeply insecure, survival mindset. If they were secure, they wouldn't be so motivated to secure an unhealthy deal.

In the online world especially, there’s a quiet encouragement to focus on what ‘converts’, rather than what uplifts. To study emotional triggers. To build funnels that squeeze people into clicking “buy now” before they’ve even had time to breathe.

It’s everywhere. From processed foods that hijack the brain’s reward system,to dating apps that play on loneliness and insecurity,to spiritual services that overpromise change in exchange for recurring payments.

You even see it in more niche corners of the internet. There are now videos made by strippers, teaching new strippers how to emotionally manipulate men into spending more money. They’re not teaching safety, confidence, or personal empowerment. They’re teaching how to fake affection - how to act interested, how to say the right things to keep the man spending.

And it’s framed as empowerment. But manipulation is not empowerment.And money gained through dishonesty comes at a cost - to the buyer, yes - but also to the seller's soul.

This kind of dynamic doesn't just exist in strip clubs. It shows up in business courses, dating coaches, personal brands, even wellness spaces. It’s that same mindset: How do I get this person to give me money? Rather than: How do I help this person in a way that’s worth paying for?

We need to bring something more human back into selling.

So - how do we sell in a way that helps the world?

It starts with asking better questions. Questions that go beyond profit and reach into purpose:

1. Would I still offer this if I wasn’t getting paid? This doesn’t mean everything has to be free - but if the answer is definitely not, you may be relying too heavily on money as the motivator. Purpose-driven selling often starts with wanting to help - even before the payment arrives.

2. Is this offer clean? Meaning: are there strings attached? Fine print? A sense of pressure? Does it rely on someone’s fear, insecurity, or confusion? Clean offers feel simple, honest, and clear. You trust the buyer to decide without needing to push.

3. Will this help the person even if they never buy again? If someone only bought once, would it still be worth it for them? If not, the product may be built more for profit than service.

4. Is there full honesty in the way I’m presenting this? No inflated promises. No selective testimonials. No guilt-tripping or urgency tricks. Let people make a decision from their power, not their pressure.

5. Would I want someone I care about to buy this? Would you sell it to your mum? Your best mate? If you’d hesitate, something's off.

When we sell from this kind of place...

• People feel respected

• The world becomes more trusting

• Business becomes more than just profit - it becomes a force for good

And ironically, sales actually become easier, because people sense the authenticity. They know they’re not being squeezed or sold to - they’re being seen and supported.

The truth is, it’s completely possible to sell something helpful, earn a fair living, and do it without manipulation. It might require more patience, more integrity, and sometimes walking away from quick money - but it leads to long-term peace, better relationships, and a business that actually improves the world.

We’re not here to drain people. We’re here to raise them up. And the way we sell needs to reflect that.