Give Credit or Acknowledgement Where it is Due

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

09 Oct 2007 06:04 AM

As small home business owners, we can get pretty used to managing things on our own-we get used to making all the decisions, coming up with the marketing, deciding on the trajectory of our businesses, and all sorts of other business decisions. We can get so used to doing things solo, in fact, that we can forget that we really do get ideas and help and information from other sources. It is important to make sure that we acknowledge those sources and individuals when appropriate.

For example, if you have a friend take digital photos of your products so that you can use them on your web site-make sure to give that friend the photo credits on the site. Also, if you get advice, an idea or use a testimonial or quote from someone in order to benefit your business-make sure to acknowledge that as well. In some instances it is actually against the law to use someone else's words, ideas, and work without getting permission and giving credit, while in other instances it is just good manners to be considerate about other people's physical and intellectual property.

Remember when you were in school and you learned about "citing your sources"? It applies to business dealings and operations too. It is a good idea to get a person's written permission prior to using anything that they have written, designed, created, or said in order to promote your business. When in doubt, ask them. Even if you know that they won't mind, giving credit and recognition and showing consideration will show them you respect and appreciate what they have done, and will further your reputation for being honest and straight-dealing.

Make sure you understand copyright law and use if you are using another's work or intellectual property, and make sure to give credit and acknowledgement...where credit and acknowledgement are due.

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