Here’s a terrific idea for a reality TV show.

It’s highly competitive.

It’s cutthroat.

It’s sexy.

And ratings should go through the roof.

Ready?

Brassiere Wars!

Each week, contestants see who can unhook bras fastest using just one hand.

Whaddya think?

Actually, a shopping mall in Guangdong province, China, hosted such a contest early this month. Entrants raced against the clock to perform one-handed bra-removals on a line of eight masked women.

Not surprisingly, there were protests that the promotional event objectified women.

But organizers denied that and claimed instead that it had “educated men.”

“The workings of a woman’s bra are a mystery for many men,” said a mall spokesperson. “This activity helped more people understand bra culture and explore its secrets.”

Riiiiiight.

Which brings me to my point today.

When you’re in your own business, you’re often called upon to explain yourself.

You may have to justify a business policy.

Or defend your price structure.

Or respond to objections.

Or answer complaints.
 
And how you do so can make or break your credibility.

If you seem insincere or disingenuous, you’ve blown it.

Serve up a steaming load of B.S. about, say, helping men explore the secrets of bra culture, and a whole lotta customers and prospects may wave bye-bye.

You’d be better off admitting that your motivation is simple greed and leave it at that.

If they don’t buy you, they won’t buy your products or services.

So it pays big time to be committed to honesty. As I’ve said before — http://www.wallyconger.com/fearlessfreelancing.html — always keep your integrity nice and shiny.

By the way, in case you’re wondering, the winner of the bra contest in China unclasped all eight bras one-handed in just 21 seconds. And the winner was a woman.