Well, it has certainly been quite some time since I wrote a blog entry, but I am here writing the same line I did this time last year. I promised myself I would do better, but life happened. Thanks to the constant reminder from WordPress, however, I find myself taking the jumbled thoughts in my head and forming them into sentences again.

Sure, I have thoughts on this year’s presidential election (who doesn’t?!), but I will hold onto those for another month or so. I’m going to attempt this blog thing again with a new direction. I’m going to pinpoint one word as a focus and go from there.

Today’s word is: Deceitfulness.

Now, one can attribute that word to the election cycle we all just experienced. Perhaps, one might also use it in the same sentence when describing a cheating lover. At the same time, one might use it to convince law enforcement not to write a speeding ticket even though you knew you were going 25 mph over the speed limit, but your child (which you don’t have) is sick at home. [Sidenote: I have NEVER used that excuse!]

Deceitfulness, no matter how many ways you spin it [I’m a public relations pro so I’m an expert at spinning], is rarely good. I won’t say never because there may be times when it is beneficial to not tell the entire truth. Of course, I’m not telling anyone to lie, but if you find yourself in a tough situation and the only way you will survive a “made for television” moment is to tell a little white lie….then yes. Do what you must. But generally deceitfulness is frowned upon.

But I digress….

The internet is a beautiful mechanism. It allows you to search for any topic and find archived articles, photos and so much more. It is also great because you can cross-check [or fact check since we just exited an election cycle] anything. For example, if you own a copyright or a trademark to a business, you can search the internet to find individuals or organizations using the name without your permission. Any first year attorney can write a Cease and Desist letter faster than you can make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Once upon a time I learned the age old adage “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” In the world of business, however, imitation can have serious consequences if proper credit is not given or permission to copy a concept or document was not initially provided.

Here are two examples:

1.  I work in the public health field. We generally belong to multiple associations and organizations who create toolkits with the sole purpose of having common language when discussing various topics. In other words, it is actually encouraged for me and my colleagues to use already existing templates.

2. Remember Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke and the “Blurred Lines” controversy? They were sued by the Marvin Gaye estate (and lost by the way) for using music which sounded eerily familiar to his hit song “Got to Give It Up.”

I’m sure you can think of hundreds of other examples, but I wanted to keep it to just two. Feel free to leave your own in the comments section below.

In the last couple of years I have seen several instances when individuals take someone else’s hard work, repackage it with new wrapping paper, slap a bow on it and then sit back and accept all the accolades knowing good and well they don’t deserve it.

I don’t know how else to say this other than it is completely wrong…..ethically, morally, personally and professionally. It speaks volumes to potential future investors or business partners. It is hurtful to those who put in the blood, sweat, tears and hours of brainstorming. Bottom line….it is deceitful.

Unfortunately, the sad part about people who are deceitful is they generally don’t care what others on the opposition think until it affects their bottom line.

What’s funny is a simple sentence or two acknowledging the brainchild behind an idea will usually take someone from the deceitful pool and put them into the “thanks for the acknowledgment, but I will still keep a close eye on you” pool.

Sure, I could provide names, but I’m not a gossip columnist [all of my gossip is off the record! LOL!]. I’m simply providing advice to anyone who may find themselves dipping their toe into the wrong pool. Your deceitfulness may end up costing more than your original investment because the truth ALWAYS reveals itself.

As always, these are just a few thoughts “From My Hart.”