I said we wouldn’t do it, but having a kid changes a lot of things, one of which being holiday travel arrangements. Our plan was to stay in College Station for Christmas this year, mostly because neither of us expected to meet Tyson before his due date in mid-December. Alas – he came a few weeks earlier than expected and, of course, we made the trek into Arlington for the holiday get-together with my family.

It became readily apparent as I played cargo Tetris for the umpteenth time – the Romacks teeny, tiny Honda Fit wasn’t really fitting much of anything. It’s amazing how roomy those things are – when it’s just Angela and me sucking up the oxygen inside the cabin of this subcompact. Add a dog, or two, and another human being, and you’ve got a recipe for cramped and cranky commuters.

Imagine my surprise when, coincidentally, the good folks at Rusty Wallace Honda in Dallas hit up our phone with an intriguing proposition. It’s the same old song and dance – they’re in need of used vehicles, ours is a couple years old, they want it and will offer us a brand new vehicle for no money down and the same monthly payment. As I unravel the offer a bit, we negotiate that, for a few extra bucks each month, our growing family will step into the SUV terrain with Honda’s snappy little CRV.

I don’t like buying cars. Sure – I love to inhale the sweet aroma of glorious new car scent for a few months, but I’m not keen on dealing with the middle man needed to have this said scent grace my nostrils. Don’t get me wrong, Rusty Wallace Honda is hands down where we’ll buy our cars time after time because they’ve done good business with us on every occasion. I just can’t help but get a little irritated by the false flattery and disingenuous buddy-buddy conversation that goes down with many of the car salesman I’ve  encountered through the years.

You know what, though? I have to catch myself from slipping into the slick salesman, hyper-personable businessman mode from time to time. It’s always a humbling experience when I buy cars because it pits me against these expertly trained and highly motivated fast talkers – and reminds me that I can’t base my business on smooth talking and ulterior motives.

As we take delivery of our sexy new set of wheels tomorrow afternoon, I will be sure to remember that I strive to establish my relationships on integrity. I foster transparency and openness with my friends, colleagues and clients. I say what I mean and mean what I say. I desire to cultivate a personal and professional brand that resonates these ideals – each and every time. Not just when a pitch hangs in the balance. Not because a deal is about to go down.

How are you striving for integrity in your marketplace? What ideals and principles do you desire to resonate with your network? Spare a few seconds and let me know in the comments.