Nope. I was an entrepreneur for 10 years first. I always employed this mentality. Reputation matters.

I have been self employed for 22 years. I have always worked this way, and it has always paid far more in benefits than I ever could expect. People will talk about the type of business person you are and the word always gets around. It is amazing how fast and far your reputation can spread (for better or worse).

"Brand of ethics"? You either stick to your word after you give it, or you don't. I don't think it has anything to do with which party is telling the story.