Code of honor for merchants of Russia at the end of the 19th century.

- 1993

In the book published in 1881 by N.E. Zegimel's “Necessary rules for merchants, bankers, commission agents and in general for every person engaged in any business” formulated a “code of honor”, ​​or generally accepted rules of conduct for Russian entrepreneurs of the 19th century.

They crystallized during the previous centuries of development of Russian entrepreneurship. More than a hundred years later, these rules have not lost their relevance. We publish some of them.

1. Business qualities: common sense, quick thinking, strength of character in carrying out all tasks. Every decent person can develop these qualities through unwavering determination and willpower.

2. Courtesy and politeness. It often happens to listen to undeserved insolence; It is extremely important not to lose composure and treat such incidents with complete tact and composure.

3. Keep order in all your affairs, even the smallest ones. Assign each thing its place so that when needed, you can find it without any difficulty and without wasting time. This is an extremely important condition for everyone business man. Don't go to bed until all your things are in order. Treasure the penny as you value the ruble.

4. Be systematic and regular. No business can go right and successfully if you do not have a stable character and do not have firm rules. You must observe regularity not only in your business, but also in your home circumstances.

5. Always keep your word. It’s better not to promise if you are not sure that you are able to fulfill what you promised, but once you have given your word, you must remember it and sacredly fulfill it.

6. Concentration of forces is one of the main conditions for success. Do only one thing, thoroughly study its advantages and disadvantages, and do not abandon it until you are convinced of the impossibility of its success.

7. Be completely diligent in whatever you do. Work when the need arises: early and late, on time and at the wrong time, in a word, do not miss a single opportunity that could, albeit slowly, serve the success of your studies.

8. Speak clearly and precisely to your customers.

9. Never be bored.

11. Write everything down and never keep in mind anything that can be written down now.

12. Every business is based on trust, so you should try with all your might to gain the complete trust of those with whom you have to deal. You can achieve this in different ways, and most importantly - through honesty and integrity.

13. Maintain savings in your personal expenses; it is better to live below your means than above.

14. Work yourself. Don't rely on your assistants. What you can do yourself, do not let others do. If others need to do something, then at least watch them.

15. Do not pursue a business that promises big profits, but involves risk. It is better to engage in subjects that provide at least a small but sure benefit.

16. Maintain sobriety and restraint. Do not go into the details of other people's affairs, do not ask about them either directly or indirectly, otherwise you will be considered an annoying person.

17. Be calm and cool in business disputes with both buyers and sellers. No matter how lively your argument may be, never get excited or gesticulate, do not give any reason for strangers to eavesdrop on your conversation and judge by your facial expression and gestures what you are talking about.

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Russian industrialists and merchants have always valued their business reputation. In 1881, the book “Necessary rules for merchants, bankers, commission agents and in general for every person engaged in any business” was published in St. Petersburg. Its author, I. E. Zegimel, who specializes in the study of philanthropic organizations, briefly formulated the norms developed by many generations of domestic businessmen.

1. Business qualities: common sense, quick thinking, strength of character in carrying out all matters. Every decent person can develop these qualities through unwavering determination and willpower.

2. Courtesy and politeness. It often happens to listen to undeserved insolence; It is extremely important not to lose composure and treat such incidents with complete tact and composure.

3. Use tact in politeness. If you are too generous with pleasantries in front of your customers, they may take it as an insult and ridicule; this will only push them away from you.

4. Keep order in all your affairs, even the smallest ones. Assign each thing its place so that when needed, you can find it without any difficulty and without wasting time. This is an extremely important condition for every business person. Don't go to bed until all your things are in order. Treasure the penny as you value the ruble.

5. Be systematic and regular. No business can go right and successfully if you do not have a stable character and do not have firm rules. You must observe regularity not only in your business, but also in your home circumstances.

6. Work yourself. Don't rely on your assistants. What you can do yourself, do not let others do. If others need to do something, then at least watch them.

7. Always keep your word. It is better not to promise if you are not sure that you are able to fulfill what you promised, but once you have given your word, you must remember it and sacredly fulfill it.

8. Publications. If you want to do big things, do not spare money on frequent publications about them in the most widely circulated newspapers.

9. Do not pursue a business that promises big profits, but is associated with risk. It is better to engage in subjects that provide at least a small but sure benefit.

10. Don't spend all your capital on one business, especially when starting out.

11. Concentration of forces is one of the main conditions for success. Do only one thing, thoroughly study its advantages and disadvantages, and do not abandon it until you are convinced of the impossibility of its success. But if there is the slightest chance of success, do not give up, because constant and zealous pursuit of one goal will certainly be crowned with success.

12. Be completely diligent in whatever you do. Work when the need arises: early and late, on time and at the wrong time, in a word, do not miss a single opportunity that could, albeit slowly, serve the success of your studies. It often happens to see that someone does his job diligently and thoroughly, makes a lot of money, and his neighbor, engaged in the same business, remains a poor man all his life, because he reluctantly or without proper attention performs his duty. “A student who goes to school under pressure will never learn anything.”

13. Be strictly selective in choosing assistants in your business. Hire employees who can comfortably live on the salary you set. A family man cannot exist on a small salary; he will inevitably become dishonest and will be busy worrying about his own interests.

14. A merchant who values ​​his honor should not hire a clerk, clerk or other employee who has ever worked for an acquaintance, only if the acquaintance asks him to do so.

15. Speak clearly and precisely to your customers.

16. Never be bored.

17. Maintain sobriety and restraint. Do not go into the details of other people's affairs, do not ask about them either directly or indirectly, otherwise you will be considered an annoying person.

18. Be calm and cool in business disputes with both buyers and sellers. No matter how lively your argument may be, never get excited or gesticulate, do not give any reason for strangers to eavesdrop on your conversation and judge by your facial expression and gestures what you are talking about.

19. Write everything down and never keep in mind anything that can be written down now.

20. Every business is based on trust, so you should try with all your might to gain the complete trust of those with whom you have to deal. You can achieve this in different ways, and most importantly - through honesty and integrity.

21. Maintain economy in your personal expenses; it is better to live below your means than above.

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Necessary rules for merchants, bankers, commission agents and in general for every person engaged in any business" - the "code of honor", compiled by N. E. Zegimel and published in 1881 in St. Petersburg.

In his published book, N. E. Zegimel formulated a “code of honor” or generally accepted rules of conduct for Russian entrepreneurs of the 19th century. They crystallized during the previous centuries of the development of Russian entrepreneurship. More than a hundred years later, these rules are still relevant.

1. Business qualities: common sense, quick thinking, strength of character in carrying out all matters. Every decent person can develop these qualities through unwavering determination and willpower.

2. Courtesy and politeness. It often happens to listen to undeserved insolence; It is extremely important not to lose composure and treat such incidents with complete tact and composure.

3. Use tact in politeness. If you are too generous with pleasantries in front of your customers, they may take it as an insult and ridicule; this will only push them away from you.

4. Keep order in all your affairs, even the smallest ones. Assign each thing its place so that when needed, you can find it without any difficulty and without wasting time. This is an extremely important condition for every business person. Don't go to bed until all your things are in order. Treasure the penny as you value the ruble.

5. Be systematic and regular. No business can go right and successfully if you do not have a stable character and do not have firm rules. You must observe regularity not only in your business, but also in your home circumstances.

6. Work yourself. Don't rely on your assistants. What you can do yourself, do not let others do. If others need to do something, then at least watch them.

7. Always keep your word. It is better not to promise if you are not sure that you are able to fulfill what you promised, but once you have given your word, you must remember it and sacredly fulfill it.

8. Publications. If you want to do big things, do not spare money on frequent publications about them in the most widely circulated newspapers.

9. Do not pursue a business that promises big profits, but is associated with risk. It is better to engage in subjects that provide at least a small but sure benefit.

10. Don't spend all your capital on one business, especially when starting out.

11. Concentration of forces is one of the main conditions for success. Do only one thing, thoroughly study its advantages and disadvantages, and do not abandon it until you are convinced of the impossibility of its success. But if there is the slightest chance of success, do not give up, because constant and zealous pursuit of one goal will certainly be crowned with success.

12. Be completely diligent in whatever you do. Work when the need arises: early and late, on time and at the wrong time, in a word, do not miss a single opportunity that could, albeit slowly, serve the success of your studies. It often happens to see that someone does his job diligently and thoroughly, makes a lot of money, and his neighbor, engaged in the same business, remains a poor man all his life, because he reluctantly or without proper attention performs his duty. “A student who goes to school under pressure will never learn anything.”

13. Be strictly selective in choosing assistants in your business. Hire employees who can comfortably live on the salary you set. A family man cannot exist on a small salary; he will inevitably become dishonest and will be busy worrying about his own interests.

14. A merchant who values ​​his honor should not hire a clerk, clerk or other employee who has ever worked for an acquaintance, only if the acquaintance asks him to do so.

15. Speak clearly and precisely to your customers.

16. Never be bored.

17. Maintain sobriety and restraint. Do not go into the details of other people's affairs, do not ask about them either directly or indirectly, otherwise you will be considered an annoying person.

18. Be calm and cool in business disputes with both buyers and sellers. No matter how lively your argument may be, never get excited or gesticulate, do not give any reason for strangers to eavesdrop on your conversation and judge by your facial expression and gestures what you are talking about.

19. Write everything down and never keep in mind anything that can be written down now.

20. Every business is based on trust, so you should try with all your might to gain the complete trust of those with whom you have to deal. You can achieve this in different ways, and most importantly - through honesty and integrity.

Business qualities: common sense, quick thinking, strength of character in carrying out all tasks. Every decent person can develop these qualities through unwavering determination and willpower. Courtesy and politeness. Often...

1. Business qualities: common sense, quick thinking, strength of character in carrying out all tasks. Every decent person can develop these qualities through unwavering determination and willpower.
2. Courtesy and politeness. It often happens to listen to undeserved insolence; It is extremely important not to lose composure and treat such incidents with complete tact and composure.
3. Use tact in politeness. If you are too generous with pleasantries in front of your customers, they may take it as an insult and ridicule; this will only push them away from you.
4. Keep order in all your affairs, even the smallest ones. Assign each thing its place so that when needed, you can find it without any difficulty and without wasting time. This is an extremely important condition for every business person. Don't go to bed until all your things are in order. Treasure the penny as you value the ruble.
5. Be systematic and regular. No business can go right and successfully if you do not have a stable character and do not have firm rules. You must observe regularity not only in your business, but also in your home circumstances.
6. Work yourself. Don't rely on your assistants. What you can do yourself, do not let others do. If others need to do something, then at least watch them.
7. Always keep your word. It is better not to promise if you are not sure that you are able to fulfill what you promised, but once you have given your word, you must remember it and sacredly fulfill it.
8. Publications. If you want to do big things, do not spare money on frequent publications about them in the most widely circulated newspapers.
9. Do not pursue a business that promises big profits, but is fraught with risk. It is better to engage in subjects that provide at least a small but sure benefit.
10. Don't spend all your capital on one business, especially when starting out.
11. Concentration of forces is one of the main conditions for success. Do only one thing, thoroughly study its advantages and disadvantages, and do not abandon it until you are convinced of the impossibility of its success. But if there is the slightest chance of success, do not give up, because constant and zealous pursuit of one goal will certainly be crowned with success.
12. Be completely diligent in whatever you do. Work when the need arises: early and late, on time and at the wrong time, in a word, do not miss a single opportunity that could, albeit slowly, serve the success of your studies. It often happens to see that someone does his job diligently and thoroughly, makes a lot of money, and his neighbor, engaged in the same business, remains a poor man all his life, because he reluctantly or without proper attention performs his duty. “A student who goes to school under pressure will never learn anything.”
13. Be strictly selective in choosing assistants in your business. Hire employees who can comfortably live on the salary you set. A family man cannot exist on a small salary; he will inevitably become dishonest and will be busy worrying about his own interests.
14. A merchant who values ​​his honor should not hire a clerk, clerk or other employee who has ever worked for an acquaintance, only if the acquaintance asks him to do so.
15. Speak clearly and precisely to your customers.
16. Never be bored.
17. Maintain sobriety and restraint. Do not go into the details of other people's affairs, do not ask about them either directly or indirectly, otherwise you will be considered an annoying person.
18. Be calm and cool when discussing business with both buyers and sellers. No matter how lively your argument may be, never get excited or gesticulate, do not give any reason for strangers to eavesdrop on your conversation and judge by your facial expression and gestures what you are talking about.
19. Write everything down and never keep in mind anything that can be written down now.
20. Every business is based on trust, so you should try with all your might to gain the complete trust of those with whom you have to deal. You can achieve this in different ways, and most importantly - through honesty and integrity.
21. Maintain savings in your personal expenses; it is better to live below your means than above.

Russian industrialists and merchants have always valued their reputation. In 1881, the book “Necessary rules for merchants, bankers, commission agents and in general for every person engaged in any business” was published in St. Petersburg. Its author I. E. Zegimel, specializing in the study charitable organizations Russia and Europe, briefly formulated the norms developed by many generations of domestic businessmen.

1. Business qualities: common sense, quick thinking, strength of character in carrying out all matters. Every decent person can develop these qualities through unwavering determination and willpower.

2. Courtesy and politeness. It often happens to listen to undeserved insolence; It is extremely important not to lose composure and treat such incidents with complete tact and composure.

3. Use tact in politeness. If you are too generous with pleasantries in front of your customers, they may take it as an insult and ridicule; this will only push them away from you.

4. Keep order in all your affairs, even the smallest ones. Assign each thing its place so that when needed, you can find it without any difficulty and without wasting time. This is an extremely important condition for every business person. Don't go to bed until all your things are in order. Treasure the penny as you value the ruble.

5. Be systematic and regular. No business can go right and successfully if you do not have a stable character and do not have firm rules. You must observe regularity not only in your business, but also in your home circumstances.

6. Work yourself. Don't rely on your assistants. What you can do yourself, do not let others do. If others need to do something, then at least watch them.

7. Always keep your word. It is better not to promise if you are not sure that you are able to fulfill what you promised, but once you have given your word, you must remember it and sacredly fulfill it.

8. Publications. If you want to do big things, do not spare money on frequent publications about them in the most widely circulated newspapers.

9. Do not pursue a business that promises big profits, but is associated with risk. It is better to engage in subjects that provide at least a small but sure benefit.

10. Don't spend all your capital on one business, especially when starting out.

11. Concentration of forces is one of the main conditions for success. Do only one thing, thoroughly study its advantages and disadvantages, and do not abandon it until you are convinced of the impossibility of its success. But if there is the slightest chance of success, do not give up, because constant and zealous pursuit of one goal will certainly be crowned with success.

12. Be completely diligent in whatever you do. Work when the need arises: early and late, on time and at the wrong time, in a word, do not miss a single opportunity that could, albeit slowly, serve the success of your studies. It often happens to see that someone does his job diligently and thoroughly, makes a lot of money, and his neighbor, engaged in the same business, remains a poor man all his life, because he reluctantly or without proper attention performs his duty. “A student who goes to school under pressure will never learn anything.”

13. Be strictly selective in choosing assistants in your business. Hire employees who can comfortably live on the salary you set. A family man cannot exist on a small salary; he will inevitably become dishonest and will be busy worrying about his own interests.

14. A merchant who values ​​his honor should not hire a clerk, clerk or other employee who has ever worked for an acquaintance, only if the acquaintance asks him to do so.

15. Speak clearly and precisely to your customers.

16. Never be bored.

17. Maintain sobriety and restraint. Do not go into the details of other people's affairs, do not ask about them either directly or indirectly, otherwise you will be considered an annoying person.

18. Be calm and cool in business disputes with both buyers and sellers. No matter how lively your argument may be, never get excited or gesticulate, do not give any reason for strangers to eavesdrop on your conversation and judge by your facial expression and gestures what you are talking about.

19. Write everything down and never keep in mind anything that can be written down now.

20. Every business is based on trust, so you should try with all your might to gain the complete trust of those with whom you have to deal. You can achieve this in different ways, and most importantly - through honesty and integrity.

21. Maintain economy in your personal expenses; it is better to live below your means than above.

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