One of the keys to success in most businesses is maintaining credibility with your customers.  One of the most damaging things one can do is appear to be a hypocrite.  Poor service is particularly likely to incur the wrath of customers if you criticize the service of your competitors in your advertising.

I think this is one of the reason people do not like politicians.  They love to point out the warts on their opponents, but forget the warts of their own.  Remember a year or two ago when "culture of corruption" was the buzz word repeatedly over and over by Nancy Pelosi and her friends.  They were happy to point out the questionable emails of Representative Foley and a number of lobbying and bribery scandals that involved Republicans.

Ms. Pelosi has suddenly gone silent now that one Democratic Governor has resigned after blowing $80K plus on prostitutes.  His replacement has admitted to mulitple affairs.  The Democratic mayor of Detroit is under indictment for perjury and a Louisiana Rep. has a freezer full of $100,000 in cash (aparently anticipating a banking crisis).  Yes, the culture of corruption continues - Act II simply has new actors from the other party.  How can Ms. Pelosi have any credibility when she does not condemn the same conduct by Democrats that she condemned when committed by Republicans.  (There are several Republicans who likewise rationalize the conduct of their cohorts while condemning Democrats).

The lesson for business - say what you mean and mean what you say.  The lesson for politics - term limits.