The Most Important Thing That You Can Control

​How are you being perceived by others? Companies spend big bucks on marketing and promotion in an effort to influence how consumers view their brand. You may not have a similar marketing budget to influence how others perceive you or your business, but you do have a brand. Your brand is your reputation, which is something you can actually control. 

Why worry about what others are saying about you?
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Individuals that have a good reputation obtain more opportunities and don’t have to sell themselves or brag, because others are doing it for them. Your reputation needs to be shaped and managed so it reflects the way you want to be viewed. You need to be mindful about how you present yourself in the flesh, and also how you come across online. This is something that you can fully control through your actions and your company culture.

10 actions to consider:
 
1. Go the Extra Mile
Are you going above and beyond for your clients in a way that others won’t? Get to know your clients well, pay attention to the details, take the call even if you’re feeling tired, follow-up, follow through and always over-deliver.
 
2. Make Others Shine
Have you ever been referred to potential clients or for a job? As a thank you, make sure to make the person who referred you look great! Get there early, be prepared, follow-up in a timely matter with both parties. By making others shine, your reputation will continue to grow.
 
3. Make Integrity Your Foundation
Doing what’s right should be at the heart of everything you do. Small acts of greed and selfishness will compromise your integrity in ways that you may not even notice. Be forthright, don’t sell a deal that you wouldn’t buy yourself.
 
4. Keep Your Promises
Have you ever been promised something, to no avail? You then need to remember to follow-up with them and hope that they honor their commitment. Don’t be that person. Do what you say you’ll do.
 
5. Make a Good First Impression
This is an often overlooked and undervalued component of your reputation. Like it or not, people make judgments about you before you even say a word. Look the part, be on time, make eye contact, be engaging and be prepared. This is your opportunity to impress.
 
6. Be Accountable
It’s unthinkable to have a successful career without making any mistakes. Take responsibility. Admit when you’re wrong. Saying “I was wrong” is much more powerful than passing it off by saying “Everybody makes mistakes” or “I’m only human”. Don’t make excuses.
 
7. Treat Everyone with Respect
It sounds so simple. Be kind to people. Say nice things about others. Be forthright. Say “please”, “thank you”, “congratulations”.  You need to show the same level of respect to everyone you meet.
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8. Be a Positive Force
How are you impacting the people around you? No one likes to hear people complain. Aim to have your interactions with others leave them with a happy feeling.  
 
9.Be a Good Listener
Attune yourself to the person talking. Be interested, empathize and acknowledge. Use open-ended questions. Don’t pass judgment. Listen all the way through and think before you speak.
 
10. Be Authentic
Pretending to be someone you’re not will work against you. You will not be able to remain consistent in your actions. This does not mean that smiling more makes you a fake. You need to be confident in who you are and put your best qualities forward.
 
Ultimately, people will determine what you’re going to be known for. That reputation then becomes your brand which will be consistent with how people view your work.


[1] Live Bold and Bloom (2019, December 4). 8 ways to be a good listener. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/human-capital-trends/2017/learning-in-the-digital-age.html
 
[2] Roberson, Jackie. Mention. How to build a personal reputation that improves your business. https://mention.com/en/blog/personal-reputation/
 
[3]  Young Entrepreneur Council (2014, January 28).  Forbes. 10 simple ways to improve your reputation. https://www.forbes.com/sites/yec/2014/01/28/10-simple-ways-to-improve-your-reputation/ - 21607bf96b9f