Your Reputation is Everything

In my upcoming book The Pied Piper Principle; Lead, and Your Business Will Follow, Your Reputation is Everything is one the principles. And, after all of the feedback I received from my last blog, “Enough is Enough!” I know my readers will easily relate to this one.

What do people think when they hear your name? What is the impression you leave behind? What do they say about you when you are not there? As you ponder these thoughts, do you smile inside knowing thoughts of you leave a favorable imprint? Or, do you somewhat cringe at what may be said when you are not around?

The dictionary’s definition of reputation is: “An overall quality of character as seen or judged by people in general”. Note the word judged. Although we strive to live a life without judgment we cannot hide from it. Every action we make is judged and forms our reputation.

So, fill in this blank: (Your Name) has earned a reputation of someone that (blank).

Could the blank be any of the following?
…is optimistic
…true to his word
…reliable
…confident

Or, is it possible the blank is filled with some of these:
…lies
…is never on time
…breaks promises
…you can’t count on

As I write these words, I know what I want my reputation to be. But, that is looking forward into the future. Right now my reputation and yours is based on our past actions. Luckily we can change it…but it takes time.

From this moment forward, consider each interaction you have establishes and solidifies your reputation. Whether it is in person or over the phone, in email on or Facebook, every single move you make is the essence of who you are.

Here is a simple exercise that demonstrates just how powerful a reputation is. As you read each word below, think about the first person that pops into your head.

Happy
Mean
Genuine
Hypocrite
Funny
Sad

For each one of those words, I know the image of someone entered your mind. That is the impression you have of them which in turn represents their reputation.

What words do you want to be associated with? What description do you want attached to your name? Remember “Your Reputation is Everything”.

Enough is Enough!

I am so tired of dealing with people that say one thing and do another. Make commitments that they don’t keep. Offer something and then not follow up. I am so disgusted with this, that I am finally making a commitment to myself and all those reading this blog that for me “Enough is enough!”

I am no longer going to tolerate lack of responsiveness in others. I am going to call out people who tell me they will get back to me, give me a call or volunteer information only to never be heard from again. I am going to find someone else to buy from, sell to and work with.

My guess is if you are one of these people, you are not reading this blog. I bet those of you honoring me with your time are just as frustrated as I am. I imagine my followers are the exact opposite of those I described in the opening. In fact, let me speculate who you are as my reader.

You make promises and then keep them. You don’t need a signed agreement to stay true. Your word is far more valuable.

You offer great customer service. You look for ways to solve problems, overcome obstacles and value relationships.

You treat your employees like gold. People like to work for you and refer friends and family to you often.

You understand the importance of being on time, responding to emails in a suitable manner, and calling people back when you say you will. And, on those unforeseen circumstances that throw you off tract, you begin your communication with the words, “I am sorry.” You are quick to apologize for being delayed or the rare missed deadline.

Right now I imagine you are picturing those people that you cannot count on. Images of those who have let you down, given false promises, and continued on without any realization they are wrong. You know exactly who they are.

So, I ask you “How long will you continue to tolerate this disrespectful attitude?” When will you join me in saying “Enough is enough”?

Let us together dedicate ourselves to only associating with people that care, keep commitments, value honesty and integrity. Let’s walk away from people that do not have the same high standards as we do.

For once and for all – Enough is enough!