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To be successful in business, a good reputation is essential. And yet a common misconception is that enhancing your reputation means superficial image management. While self-promotion can be a part of reputation-building, it may come across as arrogant or insincere. This can alienate your customers, clients, or colleagues.
The best ways to enhance your reputation
When you have a good reputation, you become seen as more trustworthy and credible to others. People want to work with – and buy from – trustworthy people. So, how can you get started?
1. Listen to your colleagues
Sometimes, when people want to establish themselves, they do so by asserting themselves as the top dog. Being assertive is a great skill, but be careful about how and when you put your stake in the ground. Offering an opinion or taking the initiative is great; bulldozing your way into a discussion and acting like no one else’s opinion matters most definitely is not.
Listening to your colleagues and sitting back is a powerful skill that will get people on your side and help them see you as an ally rather than a threat. Actively seek feedback from your colleagues. Don’t shy away from it, even if it is critical. Listening and reacting is a powerful skill that will also help you focus on areas for improvement.
2. Don’t brag about your achievements
The most-liked person on the team is typically the one who demonstrates genuine humility and focuses on serving others. Instead of posting your successes online, write articles that share your knowledge, agree to speak at a conference, or offer to mentor a colleague early in their career. Focus on educating, inspiring, or entertaining your audience rather than solely promoting your products, services or successes.
3. Focus on excellence
People with a great reputation are never happy with ‘things as they are’. They strive for the best because they are committed to their own development, and they will encourage members of their team to do likewise. When you consistently meet or surpass expectations, you’ll get a reputation for reliability, professionalism and excellence.
4. Show your face
Attend industry events and spend time speaking and connecting with people. Follow up with them after the event with an interesting takeaway.
If you are more generally incorporating social media into your personal branding, make sure your content is meaningful and ignore the demand to post regularly—you’re here to establish a reputation, not engage in a battle for likes. This approach will build trust and respect, leading to a strong and sustainable reputation over time.
5. Ask for endorsements
If you’ve taken all the actions in points 1-4, you’ll have already developed positive relationships with teammates, managers, clients and customers. These relationships can lead to recommendations and endorsements, which enhance your reputation even further. This will ensure others see that your work is trusted and valued, all without you having to resort to bragging.
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We’re curious to know if you have implemented these tips yourself or if you have any other ways to improve your credibility and reputation at work. Let us know what you think on LinkedIn or Instagram!
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