What is a reputation marketing?

Whether you are aware of it or not, everyone has a reputation. Your personal reputation is what sets you apart from the world. It can be likened to your competitive position, it’s what makes you and your business stand out in a world where standards and quality differ.

So what makes you stand out from the crowd? Everyone is different; so what’s different about you?

Are you a good negotiator? Are you super organized? Do you exude charisma and charm? Couple these qualities with your unique life experience and you have the building blocks for your personal brand!

Having a good reputation will get you where you want to be in life. If you are an employee with a great reputation, you’re more likely to get a promotion or pay rise.

For business owners, your reputation adds value to your business brand.

Isn’t it time you showed everyone what you’re truly worth?

Here are 5 tips that will build your reputation, draw others to you and enhance your business reputation.

1. Rediscover yourself.
Do a little soul searching. Ask yourself, what makes me special? What is in me that others love and that I love? In other words, what are your strengths and unique personal qualities? What are you better at than anyone else in your industry? In marketing jargon, we call this your unique selling proposition.

The best way to discover your strengths is to ask others for feedback.

2. Pay attention to your packaging.
As superficial as it sounds, your personal packaging is important. It is others’ first impression of what’s inside. You know that great packaging is what will make you buy Perrier bottled water over the home brand one. You want others to buy you. Get them on your side. How do you look, dress and speak? Start with a friendly confident smile and good posture. Dress as the person you want to be in 3 to 5 years from now. Look the part, and people will see you as this person.

3. Be good at what you do.

Don’t waste your energy on trying to change little weaknesses in your life. They are an intricate part of who you are. Instead, pour all your energy into your strengths and polish them until you positively shine! Spend time on the work that you know will achieve the biggest benefit to your organization, clients and your career.

4. Make a name for yourself.

Now you know what you’ve got to offer, put it into action! How? Put your hand up for special projects, especially those where you’ll come into contact with key decision makers in your organization or industry. Join a professional group in your industry and attend regularly and get involved. Run seminars, contribute to blogs, write articles or anything that gets your name out there in a positive light.

5. Do your best to help others.

Get to know the people around you and find out how you can sincerely help them, even in small ways. Being a supporter of others and working with them is a win win situation! Encourage others, help them achieve their goals and you’ll find they want to do the same for you.

Building your reputation is about finding out what’s great about you. Then in a intelligent way, let everyone else know! Find ways to add value to your organization and your colleagues. If you can do this, opportunities will come to you.

A step by step guide to building your reputation

It’s the start of a new year… and the start of new adventures and fresh opportunities to grow yourself! So achieve what you want this year:

1. Go back and look at each of these five items. Get a pen and paper and write down your own ideas and answers to each one.

2. Make them into a plan. Look at where you are now, and where you want to be in the next 3 to 5 years. Write down step by step specific actions required to reach each goal.

3. Put a deadline against each action. When are you going to achieve this by? Make it realistic but put some pressure on yourself.

You’ll be amazed at how such small actions can make all the difference to your life.