Reputation Is About Character

Having a good reputation is one of the most valuable assets in business and life.  When running your own business a good reputation includes many things.  It has to do with ability to deliver a great product or service.  And, it has to do with dependability.  Are you consistently delivering that product or service in a manner that meets or exceeds the customer’s expectations?

Reputation—Ability

In coaching success I am fortunate to collaborate with many people who have exceptional ability.  What is ability?  Ability is the talents and skills that you bring to your business and life.  In fact, most of the self-employed business owners, entrepreneurs, solo professionals and individuals who engage in coaching have exceptional abilities. 

It is a privilege in my personal business coaching practice to be around and part of this talented group.  All of them have ability.  People see it in how they or their company delivers their product or service.  To enhance your reputation wherever possible showcase your ability and that of your company. 

When people are aware of your ability and what makes you unique it adds value to what you are doing.  Very often, by adding value you can charge more for your product or service because your customers perceive that it is worth more.  Being perceived as worth more is a great reputation to acquire.

Reputation—Dependability

To have continued small business growth, small business success or individual personal growth you must be dependable.  You may have all the ability in the world but if you aren’t dependable, your reputation, business and life will suffer. 

You must take that ability and be consistent in applying it.  The history of business failure is more often than not, about people of great ability, yet they weren’t dependable.  Without dependability, ability becomes unrealized potential.  And, it will take second place to being dependable. 

Reputation—Character

Character is the end result in determining your reputation.  Think of character as an equation.

Ability + Dependability= Character

If your ability is great but your dependability needs some work then your character as measured by others will be deficient.  Also, if your dependability is good but your product or service is not of top quality it will reflect badly on your character. 

When you are putting together your marketing business plan or a startup business plan it is critical to show your abilities in your product or service and be dependable in delivery.

Reputation-What Is Most Important?

Too often businesses fail and end up on the scrap heap not because of lack of ability.  They fail because of lack of dependability.  They don’t deliver consistently or do what they say they are going to do when they say they are going to do it. 

In reputation and small business growth, or personal growth for that matter, ability is important, but dependability is critical.  You can have a business of average ability and because it is dependable it will succeed. 

Or you can have a business of great abilities but lacking dependability and it will fail.  Seek consistency.  In the long run you can improve your abilities.  But, if you start out and are not dependable it is hard to build your foundation and a loyal following. 

Your reputation is about your character as a business and personally.  Take your abilities and be dependable in delivering your product or service.  That’s the reputation you must have for long term success.