How to Strengthen Your Reputation Starting Today

Senior level leaders often ask me my definition of a personal brand. Simply put, it is how information about and impressions of you are being discussed. There are three factors that shape those discussions: what you say, what you do, and what others say about what you said and did.  What others say about you is critical for your career success and the stakes only rise as you continue to climb the corporate ladder. The more visibility you have, the more important it is that you stay on brand message and to be consistent in every interaction.  Here are four ways to manage your facts in discussion daily:

What got you here won’t get you there. Let’s be real. Your reputation matters and it does precede you! It needs to evolve and keep pace with the ever-changing marketplace. Broaden your skills and abilities daily and create a personal development plan that enhances your ability to face both the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

Be consistent. Your brand is built one day at a time. Every day, commit to managing your brand message. Make sure your behaviors and interactions match your values and that your personal and professional stories are consistent. Try to leave every encounter with your colleagues excited about you and your contributions.

Manage every aspects of your brand. You, and therefore your brand, are complex. Every aspect of your brand from your digital image (including comments on blog posts like this) to your appearance, and most importantly your exceptional work, has to be managed daily. Remember--you are your brand’s biggest ambassador!

Be authentic. Your unique value is what gives you competitive advantage so own your authentic self. Stay true to your values and ideals and trust that the world will welcome the real you. Façade management takes energy away from your ability to do your best work.

-Cornelia Shipley, Career Coach
www.corneliashipley.com