THE REPUTATION THAT PRECEDES YOU
Entrepreneurs have to be amazing people, especially the successful ones. Starting and running your own business is not for the faint of heart. The entrepreneur must be passionate, focused, resourceful, efficient, persuasive, energetic, and wise. It doesn’t hurt to have lots of cash or many other investors. Being able to rally the right resources and people to make it all happen can be significantly affected by one very important intangible: reputation.
Alex Blumberg left his long-term career gig with National Public Radio to start his own business. Reflecting on his experiences, he emphasizes that the reputation that precedes you is a persistent factor in how successful you will be (Hank Gilman. “Lessons of a Serial Entrepreneur.” Money . September 2015, pp. 84–87):
“ One lesson I’ve learned over and over is that the reputation you personally built before starting a company is incredibly important. ” (p. 87)
Reputation has always been important. I think that it is even more important given our 24/7-connected online world. Here are my suggestions for preserving and promoting your reputation.
- Respect everyone.
- Be authentic.
- Do not burn bridges.
- Always aim to contribute to the team.
- Think a little longer before clicking SEND.
- Hold others accountable, but hold yourself accountable first.
- Search for a mentor.
- Mentor someone.
- Determine what your priorities are and give them everything you have.
Blumberg is right. The reputation that precedes you can make or break your business plans.
