What Is Your Career Reputation?

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

I admit it. I am a material girl living in a material world, but when I read this verse, I remember that stuff — whether it takes the form of jewelry, a nice car, or pretty clothing (hey, I AM a woman!) — is just stuff. What matters most is how I serve the Lord, my family, and the people whose paths I cross — bot personally and professionally.

When people hear your name, what do they think of? That’s a very important part of your brand. The achievements and accomplishments that you demonstrate on your resume should support your brand and back-up your good name.

If your career reputation is less than stellar, here are some tips on how you can bolster your career reputation and make a better name for yourself.

1. Engender trust and responsibility by taking a genuine interest in other people’s best interests, and doing the right thing. Listen to your intuition, it will guide you.
2. Be a learn-it-all. We’ve all heard of a know-it-all, but a little humility goes a long way. Recognize that no matter how smart or how accomplished you are, there are always more learning opportunities ahead of you.
3. Be responsible for your own professional development. Engage in at least two to three major learning experiences a year. You’re never too accomplished to rest on your laurels.
4. One of my favorite quotes is, “You can either run with the big dogs or sit on the porch and bark.” Even if you’re already a “big dog” in your niche, figure out who the other key thought leaders are in your industry or profession, and start building relationships with these people. The company you keep says something about what kind of person you are and/or what kind of person you aspire to be.
5. Strive to be more of a giver than a taker, and remember that it’s better to underpromise and overdeliver.
6. At the end of every day, reflect on your day. Recognize where you may have fallen short, and ask yourself what systems and actions you can put in place tomorrow to do better. This isn’t about beating yourself up. Hey, none of us is perfect. Escape the tyranny of perfection, and instead aim for progress.