Personal Reputation Management

A website of an Ad Agency had the following tagline on its homepage: “Indian mythology has 3 million Gods, but do you actually know even 1%? Personal branding is really important!”

The above witty example just proves that building and managing personal reputation is of utmost importance, since if you consider Bill Gates or Barack Obama, they’re all nothing without reputation, and its reputation alone which makes them known throughout the world. A lot of people have a lot of money, but it is the reputation which they build which makes them known throughout the world and makes them famous and sought after.

This very simple concept of managing personal reputation comes from the fact that success comes if you package and present yourself well! Sometimes, just a good CV on Google isn’t enough to reflect your true worth to the society. At times, it might happen that people share the same name as you, and as a result, there is an identity crisis. There are a few tips which will help you in managing a good personal reputation:

Social Networking: The whole world might not go out daily, but they most certainly go on their Facebook/Twitter/Orkut/MySpace page at least once, if not twice! Thus, you need to target and penetrate into the soul of the social networking websites. These websites will increase your visibility and create an active name for you. Many a times, people benefit from the contacts which they make on social networking websites. We suggest, even you try it out! It’s because the whole world is out there, and there’s a great possibility of you finding people with similar interest or if not them, then certainly your colleagues and friends. You can display your present position, your achievements and lots more using your profile, your status updates and everything. Further, status updates can highlight your achievements and make you a star on social networking.

Creating a Website/Homepage:  You can target the whole of the internet by making a website and advertising it on Google. The website can be about you, your interests, your achievements, your tips, your hobbies, your work profile and lots more. You can have an interactive session with the audience and as a result gain their trust, support and goodwill. There are many youtube.com channels where people teach various hobbies and make a name for them literally worldwide. Also, remember, the more the number of months and years, the more your credibility will increase. Thus, make long term plans and grow accordingly.

Honestly, there are three E’s for personal reputation management. They are:

Earning the right: You need to be at such a position, be it on account of your job, expertise, knowledge etc., to comment on others and address them.

Enthusiasm: Would you buy something if the salesman is really bored and shows no enthusiasm whatsoever?

Eager to share: Always be eager to give out tips to audience and fans, share your knowledge so that even they give you more credibility over time and hold you in high regards.