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There is a Latin proverbs that says, and I quote 'a good reputation is valuable than gold' Reputation and Good Public images are at one time or the other opened or closed a life time opportunity for some people, and this is explaining how important and valuable one's reputation and Good Public images is.
What is therefore Reputation and Public Images?
These two concepts are closely related, as one can't do without the other, they are interwoven, I mean there is no public image without reputation.
Reputation refers to overall perception of people about a person, organization, a brand, based on their previous performance, product, conduct or behaviour. Reputation is not build in a day, it is a process, what we do every day, the results of every day activities, months and years is our reputation.
For instance, talking about brands, some brands already has names in the market, that some individuals can't do without them, in a case where such brand is scarce or not available, some people will rather not buy other brands, it simply means such brand already has a name, a good reputation.
At an individual level, Reputation is the reality. You will agree with me that when one is writing a CV, there is always a column for referee, and if these referee are contacted by the intending employer, their testimonies concerning the intended employee will go a long way in the appointment. In fact, it might hasten the appointment or even terminate it.
Is reputation therefore not worthy of building? How can one build a good reputation?
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Building a good reputation requires a consistent effort, integrity and focusing on good qualities. A reputable person must be dependable and reliable, that is, he/she must be committed and maintain a high qualities of integrity.
Another key factor in building a Reputation is communication, an effective communication. This is done by being honest, clear interraction with individuals, allowing criticism for better judgment, and use it to grow and develop.
Also, building a good reputation requires strengthening and fostering trust, loyalty, mutual respects and good relationship among one's peers, colleagues, clients and customers.
In addition to all that have been said, Consistence should also be part of our daily lives. Continuously demonstrating positive values and behaviour.
Talking about brands or organisation, an organisation or brand can build a good reputation by owning up to the goal/standard they set for themselves. Society might have placed some value and standard on them, they must therefore wake up to that responsibility by not disappointing them by delivering high quality products or services, greatly meeting the demands of their customers and clients.
Also, brand or reputable organisation must be transparent and accountable, that is they must openly share their core values, admit their mistakes and take responsibility for it, must be ready to have honest feedback from their customers or clients through effective communication.
Lastly, brands or organisation must invest in their employees, to boast their personal growth, which will eventually results in greater productivity of such brand or organisation.
However, we should not forget that we are dealing with two intertwisted topics here, and little has Just been said about the second crucial topic which is public image.
Public Image is what the society perceived about an individual, an organisation, a brand etc, based on their past actions, behaviours, characters and communications. Public Image is shaped by social media presence, appearance, media coverage, past actions and individual testimonies.
Public Image can be influenced by public stunts, celebrities endorsement, ambassadorships and reputation.
The difference between Reputation and Public Image is that reputation is based on personal level/interraction with the said individual or brand, while Public Image has to do with people's or society general view concerning the individual or brand.
Public Images is shaped by broader public perception.
Dear Reader, remember that a good reputation and positive public image can lead to trust, loyalty and long lasting friendships and success, while a damaged reputation and strained public image can results into a long lasting negative influence. Therefore, strive and make efforts to build a good Reputation and Public Image.