How to build a business reputation people remember begins with deciding how you want them to feel after spending time with you.
I’ve reconnected with a few people recently whom I hadn’t seen for years. One of them remembered meeting me 14 years ago. The details of our original conversation had faded, but the feeling had stayed with her.
And so I’ve been thinking about what I want people to associate with me long after I’ve left the room.
Enthusiastic. Optimistic. Energetic.
Those are my three words. They give me something to come back to when I’m deciding how to show up, whether I’m meeting someone for the first time, hosting an event or following up after a conversation.
What are yours?
Choose words you can put into action
If someone described you to a friend, what would you hope they’d say?
Perhaps you want to be known as thoughtful and generous. Perhaps you want people to experience you as calm, capable or direct. Choose words that feel true to you and that you’re willing to put into practice.
If you’re struggling to find your three words, ask a few people you trust. A friend, client or mentor might tell you what they notice about the way you work and how they feel after spending time with you. Listen for the words that come up more than once, then choose the ones you want to keep demonstrating.
Then ask yourself what each word looks like in a real interaction.
If you want to be known as welcoming, notice the person standing on their own at an event and invite them into the conversation. If you want to be known as reliable, follow through when you say you will. If you want to be known as generous, make an introduction when you spot two people who could help each other.
The words help you decide what to do. Your actions give other people an experience they can remember.
Pay attention to the small moments
You have opportunities to shape your reputation throughout an ordinary business week.
Remember someone’s name. Ask a question and listen to the answer. Send the introduction you promised. Check in after a difficult conversation. Thank someone who has helped you.
These things take a little attention, which is why people notice them.
I’ve written before about the difference between being visible and being remembered. Posting, emailing and attending events give people a chance to see you. The way you treat them gives them a reason to remember you.
Think about the people you’ve recommended to others. You probably remember the quality of their work. You may also remember whether they made things easy, kept you informed or took the time to understand what you needed. Those experiences become part of what you say when someone asks, “Do you know a person who can help?”
Start with one action this week
Write down three words you’d like people to use when they describe you. Be specific enough that you can recognise what those words look like in your behaviour.
Then choose one action for this week.
If your word is thoughtful, follow up with someone you met recently and refer to something they shared. If it’s generous, connect two people who have a good reason to know each other. If it’s reliable, finish the thing you said you’d do and let the person know it’s done.
You can begin with one conversation. Fourteen years from now, someone may have forgotten what you talked about. They might still remember how they felt when they met you.