your reputation is based upon the perception of others. Yes, everyone has an opinion and your opinion is the one that should be the most important to you. Many people dismiss the perceptions and opinions of others about them and their reputations, especially when it is a negative one. Realize and accept the challenge that you have the personal responsibility and ability to influence and shape (not control) the positive perception you want others to have about you. It is through this that a positive reputation about you will be established.
How can this be known in advance? How can you look into the future to ensure a positive outcome = establish and/or maintain a good reputation? How can this be done when you can’t “control” the mind of another?
Just do the following:
1.) Be very clear about what is expected of you from your client; get as crystal clear as possible about this.
2.) Make sure you get mutual agreement about these expectations.
3.) Make sure you GET IT IN WRITING.
4.) Make sure your client SIGNS OFF on these expectations BEFORE you begin.
5.) Make sure you deliver to these expectations…and then some.
6. ) No whining, no excuses. Just do it!
At the end of the day, if you follow this advice, you’ll always win and so will your client. You’ll always be able to look at yourself in the mirror and say, “Good Job”. Believe me, they’ll be say the same thing about you as well. Do this and you’ll create the perception you’ll want them to have and will establish the reputation you know you deserve.
Pay it forward ,to yourself. Create, value and protect your reputation. You won’t be sorry!