Build Your Corporate Reputation

Abraham Lincoln wrote…. “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” A corporate reputation is the shadow…. The organization is the tree, the real thing.

Abraham Lincoln wrote…. “Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”

A corporate reputation is the shadow…. The organization is the tree, the real thing.

While an organization can’t actually control its own reputation, it can perform ethically and communicate this in its dealings in the marketplace to actively build its reputation.

You’ve heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” This is true when it comes to corporate reputations which are, truly, shaped more by operational practices than by communication practices.

This is good news for the business owner. He can act to reinforce those areas he considers important to the reputation of his business. He can treat others honestly and with respect, for example. He can implement activities to build awareness of his company’s good operational practices and design programs to enhance the company’s relationships with others.

The professional social network, LinkedIn, offers the following actions a business can take to improve his company’s reputation:

  1. Contribute to social and economic development in the community
  2. Support growth and innovation in the industry
  3. Build healthy professional relationships with others in the marketplace
  4. Recognize and reward employees who bring value to the company
  5. Build trust relationships with suppliers and others
  6. Manage the company’s financial resources responsibly and transparently