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1. Keep Abreast of Changing Values and Expectations

People’s expectations are constantly changing. What they value in you, and your products or services, today may not be what they value tomorrow. Read and research widely and actively engage with those you want to create lasting relationships with regularly to stay in tune with them.

2. Aim for ‘Win/Win’ Outcomes from Every Interaction

Focus on nurturing a long-term relationship rather than a short-term gain. For example, if you know another provider may have a better solution than you, recommend them. The level of trust your client or customer will have in you will go up and your reputation will be enhanced immensely.

3. Make It Easy For People To Recommend You

When someone recommends you, they are putting their reputation on the line. Make people feel good about dealing with you and you’ll enhance your chances of being recommended. Deliver on your promises and focus on building high-trust, high-value relationships. Acting with integrity will also help you be recommended more often.

4. Never ‘Bad-Mouth’ or Be Disparaging About Others

Bad-mouthing your competitors or others is a major reputation loser. No-one likes a gossip and news travels fast, especially on-line. People will think “if you say those things about them, what might you be saying about me when I'm out of earshot?” If you don’t have anything good to say, it’s better to say nothing at all.

5. Never Breach the Bond of Trust Between You and Your Supporters

People hire, and do business, with people and companies they trust. A New Zealand research study in 2009 found 75% of respondents no longer buy from businesses they don't trust and 61% had urged family and friends to do the same. Clarify expectations and maintain open, respectful communication at all times.

6. Accept Responsibility and Accountability for Your Actions

When things go wrong, ensure the person who’s aggrieved feels you are working to resolve things, rather than blaming them or justifying your position. If you’re at fault, accepting responsibility, without accusation or blame, and being willing to be held accountable will enhance, rather than damage, your reputation.

7. Avoid Over-Promising and Under-Delivering

Over-promising but under-delivering is a reputation-killer. Ensure the statements and claims you make are truthful, the expectations people have of you are fulfilled and the experiences people have encourage friends, colleagues and customers to remain loyal and recommend you to others.

Act with integrity, build trust and you will enhance your reputation.

Want to know more?

Download Hannah’s free report: ‘Reputation Branding Essentials’ and opt-in to receive her electronic newsletter, ‘Reputationz’, at: www.hannahsamuel.com.

Hannah is a specialist reputation advisor, professional speaker, author and founder of online performance-based service directory, TRUSTcite. She regularly comments on issues around reputation, trust and integrity in mainstream media and on her blog www.trustbite.co.nz.