How to build a strong reputation

Your name, your reputation is a the most precious brand at work!

I realized today how important it is to always leave an impeccable track where ever we work! The truth is that most of the key jobs are filled in by someone that knew someone.

Two elements are crucial: First, build a strong and long lasting network and second ensure that you always excel in any mandates you are given or always leave in excellent terms with your clients, colleagues and partners.

As I just confirmed my commitment last week on a new engagement, I just received a call today from a Company that I worked for in 2001... The CIO happens to be someone that I met in 2001 in that company and whom was reporting at the time to the ex-CIO in a special project position. We quickly connected but left the company shortly after as we moved elsewhere with my husband. So 9 years later, I receive a phone call in regards to a position to be filled in his team as someone pointed out to him my resume.

Even thought I cannot break my new commitment I made last week, I will perform my mandate but will surely look forward to meet with the new CIO to identify potential opportunities for the future.

Take control of your reputation;

• Focus on adding value everyday single day, in each conversation, in each meeting, in each deliverables
• Be nice with EVERYBODY (from receptionist to board members), respect others;
• Always keep in touch with ex-colleagues even the ones your worked with 10 years ago;
• Be active in networking including social Internet networking like Linked In/ conferences;
• Finish what you started when leaving a job or project or perform a knowledge transfer;
• Know your stuff and use lots of MODESTY;

• Learn, learn, learn and apply your learnings to practice;
• Be a great leader, inspire your team / it's difficult to keep an great reputation if you really don't care about your people! Serve them, help them , coach team, guide them.

You never know!