Reputation is everything in business. Your professional reputation can you cause others to see you as a competent professional, or go unnoticed entirely. Here’s a look at 8 personal development hacks to improve your reputation.

1. Be a team player

Your individual accomplishments will affect your reputation, but your contribution and how well you work with partners, vendors, an new hires is key. If you’re always willing to lend a helping hand, people will notice. How you interact with others impacts your company culture.

2. Master the humble brag

If you’re like most people, you probably think it’s better to be humble with your performance in the workplace, and for the most part, you’re right. With that said, there are times when you need to take credit for all the effort that you’ve been putting in and the results your company has experienced.

3. Go above and beyond

You’re not going to build a successful business by putting in minimal effort. To improve your industry reputation, you need to go above and beyond what’s expected with your employees and customers.

4. Motivate your team

In addition to reaching individual goals, it’s important to be motivational to other team members. “A good leader would never ask a follower to do more than he or she is willing to do. Set an example of hard work and high levels of activity and many of your workers or team members will follow your lead. Be the first one to tackle a task or a problem, and others will fall in behind you.”

5. Use positive body language

Having a positive attitude is important. And it’s equally important to exhibit positive body language. Make eye contact when speaking to others. “There is no need to stare them down and remember to blink and look away occasionally. Good eye contact lets others know that you are interested in the conversation.” Also, sit up straight, nod, and smile. You only get one first impression, so make it a good one.

6. Dress to impress

As unfortunate as it may be, the way you dress and look plays a major role in business. “We live in a busy world, and it’s easy to let what you wear slip or become this ‘thing’ that doesn’t matter. But, we all understand that how you show up is crucial to business success. Perceptions do matter.”

7. Be likable

Obviously, you want to be a likable person if you hope to get ahead in the workplace. If you’re unlikeable, word will spread quickly. Be genuine and approachable.

8. Be authentic

Have integrity in your business dealings. Don’t be phony. The person you are in the workplace shouldn’t be completely different from the person you are when you’re with friends. Yes, be professional, but be yourself.


This article has been edited and condensed.

Helen Evans, Marketing manager of JobTonic.in, has been in the career development field for 5 years. She likes to share interesting tips to help people find their dream careers. Connect with @Jobtonic_India on Twitter.

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