{"id":73992,"date":"2022-07-27T16:42:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T20:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=73992"},"modified":"2022-08-02T14:35:45","modified_gmt":"2022-08-02T18:35:45","slug":"why-reputation-is-important","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/why-reputation-is-important\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Reputation Is Important: Leveraging Trust"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Do you have a good reputation in your field? Are you making the most of the trust you’ve earned from others?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In The Unfair Advantage<\/em>, entrepreneurs Ash Ali and Hasan Kubba explain how your reputation can give you a leg up over the competition. Other businesses and professionals do what you do, but they don’t have the same status and connections you have. You can leverage your reputation and relationships to find success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more to learn why reputation is important and how to use it to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Reputation and Social Connections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reputation and social connections interact to provide an unfair advantage. Reputation (or status) refers to the value others attribute to you and your expertise<\/strong>. <\/strong>As Ali and Kubba explain, when others hold you in high regard, they\u2019ll be more likely to trust you, which is essential as you work to gain traction in your startup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: Some business leaders say that your reputation and perceived status are the most important factors in your business success<\/a>, affirming Ali and Kubba\u2019s contention about why reputation is important. When people trust you, they\u2019re more likely to repeat business with you and forgive mistakes. Therefore, it\u2019s critical to proactively build and protect your reputation, especially online. According to research, 91% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and 65% of internet users believe an online search is the most trusted source of information about people and companies.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your social connections encompass both personal and professional relationships<\/strong>. The people you know and interact with routinely can influence your level of motivation and your access to opportunities. For example, if you\u2019re surrounded by people who are business-oriented and driven, you can benefit from their knowledge and draw inspiration from their success. Also, the wider your network, the greater chance you\u2019ll have of meeting or being introduced to potential funders and business partners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: Decades of research link networking to entrepreneurial success, as strong networks increase your access to opportunities, resources, and information<\/a>. Entrepreneurs have on average twice as many online network connections as non-entrepreneurs. Although the size of someone\u2019s network doesn\u2019t necessarily correlate with startup success, research shows that people who actively and strategically use their networks achieve more success, validating Ali and Kubba\u2019s advice. One tip that experts recommend to improve the strength of your network is to leverage the business networking site LinkedIn. Update your profile, publicize your milestones, and secure endorsements from investors, mentors, and customers.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Know If Reputation and Social Connections Are Your Unfair Advantage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As for how to determine if reputation and social connections give you an unfair advantage, Ali and Kubba say you likely already know. If you\u2019ve experienced significant recognition, support, and privileges throughout your life, the answer is probably yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Shortform note: People with status and social connections may not be as aware of their advantages as Ali and Kubba assume them to be. Research shows that those in a higher social class generally believe that they\u2019re more competent and skilled than those in lower classes<\/a>, even environments where this isn\u2019t the case. Thus, they may be likely to attribute their success to their own merits instead of their reputation and social connections.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Improve Your Reputation and Social Connections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you feel that your reputation and social network are weak and want to improve, here are some steps you can take:<\/p>\n\n\n\n