A good name is of great value
By
Peter van Stralen
A good name is of great value. This is something my parents taught me when I was very young.They had worked very hard to build a good name in the community by treating people with respect and by being ethical and trustworthy in their dealings.
Being a part of a family with a good name has benefits and everyone who shares that name also shares in the benefits.
But, my parents pointed out, along with that privilege comes an obligation to uphold that good name.
There are certain behaviours and ways of doing things that are required, and adherence to these “ways of doing things “ has two effects. The first is that if you adhere to these principles, behaviours and ways of doing things you will have a much better chance at leading a successful life. Number two is that adherence to these principles and behaviours will ensure that you are doing your part to uphold the good family name.
The same applies in business. The “Family Name” is “The Brand”. There is power in a brand with a good reputation. Everyone who shares that good name can enjoy the privileges and the benefits that come with it. But just like in the family there are also certain behaviours and ways of doing things that are required. We call this the Operating System.
Adherence to the operating system “these ways of doing things” has the same two effects. Firstly you will have a much better chance at being successful in business and secondly you will also be doing your part to uphold the brand.
Warren Buffett said, “It takes 20 years to build a good reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it“ Don’t let this happen.
Have you taken the time to clearly articulate what systems, values and principles have made you successful to this point? Once you do, these become your operating system and it is your operating system that will protect the integrity of your brand. //