Consistency is a key element of establishing both your personal and professional reputation.
If you want to be known as someone who is on top of things, you not only meet the report deadline, but you also show up on time for the parent-teacher conference. Those trying to be seen as innovative provide creative suggestions in a meeting and also experiment with fashion choices. The little things integrate to form a holistic picture of your “brand.”
A big fail in this department is the sign (below) in a fine jewelry store. Instead of being consistently high-end and image-conscious, this store negated that impression with a handwritten sign on a piece of bent cardboard. I’ve seen flea markets that give more attention to their signs.
If you send signals that you are “this” or “that,” the overriding takeaway is that you are the least desirable trait. To earn a solid reputation, you need to be “this” consistently.
Thanks, Meg!
