One of the most successful investors globally, Warren Buffet, said, “By far, the best investment you can make is in yourself.” In a video posted on Facebook in 2018, Mr. Buffet said, “Learn to communicate better both in writing and in person. Honing that skill can increase your value by at least 50%. “

Learning to communicate better is part of building a solid reputation and also helps in one of the most important things we do in life, which is building relationships. The quality of your relations depends heavily on your reputation. If people become aware that you are untruthful or undependable, they will not want to be closely related to you.

Another important reason for building a good reputation is for business purposes. Whether you are employed or intend to develop your own business, a good reputation will attract success. While it will take time to establish yourself as someone who can be trusted and relied on to be fair and honest in your dealings, it will pay you great dividends over time. So, this article aims to give you 15 ways to begin to build a solid reputation:

1. Be outgoing and have a welcoming demeanor: Don’t be shy about meeting new people. Introduce yourself and engage in a friendly conversation. Show interest by asking questions and talking in the other person’s interest.
2. Always keep your word and do what you say you will do: For example, if you promise to meet someone at a particular time and place, plan to be fifteen minutes early, and if you are hindered by traffic or anything else, be sure to call the person that you are supposed to meet and let them know. Being late reflects as being undependable and being uncaring about those who have to constantly have to wait on you.
3. Be positive and avoid complaining, condemning, or criticizing: Degrading others or gossiping reflects on your character. If the person you are speaking to gossips, try to say something complimentary about the person in view or change the subject if the conversation leans toward the negative.
4. Have a solid visible character: Doing the right thing is not always easy, but it shows that you are a person of character. Good character is refusing to compromise morals or integrity. Always tell the truth in every situation, even when faced with consequences that may put you in an uncomfortable position, at least temporally. Always refuse to discuss another person’s business behind their back. Also, if you sell something to someone, tell them all you know about the item. Tell them what you know to be wrong with it especially if it is a car.
5. Be a person who looks for ways to solve problems: If you disagree with someone, look for ways to come to terms rather than just blaming the other person and letting it go. Maintaining a reputation as a person who constantly attempts to make things right is more important than always being able to solve the issue.
6. Have good posture and the correct body language: If you are speaking to someone, maintain eye contact and pay close attention to what is being said. Nod in agreement or say that you agree if that is the case. Always try to put the other person at ease by having a pleasant look and a soft voice. It is always rude to be looking around while someone is talking to you. Treat them like they are the most important person in the world.
7. Be consistent and reliable in all that you do or say: Consistency builds your reputation, and being well informed creates trust. If people think what you say is not reliable, they will lose trust in you. It is best not to speak on subjects about which you are not certain.
8. Be a learner. Learn from your mistakes and from successful people: Education should never end after high school or college. Bill Gates is said to read one book each week to grow his knowledge in areas of his interest. I have learned much more in my private study than in college. Also, learn from those who know more than you. When others recognize you as a person who is good at what you do, they will want to be around you, and if you are in business, they will want to be a customer.
9. Go the extra mile and give more than you promise: If you have an agreement with someone, do more than is expected or asked of you; this shows others that you are interested in them and can impact your reputation by showing you value your connection with them.
10. Strive for accuracy in all that you do or say: When you say something, make sure it is accurate to the best of your knowledge. Pay attention to details such as pronouncing a person’s name correctly. Dale Carnegie, said in his book on “How to build friends and influence people” that a person’s name is the sweetest words in the world to them. Being precise instills confidence in the eyes of others.
11. Be responsible and take the blame for your mistakes: Be quick to admit when you are wrong or make a mistake. Finding an excuse or trying to hide the truth shows irresponsibility. Mistakes and errors are familiar to everyone but taking the blame for them is not. Integrity is a central issue in building a good reputation, and it takes integrity to admit your wrongs.
12. Always look for opportunities and recognize them when you see them: Whether it is an opportunity to make a new friend or invest in a new trend that promises to be successful, you have to be alert at the right time. Lest it passes you by, take advantage when the opportunity is ripe.
13. Be willing to take on new challenges and make them work for you: Meeting new challenges can sometimes be risky, but taking calculated risks is the secret to success and builds your reputation for being a strong individual.
14. Be transparent in all dealings with others: You build a solid reputation by being honest. Others learn they can trust what you say and that you will stand behind it. Never attempt to conceal information. Be open and tell things like they are, even if it costs you.
15. Make it your purpose to help others: Helping others is the best way to show your concern for them and build a lasting relationship. It shows that you are a person who is not just interested in yourself and doing things that only benefit you. Complement others when they do something well and show your appreciation for them.

Conclusion: This article contains essential building materials for constructing a solid reputation, but they are worthless if you don’t become the builder. It is like the illustration used in the Bible: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:25-27.

In the Biblical illustration above, the foundation was the most critical part of the building, determining if it stood or fell when the storms came. The same holds in building a strong and durable reputation. Warren Buffet said. “It may take 20 years to build a reputation and it can be lost in 10 seconds.” I have seen that happen, but a robust solid foundation will stand all the trials and stress of life because it is founded on truth. The foundation is the first thing laid when building a house, and it is also what needs to be laid first for a robust and enduring reputation. If you are ready to begin your building, why not first start with a solid foundation in the Lord. For instructions from God’s word on how,  CLICK HERE.