In prior posts I’ve mentioned my audio product launch on Halloween, Transform Your Fear into POWER. Part of my marketing strategy was to form joint venture partnerships with other business owners to help promote and market my program. You’ve seen these campaigns for years and probably received many emails inviting you to buy a book, audio, or program and receiving special bonus gifts with your purchase.

Most campaigns invite each partner to contribute a bonus gift, and become an affiliate to earn passive income in return for agreeing to send out an announcement on a specific date to their email lists and community. It’s a great marketing strategy (for everyone involved) when every partner follows through.

One of my partners didn’t. It took me over a week of sending emails requesting confirmation of their participation before I was finally told, ” Sorry, I was just too busy and have too much on my plate to support you as I had agreed.” Not the actual words. No offer to send an email out at that time to at a future point. Nothing at all.

I had been warned about including this person in my campaign because of a negative reputation and I opted to include them. Sometimes people will surprise you.

Your reputation is part of your brand. Keeping agreements and promises sends a message to others about your integrity, professionally and personally. That message tells others who you are and what you stand for. We pay less attention to what people say and more on what they do. Congruency….

* How often to you drop the ball in following up with others?

* Do you break your agreements and promises?

* Do you say yes to things you really need to say no to?

* How often do you make excuses for not following through?

* What justifications do you use? In other words, what do you tell yourself that makes it ok?

People talk. A negative comment to one person can snowball into multiple conversations. A message can be sent over the internet in a split second.

You cannot insure that no one will ever spread a rumor or have something negative to say about you. You choose to be a person of integrity in thought, feeling and deed to the best of your ability. And when you are not at your best, you show up and take responsiblity for your actions (or non-actions). Look for ways to make amends so that you can to restore your integrity and reputation. In that way you show up for yourself and the relationship or situation. Win-win.

What might you need to clean up to restore your integrity and reputation?

How do you want to be known?

Cheers!

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

• 1 Comments

  

Comments

Great advice. My mentor (james brausch) talks about this all the time. Your integrity should always come first.

 Posted by: Neil Roberts at February 13, 2008 11:59 PM

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