If I Googled your name today, what would I find? No doubt (if you’ve been working at it), I’d find some photos of you, your website, your social networks, articles you’ve authored and possibly even some publicity for you or your business.

But, what if we don’t like what we see in those search results? What if the story that our online presence, or our offline marketing materials tells, is not how we want to be positioned? What if they’re damaging our reputation?

In business, reputation is key. So is being seen to be an authority at what you do.

Strength in authority and reputation can differentiate you easily from your competition. And, both can easily be upgraded with a little attention to some key areas.

Photos tell a story. What are your photos saying?

I’m a bit of a stickler for good quality photos for professional use. If you don’t have a professional photograph of yourself, then how can you show how truly professional you are?

Our easy access to cameras does not make us pros. We often don’t have the distinctions on lighting, cropping or what will look good in various media. One professional photo can be used time and time again and is worth the money invested.

Tip: Hire a professional and make the investment in your professional image. And, watch our website for upcoming tips on good business photography.

Branding You and Your Business

How consistent is your brand across various media? Are you using the same branding elements (colours, logos, images, voice/tone) across media? Are you then adapting the message to the media?

Let your messaging position you as an expert that can be relied on. Let every message you put out (each post, tweet, uploaded photo, white-paper or business card) speak of your utmost altitude within your industry.

Tip: Do an audit across all your social network platforms and online media as well as your offline (letterhead, advertising, marketing materials) and determine if your brand speaks of your authority and reputation.

Giver or taker? How generous are you?

Would people describe you as generous in business? Generosity is a word I’d like my customers to have in their minds when they think about my business and me.

I doubt that many of you fit this description, but let me ask: Are you generous with information and help or do you only ask for favours when you need them? When you are at a networking event, what is your ratio of asking about the other person to talking about yourself?

I am a believer in ‘what goes around’ and feel that the more I give, the more I receive when it comes to dealing with clients.

Tip: How can you reward your best customers? Is there information or education that you can give them that helps them AND positions you well? Again, offering relevant information will only strengthen your positioning as an expert.

Do I LOOK like I mean business?

Is your image in a rut? Feeling good about your image can help boost your confidence.

I like to laze about in my Lululemon track pants. But I don’t! While we have a casual work culture, I can pretty much attend a meeting any day of the week and feel like I’m well-dressed without being dressy.

Having said that, I do have a commitment to my diet and exercise and I don’t leave home without some eyeliner!

Whether we like it or not, people do make a judgment call when they see us. Do we look as though we know what we are talking about? Do we look like we can be trusted? Are we congruent with our brand?

Tip: Is this a good time to do a ‘green-bagging’ and toss out what you haven’t worn for a year and to reward yourself with a new business outfit?

Looking the part - with help

Beauty is not the first area of business that I think of authority and reputation, but maybe it should be .

If you’ve never been to a makeup counter and had someone do you make up for you, I highly recommend it, especially for an important occasion.

I absolutely love having my makeup done. It may sound silly, but I can never do it even close to how the professionals do it. Like anything, applying makeup is a skill. So, getting some professional tips can help you feel more confident.

Tip: Watch our website and social networks this month for makeup tips for professional women. These tips are brought to you by the experts at Napoleon Perdis.

No matter what your business, you can build your reputation by taking care of some key parts of your overall image - both personal and professional.

What area are you going to tackle?