While you can put a dollar value on just about anything in today’s world, the value of your reputation and your brand is one thing that can’t be bought or sold without you having something to say about it. Or at least it shouldn’t.
You control who you are are and work hard at how you are perceived by those around you–or within your network. In today’s instant social media world, we can do little to control our brand and reputation, but we can certainly manage it. And we should do all that we can to do just that.
In the November 23, 2009, issue of Sports Illustrated, Chris Ballard in his “Point After” column at the back fo the magazine paints a picture of a sports star we should consider. Entitled “The Discount Dynasty” Mr. Ballard makes a good point for LeBron James, the NBA superstar, that he could really turn the world’s perception of him and sports stars in general on its ear by taking the league minimum salary instead of going for $50 million or whatever. It would be the equivalent of taking a dollar, as Steve Jobs did when he came back to Apple in 1997.
This is another case of doing what’s right or doing what you love and good will follow you. King James is already worth gazillions and really could quit basketball tomorrow. But, as he has demonstrated in several ways already (at the age of 24) that he has a bigger role than just being a basketball star.
Mr. Ballard’s idea has real merit and would be appropriate in this new world of “Free” (thanks, Chris Anderson). The lesson is that we all have to look past the obvious and look to the future. Look at things differently (as we do with social media measurement) and a new idea will take the place of an old one.
We all have the ability and the capital to further and manage our reputations, image and personal brand. Look beyond the immediate and look down the road. It will ultimately “pay off.”
Relentless
Thanks to Chris Ballard and Sports Illustrated Magazine
