By
Regine le Roux, Founder and Managing Director of Reputation Matters
How
do you know someone is training for a marathon? They will tell you.
This
year, I’m tackling my fifth marathon—because apparently, once wasn’t enough.
Surviving such an endeavour (without questioning all my life choices) takes
stamina and preparation. Sadly, ‘winging it’ isn’t an option, but neither is
having the wrong coach or training plan. Last year, while prepping for marathon
number four, the coach let me down, and the training program I ended up using, just
wasn’t right for me. The lesson? Your strategy, training, and support need to
be tailored to you and your goals. Stamina is key, and there are no shortcuts.
You simply have to put in the work.
Running
a business is no different. You need a clear strategy and strong support—not
only to build your brand but to ensure it stands out. Your reputation is your
stamina, helping you weather tough times and build a consistent brand that
lasts.
In
both marathons and business, quick wins only get you so far. You need a
well-rounded plan: strength training, endurance, and yes, those dreaded hill
repeats. The same goes for your brand—you need to go beyond flashy campaigns,
media releases, or a TikTok video. It’s about steady, sustained effort, and
making time for the tasks that may feel like a schlep but are essential for
long-term success.
No
Short Cuts: Plan for the Long Haul
Success—whether
in running or business—starts with a solid strategy and plan. Your strategy
should outline clear goals, milestones, and metrics to track progress. A
well-crafted plan provides guidance on what to do, when to do it, and for how
long. I’ve learned (the hard way) that one-size-fits-all approaches rarely
work. You need a plan tailored to your business and its unique challenges. Just
like in training, consistency in your actions and communication builds the
foundation for a strong reputation. Understand your audience, know your
strengths, and trust the process. By knowing both yourself and your audience,
you'll be better equipped to navigate challenges, adapt when needed, and stay
on course for long-term success.
Core
Values: The Energy Bars of Your Brand
A strong reputation isn’t built overnight—it’s the
result of consistent actions aligned with core values. At Reputation Matters,
we believe in building G.R.E.A.T.E.R businesses, guided by our values: Growth,
Respect, Ethics, Authenticity, Trust, Excellence, and Relationships. These
aren’t just buzzwords; they shape our decisions and behaviour, much like a
disciplined training schedule.
Just
as I ask myself whether that whole slab of chocolate (or glass of wine!) will
help or hinder my marathon training goals, businesses need to ask if their
actions align with their core values. Consistency between what you say and what
you do is what builds reputation stamina, laying the foundation for long-term
success.
Business
Stamina: Strength Training for Your Brand
Running
a marathon isn’t just about running. It’s about mental strength, nutrition, and
cross-training—doing the tough stuff to prepare for the unexpected. Businesses
need the same resilience. This means having the right processes in place and
being ready for whatever challenges come your way. Preparation is key.
Fuel
for the Finish Line: Teamwork and Tools that Drive Success
Just
as good nutrition fuels a marathoner, a strong team and the right tools fuel
your business. Surround yourself with people who share your values—they’ll
drive your success. Equally important are the tools you use; without the right
technology, systems, and resources, even the best team can be held back. It’s
like trying to run 42.2 km in sandals—not a great idea. The right combination
of a strong team and effective tools is essential for reaching your goals
efficiently and sustaining success in the long run.
Consistency:
The Long Run’s Secret Weapon
One
training session won’t get you through a marathon, and one press release won’t
build your reputation. Consistency in action and communication is crucial.
Sporadic efforts can do more harm than good, so make sure your internal and
external messages align.
Track
Your Race: Measuring Progress Along the Way
Marathoners track their performance, and businesses
should do the same with their reputation. You can’t manage what you don’t
measure. Regularly tracking how your business is perceived helps you adjust and
improve.
A strong reputation doesn’t mean you’ll avoid
challenges—it just means you’ll be better prepared to handle them. Think of it
as building crisis-proof stamina, one kilometer at a time.
Don’t Skip the Rest Days: Recharge for the Next Big
Push
In marathons and business, rest is crucial. It’s
tempting to push harder, but taking time to reflect and recharge is just as
important for long-term success. Don’t skip the rest days—they’re as vital as
the work itself. Listen to your body, and in a business context, listen to your
stakeholders.
Building a brand is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes
time, consistency, and commitment to core values. With the right strategy,
tools, and team, your brand will develop the kind of lasting reputation that
goes the distance—no shortcuts, just results.
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