Mirror, Mirror: What Does Your Image Say About You?

What comes to mind when people think of you? Is that image moving you forward, or holding you back? Your brand — the promise you make — shapes your reputation: what people believe to be true about you. Together, they can open doors — or quietly close them. Yet many still treat their brand and reputation as afterthoughts — unaware of how much is at stake.

Your brand is the rumor you start on purpose.

With so much riding on it, when was the last time you seriously considered your image — instead of assuming it would take care of itself?

How to Build Your Image

Most people agree that image matters, but their actions often say otherwise. One moment, they carefully shape their image — the next, they undermine it. It’s like climbing a ladder with confidence, only to kick it out from under themself.

It’s easy to claim you’re knowledgeable, trustworthy, and hardworking — or say your company is principled, dependable, and caring. But words mean little without action.

The truth is, you can get so much right…but one small misstep can erase it all.

Here are several ways to destroy your image:

On a personal level, if you rant on social media, shift your beliefs to fit the moment, or do whatever it takes to get ahead, you’re hurting your brand. If you bend the truth, turn a blind eye to inappropriate behavior, or get wasted at an office party, your brand is toast. And when you make everything about yourself, treat others like dirt, or stab people in the back, you’re sending a clear message: “If I can do it to them, I can do it to you.” (Ouch!)

On a business level, if you make false claims, bury details in the fine print, dodge accountability, or fail to stand behind your products, you erode trust. If you overpromise and underdeliver, break your word, nickel-and-dime customers, or take their business for granted, you weaken your reputation. And if you ignore concerns or drag your organization into political battles you damage your brand — and risk undoing everything you’ve worked hard to build. As the saying goes, “A polished brand opens doors. A solid reputation keeps them open.”

In short, one minute you’re polishing your image, the next, you’re smearing it with a single careless move.

Your Image Isn’t Accidental—It’s Intentional

How do you turn your character into the image people remember?

Do you:

Give your best or do just enough to get by?
Honor your commitments or break them the moment things get tough?
Surround yourself with honorable people or those who lack principles?
Mind your manners or act like you were raised in a barn?
Manage expectations or make empty promises?
Own your mistakes or pass the buck?
Stay calm under pressure or take your frustration out on others?
Strive for win-win or play winner takes all?
Respond promptly to requests or go radio silent?
Treat people fairly or exploit them when they’re most vulnerable?
Stay true to your beliefs or cave to popular opinion?
Invest in long-term relationships or sacrifice loyalty for short-term wins?
Earn your rewards or expect them to be handed to you?
Tell it like it is or say whatever people want to hear?
Earn respect or demand it?
Do what’s right or what’s convenient?
Watch your words or face the consequences?
Pull your weight or shift the burden to others?
Act open-minded, or think you know it all?
Choose to be predictable or keep people guessing?
Do things right the first time or cut corners?
Show respect or belittle others to feel bigger?
Lead by example or just talk a good game?

Brand Is What You Build…Reputation Is What You Earn

Each either-or statement comes down to one thing: choice. How will you live your life? How will you lead your organization? Lead with honesty, integrity, and decency, and the wind will be at your back. You’ll earn trust, respect, and admiration — the foundation of lasting success. It will strengthen your relationships, drive sales, and fuel your career growth. The opposite is just as true. Cut corners, mistreat people, or act without principle, and you’ll get what you deserve. In the end, your choices write your legacy.