If you've been actively networking for a while you know that it is indeed a small world. Here in Austin this is especially true as everyone seems to know everyone else, at least within a degree or two. This has its positives and its negatives.

At the end of the day your reputation is gold, and you've got to protect it. Good or bad people WILL talk about you.

So what do you do? How does one protect their reputation?

Perhaps this post is a bit overly simplistic, but it really comes down to doing the right thing. If you act with integrity and respect EVERYONE you interact with you'll be just fine. It's really as basic as that. The same things that you should be doing as a good networker will also be the same things that contribute to a strong reputation.

I really can't stress how important this is. When people are doing their due diligence, wether you're trying to land a new client or a new job, they will ask about you. If someone starts asking around about you, and they can't find anyone who knows you they're going to worry. This is why it's important to have a good network in the first place. Assuming that's in place what other people say about you will often drive final decisions. So this is literally about winning or losing deals.

What do you do if something goes wrong? Nobody is perfect, and every now and then things are going to happen that may ding your reputation. Here are a few tips that may be helpful in those rare occassions when you slip up.

1. Take responsibility. Blaming others will probably just make things worse. If others were at fault you still need to own up to your own contribution to the problem.
2. Work to make it right. This isn't always possible, but go out of your way to find some way to correct the wrong. Even a small gesture goes a long way.
3. Be honest. Don't try to hide from the problem. Be open about the issue when it comes up.
4. Don't dwell on the past. One slip is not the end of the world. Keep moving forward.

As long as you strive to always do the right thing you'll typically come out on top. When others talk about you they'll have good things to say, and you'll be referred to more opportunities and win more deals.

Happy Networking!