I was in class most of last week (which is why I was short on posts). As part of my EMBA program we had a New Venture Panel with 4 people who deal with new ventures almost daily. The feedback from my fellow class mates seems unanimous that this was the best panel we’ve had so far (and we’ve had some really good panels).
John Glerum, the director of the TECenter was our first speaker and he had a very thought provoking quote:
Every time you talk about your business you are either increasing the perception of the value of your company or you are decreasing the perception of the value of your company.
I would like to extend that further and propose that every time your customers or employees (or anyone) talk about your company, the perception of value is either increasing or decreasing. This stressed to me two things:
- Have a clear message of your company
- Be real
This is not meant to advocate strict message control policies. If anything it is meant to advocate the opposite. Have a clear message but be honest.
People trust Honest and Real more than they trust Slick and Polished.
We relate to real people inside companies who make mistakes. We do not forgive hypocritical corporations with their talking heads.
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So simple, yet so true. Great point about the ongoing opportunity to impact the reputation of your business. I encounter it every day, but seeing it in black in white crystallizes the opportunity. You are right Tac, it can’t be too rehearsed. Once you stop being genuine and as transparent as possible it is time to move on.
Thanks Jessi,
Maybe it’s too simple for most businesses to get? I think the ones that get it will be the ones that succeed.
This seems especially important for small businesses at the local level whose interactions with people on a daily basis are so vital and critical to business. You have to walk a fine line between confidence and humility. You have to act competent without appearing like a snake oil salesman. It’s important to find the desirable middle between two extremes, one of excess and the other of deficiency. It sounds simple, but it’s really rather nuanced.