A Good Name

I had an experience recently that made me think about names and reputation. What am I known for? What associations come to mind when people think about me?

On a trip out of the country recently, I was stopped by an officer responsible for checking money laundering at the airport. As usual, he asked how much I had on me and I told him I wasn't carrying cash as I spend electronic money. The next question was "Where do You work?" I told him and he immediately asked me to go and continue my journey. He then turned to his colleague and told him "Na xyz people, nothing go comot from her hand", xyz being an individual that is closely associated with my place of work. Translated into proper English, his comment was that I wasn't going to give any money to them because of the person he associates my place of work with. 

My place of work is noted for being ethical and that message is a central theme in all we do. It was heart warming to me, that even a customs officer associated us with ethical dealings. That's how I got thinking about the value of a good name. 

That association saved me from the usual back and forth conversation that would have occurred as the customs officer normally would have tried to question me in an attempt to make me give them some money just to be on my way. If he sees me any other time going forward, he probably would not even bother stopping me. That's part of the power and value of a good name.

So, back to my question - What are you known for? What can people say about you? What's your brand? Branding is so valuable, we all know it. Many sports personalities earn money, even after retirement through endorsements as companies pay them to associate with their products, knowing that people would be more disposed to patronising them if they believe that this person also uses this product. In reality, we know that most people that endorse many products probably never use them, but just associating the product with their brand gives the product a big market boost. Recently, a company's shares became hot cake on the market because Oprah Winfrey bought a stake in it and joined its board. 

While we won't all become famous athletes or talk show hosts able to command millions in endorsement earnings, we can create a name and a brand for ourselves that speaks of good, ethical and an honest character. We can be the shining light in our little circle. We can be the candle that shines on darkness and attempts to light other people's candles and convince them to stand on the side of right and good. Many people have gotten great jobs, just because someone recommended them and said, call so and so, he or she will do a great job.

We should make our stand known as godly people, who do right, not because anyone is looking, but because we honor our maker, who sees in secret and rewards openly. We should stand on the side of right, not for the reward but for our conviction. 

We all have a name. We all have a reputation, whether we are deliberating seeking one or not. The question is - what are we known for? Be known for the right things. Be known as the person who can always be counted upon to do his or her work well, on time, proactively. Be known as the person who provides a listening ear to someone in need of one. Be known as the person is never late to a meeting. Be known as the peace maker. Choose what you want to be known for and make it known.

Have a great rest of the week. Blessings on you and yours,