Business Reputation & Integrity

Today I’ve had to deal with a few minor issues with some consultants of mine who represent Affordable Mineral Makeup.
Thus the reason for this blog covering important things like:
Responsibility
Integrity
Reputation

Now, there used to be a time when I didn’t use my full name…didn’t feel the need to, didn’t feel that it ‘meant’ anything.
However, now I am my name: Tara Burner.
My name means something.
My name is my reputation, my personality, my character, my business.
My name has value.
My name has traits and characteristics associated with it that I hold proudly.

As per dictionary.com
Integrity: adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
Reputation: a favorable and publicly recognized name or standing for merit, achievement, reliability, etc.: to build up a reputation.
Responsibility: a particular burden of obligation upon one who is responsible: the responsibilities of authority.
Accountability: the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable.

Now, as a business owner my personal name is also attached to my business.
The traits associated with my name carry over into my business, thus anyone who works for me must also match the values of my business as well as my name.
While I have independent consultants who represent Affordable Mineral Makeup, they also then represent me…Tara Burner.

Represent: to stand or act in the place of, as a substitute, proxy, or agent does: He represents the company in Boston.

Now, if someone is representing the company they need to do so in a professional manner that matches what my business is about as well as my name. Not only is my business reputation on the line, but so is my personal reputation and the value of my name.

I had a rep of mine today respond to me by saying “Please don’t feel responsible for my group”, after I informed everyone that if they form groups that are representing my company that they need to be active, professional, post information, etc.

She is sadly mistaken. Because I am responsible for anything and everything that my reps do and say. It’s a reflection on not only my company, but me personally.  I’m responsible for all their actions when they’re representing my company. Thus, I do whatever it takes to ensure that my company, my business, my name are presented appropriately and professionally.

I’m not sure why this is so difficult for some to grasp.
Does their own name mean nothing to them?
Do they not care what people think of them and/or their business skills?
Does my company mean nothing to them?
Do they not realize the importance of professionalism?
Do they not realize that they represent me personally as well as professionally?
Do they not realize that if they don’t conduct themselves in a manner suitable that they can trash my reputation that I’ve worked to develop…one of which people know if they order from my company they get their orders shipped out quickly, efficiently and professionally?
Do none of these things matter?
Do they have no concern for their own self worth, dignity, respect?
Do they not realize that if their actions remain lax and “half hearted” that they’ll find that nobody will do business with them, nor trust them or hold them in confidence?
Perhaps they don’t realize any of these things because it’s not their reputation on the line but also mine!
Now, that just shows me that the person really either doesn’t care or doesn’t understand the importance of doing business in a reputable professional manner and well…there’s no room for that in my business.
I will not permit others to trash my name or my reputation that I’ve built for years.
So, word of advice: when doing business and working for a company as an independent representative or distributor…value that company and the owners, officials, other representatives and their reputation and their name…like you should value your own!