Think reputation isn't important? Ask Larry Craig!

By now you've probably heard about Idaho senator Larry Craig's nightmare. Craig pleaded guilty on Aug 1 to "disorderly conduct" after his June 11 arrest by an undercover police officer in a Minneapolis airport men's room. It was in that men's room where, according to the officer, the senator had engaged in conduct "often used by persons communicating a desire to engage in sexual conduct."

This seems to have been the event everyone has waited for to unite the republicans and democrats, as both sides are calling for his resignation. So, how does this relate to you in sales or sales management?

Because in life (personal and professional) integrity and reputation are everything. It seems silly that a senator would take such a risk in a public restroom, yet I have seen sales people and business people talk about meetings in the restroom of a client or in the lobby, without knowing if they were within earshot of others. Granted, not as serious an event as soliciting sex, but equally damaging to careers and outcomes depending on what was said.

I was taught that it takes a long time to build up a solid reputation, yet you can ruin it quickly. Ask Larry Craig if that's true. As sales and business professionals, our reputation is by far our most precious asset and it needs to be protected as such.  This is something we cover early in every CustomerCentric Selling® sales training workshop.