The Pursuit of Exceptional: Reputation and Success in a Crowded Market

In the world of business, especially in a crowded market, the question often arises: does it pay to have an exceptional reputation or is 'good enough' sufficient?

The Big Question

Let's start with a classic example: cars from the 1980s. At the core of any engine lies a finely tuned clock-like device that maintains its performance through a series of sparks. Each spark, however, is marginally worse than the previous one. By the time these cars have run a few million sparks, they start to run a bit worse, and by 20 million sparks, they cease to function at all. This leads to a pertinent question: how much reduced performance are you willing to accept?

The Standards of Customer Experience

Most businesses fall into two categories when setting their standards for customer experience: they accept that they'll be "ok," or they strive for something truly exceptional. Those who aim for the best often set their own internal standards that may not be immediately visible to others. They are seen as pushing the boundaries, potentially being labeled as 'crazy.' Yet, the reward for such commitment is a significant edge in a crowded market.

Understanding Excellence

The pursuit of excellence is not just about setting high standards; it's about maintaining consistency in character, decision-making, and performance. The higher the standards we set for ourselves, the more respected, trusted, and successful we become. However, it's also important to define what 'good enough' means and how it's measured.

The Transition from Good Enough to Exceptional

Those who believe 'good enough is good enough' will likely never develop the mindset, decision-making consistency, and reputation to consistently achieve what is truly exceptional. The phrase 'good enough' is, indeed, a vague one. How do you quantify it?

Let's consider the journey from good enough to exceptional in the context of reputation management. Your reputation doesn't just impact how well your business is perceived; it also affects your legal, ethical, and moral wellbeing. A solid, exceptional reputation can act as a protective barrier against various forms of harm.

The Power of Consistency

Consistency in delivering value is key to building a strong reputation. When you set high standards for yourself, you not only build trust with your customers and stakeholders but also ensure that you operate ethically and legally. This consistency is what makes your reputation 'good enough' for lasting success.

The Significance of Setting Your Standards

For businesses or individuals looking to achieve their goals and missions, setting high standards for their reputation is crucial. Whether it's in business, personal life, or professional endeavors, higher standards of behavior, decision-making, and performance lead to greater respect, trust, and overall success.

An Expert Opinion

Michael Toebe, a communications specialist for reputation and crisis management, offers valuable insights into this topic. He is the author of a new book on reputation and crisis, and his work is featured in various publications. His experience and expertise can provide further clarity on the subject of setting and maintaining an exceptional reputation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while 'good enough' might seem like a sufficient standard, it can limit your potential and hinder your ability to achieve true success. Striving for excellence and setting your own standards may be challenging, but the benefits are clear. By consistently setting and achieving high standards, you not only build a strong reputation but also protect yourself from various forms of harm and ensure lasting success.