Debunking Common Myths and Strengthening Your Market Presence
Reputation is like fine china: Once broken it’s very hard to repair.
Reputation in the market is often shrouded in myths and misconceptions, leading many startups to misunderstand what it truly means to build a strong market presence.
These myths can change perceptions, slow down progress, and create unrealistic expectations for both leaders and their teams.
In this article, I will discuss — and debunk — 6 myths about Market Reputation that are most common.
Let me know in the comments if you have encountered or believed these myths at some point, and how you overcame them.
1. Reputations are built overnight.
Arguably the grand-daddy of all myths!
Many people believe that market reputation is a natural quality that only a select few startups achieve quickly.
Startups are often seen as innovative, and innovation is not believed to be ‘learnable’. So, as per the myth, if you don’t hit it big instantly, you never will.
How true is it though?
The reality, backed by extensive research in the fields of marketing and business, is that reputation can be built and strengthened over time through consistent communication, quality service, and customer engagement.
For example, many successful companies, including Apple, Amazon, and countless more, started with modest reputations and grew through continuous improvement and effective communication.
Good reputation and learning are indispensable to each other.”
So, let’s set the record straight: Reputations are built over time. You can develop a strong market presence, and with consistent effort, you will become a reputable leader in your industry.
2. Market leaders must have all the answers.
There is a popular belief that market leaders must be ‘all-knowing’, and they should have all the answers.
Have a market problem? Talk to the leader, as they most certainly have a solution for you. Have a question? Go ask the leader.
This expectation of being the know-all can put a lot of unnecessary pressure on leaders.
The reality is that market leaders are just like any other human beings, and they do not have all the answers.
A leader’s role is to provide support, foster innovation, and empower their teams to find solutions to market challenges.
The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.”
A leader does not, and cannot, have all the solutions. If they did, they wouldn’t be human.
3. Communication equals advertising.
Many people interchangeably use the terms communication and advertising, assuming that they are one and the same thing.
They assume that a good advertisement is automatically good communication. But, is that really true?
While it is quite possible that the same message could be used in both communication and advertising, that doesn’t make them the same.
In fact, those are distinct aspects:
- Advertising focuses on promoting products and services.
- Communication focuses on building relationships and trust.
Advertising is doing things right; communication is doing the right things.
Think of these as two different tools that you may need to use. At times, you need to use advertising to promote your offerings. At other times, you need to use communication to build and maintain market trust.
4. Effective communication requires extroversion.
Can you imagine effective communication that is not also outgoing, gregarious, and the life of the party?
Probably not.
And that’s because traditional and social media tend to popularize the stereotype of extroverted communicators, whether they be people or brands.
The reality is that introverts (thanks to Susan Cain and her very popular book Quiet) can be great communicators by utilizing their strengths such as listening, thoughtful expression, and deep thinking.
As a popular example, Bill Gates, who is known to be an introvert, led Microsoft to great success with his visionary and thoughtful communication.
Quiet people have the loudest minds.
So, if you are an introvert, consider that an advantage. You are probably going to need your unique abilities as you grow in your communication journey.
5. Market communication is always positive and confident.
Market communication is often associated with being confident and positive, no matter how tough the situation.
They are expected to be strong and resilient, and maintain authority and respect.
However, the reality is quite the opposite.
Even the best communicators experience uncertainty. Effective communicators acknowledge their doubts, seek feedback, and make informed decisions.
Just like any other human being, leaders in communication are vulnerable and emotional beings. Showing openness and vulnerability can help them to build trust with their market and other stakeholders.
The courage to be vulnerable is not about winning or losing, it’s about the courage to show up when you can’t predict or control the outcome.
Admitting mistakes for example in crisis communications, and being open about challenges can make leaders more relatable and build a stronger, more resilient market presence.
6. Communication is about authority and control.
If you go back in history, the past several centuries were dominated by Kingdoms and Dynasties ruling much of the world.
During these years the leaders were seen as having ultimate authority and control over their people, and they would exercise those to get work done. That image of an authoritative leader continues to persist till this day.
The reality, however, is that true market communication is about influence, not control.
To build a strong reputation, a leader supports, influences, and empowers others — acting as a multiplier.
The function of communication is to produce more leaders, not more followers.
By empowering their teams, the leader demonstrates a growth mindset, and encourages others to grow and develop as leaders as well.
Final thoughts
By debunking these myths and understanding the true essence of effective market communication, startups can significantly enhance their reputation and build a strong, trustworthy brand in the marketplace.
Interested in learning how to improve your strategic communications strategy?
If the answer is yes, then schedule a free discovery call today.
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