Most people will tell you that their business comes mostly from referrals, recommendations, introductions and word of mouth. Yet could you tell me:

• Where each of your referrals comes from.
• How to identify and develop your best referral sources.
• Exactly how many referrals your need.
• What kind of referrals your're looking for.
• The amount of business you generate by referral.

Considering this is your best source of business, shouldn't you be a little more on top of this kind of information? Read more and I'll show you how it works...

I'm a member of TED, where I watch at least one great video a week to inspire and educate me to raise my game constantly.

As an authority on business reputations, I'm always hungry to learn what makes some people successful (and usually well-reputed) and others fail. This video by Richard St John lasts 3 mins and 30 secs. It shows that many of the things that lead to success also lead to a great reputation. Watch it now.

If you're going to make an impact, leave a legacy, create a disruption, become a leader worth following or be so irresistible that people always come to you when they need what you do, you need to watch this!

Now what are you doing that will lead to success, whatever success looks like for you?

When you achieve success, people take notice. You begin to impact lives. Success is rarely an isolated event. And your reputation acquires an aura, a compelling attraction that makes you irresistible. When you're successful, you increase the likelihood that:

1. You'll create more wealth.
2. You'll attract more opportunities.
3. You'll get more interesting work.
4. You'll make more interesting connections.
5. You'll have more choices.
6. You'll be more influential.

All of these are the pay-offs for a reputation as the number one choice and trusted voice for what you do. Now isn't that interesting?

Strive for success, and it's likely your reputation will take care of itself.

You're well into the festive season. but does it seem like the party atmosphere has not yet hit? After Part 1 of this three part series, we're moving onto a few social tips for Christmas and the New Year Celebrations. Reputations can be made or mangled in this celebratory time. With an array of regular business-related events plus Christmas parties, festive 'mixers' and social gatherings, your good name is on the line. Coming up are my Eight Top Tips to help you use the social side of business to enhance the business side of your reputation, including how to socialise, how to be seen with the right people and what not to do when you're networking!

A recent article in Management Today came up with an interesting piece: Entrepreneurs Shy Away From Christmas Networking. Great magazine that took research by T-Mobile and concluded that SME owners are so busy fretting about their business, they're neglecting the key area of networking. It's easy to stay in the comfort of your office around these times, and heaven knows, I've done it myself. Following on from Part 1 and Part 2, here are a few more tips and incentives to get out there in the next few weeks...

Recently my speaking coach Nigel Risner reminded me to bring who you are to what you do. Too often you spend our time and energy being what people wants you to be. You make the job description fit the person, not the other way round. But there is another way. It's playing to your strengths and harnessing what makes you special into what adds value to the world. Here's how...

Some people call it the festive season; others, the silly season. Whatever you name it, you're coming into the busiest networking time of the year. On top of the regular business-related events comes an avalanche of Christmas party invitations, festive 'mixers' and social gatherings. Your reputation is at stake, as well as your business prospects for the start of the New Year. Here are some of my best tips for making the most of the busy season with better networking, enhanced profiling and powerful reputation building...

There are few who have not been touched by the credit crunch. Even those who have been sensible are being hit. With businesses falling, livelihoods crumbling and careers disintegrating, it's easy to throw in the towel and resign yourself to fate. However, there are critical moments of truth that can shape your reputation for the rest of your life. Here's a video of somebody who pushed through a cauldron of a situation to make a name that would be revered for the rest of his life...

If somebody googled you, what would they find? Do you have an online presence, and indeed, do you want one? How open are you to the power of the internet to build your connections, your profile and your business?

Whether you call it virtual networking, online networking, social networking or e-networking, this relatively new phenomenon is here to stay!

Everyday, thousands of people join hundreds of online networking forums, communities, sites, clubs and virtual worlds. And here's why...

Ever heard the saying that when you're passionate about what you do and on fire with desire, people will come from miles around to watch you burn? Well, someone in the USA has been 'on fire with desire' over the last few months, and ended up getting elected President of the most powerful country on the planet. Obama had a vision. Something bigger than himself that millions of people could get hold of. And he had the utmost clarity of that vision. When you wrap your energy and reputation around such a clear vision, you can convince almost anyone to do anything. Here's how...

The US Presidential Election is upon us, and it's creating global interest on a number of levels. For a start, we'll either get the first African-American President or the first female Vice-President. Second, with the current financial crisis, it's fascinating how the candidates are raising and spending money. You have four seeds to sow in building your reputation - your time, your influence, your talent and your money. Let's take a look at how the money works in building your personal brand...