On Fri 27 May in Stoke, I'll be addressing hundreds of local business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals at the Staffs Marketing Academy Action for Business: LIVE! event. I'm speaking on the topics of personal branding and reputation. Have you ever considered what a good reputation will do for you?

There are huge benefits of a great reputation, all of which are mentioned in my bestselling reputation book. Once you become just a little more conscious of what others are thinking and saying about you behind your back, you can develop a massive edge over your competition!

As a taster to that session, I'm going to give you three of the major benefits of a brilliant reputation.

Why do people go networking? Forget the silly reasons like 'because we have to' or 'because everyone else is'. Forget 'because I have nothing better to do' or 'because it's the only way to win business'.

I'm talking about developing your networking strategy so you have proper, strategic reasons to attend networking events and spend time with online networking sites. I'm talking about walking into networking events with a real purpose, a proper reason for being there and a set of networking goals or objectives. In other words, a powerful 'reason why'!

There are lots of good reasons to do business networking, but every single one boils down to either PLEASURE, PROFIT, PROFILE or PROVISION.

Let's break these down for you so that you can make that transition from amateur networker to professional networker...

Just been reading a great blog post The Most Valuable People in Your Network by Rob Cross. In Malcolm Gladwell's Tipping Point, he talks about the critical number of 150.

When companies, churches, gatherings, networks and communities expand beyond that point, it takes a different level of managing to make things run smoothly. But with technology, online social networking and mobile tools, the networking landscape is changing. So in 21st century networking, what is the optimum size of your business network?

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. If you want to attend my forthcoming Masterclass on Building a Great Reputation, click here>>

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...

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...

So Barack Obama is the next US President! Remember from my bestselling Reputation Book that reputation is what people think, say, do and feel when they come into contact with you or your name. Obama's reputation made millions of people vote for him. But it's funny how millions didn't. Your reputation has many sides, like a diamond. Some people will love you and some won't, with many angles in between. Here's how it works...

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...