Reputation Quotes | Citations on Both Character and Reputation
From John Wooden to Richard Branson, these 25 quotes reveal what history's greatest thinkers knew about building a reputation worth protecting.
- Character is the foundation of reputation — authenticity in action builds lasting public trust
- Reputation is fragile; guard it proactively rather than scrambling to repair it after damage
- There are no shortcuts — earning a good reputation requires sustained effort and kept promises
- Overcoming adversity publicly strengthens your reputation more than smooth sailing ever will
- Your associations reflect on you — choose partners, colleagues, and company with care
This article compiles 25 quotes from notable figures throughout history on the nature of character and reputation. The quotes reinforce that reputation must be earned through consistent, authentic action and is difficult to repair once damaged. Together, they offer practical wisdom for anyone looking to build or protect a strong personal or professional reputation.
"Be more concerned with character than reputation." – John Wooden
QuoteFrom the record-setting late UCLA basketball coach, this is one of the most often repeated quotes about character and reputation. Character is what you are, reputation is what people think you are. Your reputation comes from the authenticity of character in your life, business, and brand.
"Reputation is like fine china: Once broken it's very hard to repair." – Abraham Lincoln
QuotePeople will forgive you if they see that you made a mistake and own up to it, but it can take a long time for them to forget. It's better to zealously guard a reputation and work to keep it as positive as possible. If it does falter, it is vital to fix your reputation as soon as possible.
"Work is the price which is paid for reputation." – Baltasar Gracian
QuoteKeeping a reputation positive, especially in business, requires a watchful eye. You need to stay on top of how people see you by interacting with your stakeholders and being keenly aware of how you are viewed by the public. Hard work and focus will pay off.
"The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests." – Epictetus
QuoteWhen you face difficulties in your business, stay the course and push on. Your reputation will grow and the public will see your business for the strong entity it is. They will respond accordingly to your resilience.
"All you have in business is your reputation – so it's very important that you keep your word." – Richard Branson
QuoteMake sure that you not only have a positive reputation with the public but follow it up with actions and facts that support the public view. If you say something, make sure you mean it and keep your word.
"You can't buy a good reputation; you must earn it." – Harvey Mackay
QuoteThere are no shortcuts to a good reputation. It takes hard work and authentic action to build one that lasts.
"Your personal brand is a promise to your clients… a promise of quality, consistency, competency, and reliability." – Jason Hartman
QuoteYour brand and reputation are uniquely yours and no other company can exactly replicate the relationship you have with your stakeholders. The best way to connect and foster a positive reputation is to be authentic and then back it up with action.
"It is difficult to make a reputation, but is even more difficult seriously to mar a reputation once properly made." – Arnold Bennett
QuoteIf stakeholders know that you have a history of doing the right things and your reputation comes from an authentic place, the public will often be more forgiving if your company makes a misstep. This is why it is vital to foster a positive reputation.
"It is better to be alone than in bad company." – George Washington
QuoteBe careful who you associate with, whether in personal or business life. The public will measure you by who you work with, even in the corporate world.
"Regard your good name as the richest jewel you can possibly be possessed of." – Socrates
QuoteThe reputation of your business is one of your most important assets. Guard it carefully and work diligently to grow it in a positive direction.
"A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep their eyes on the spot where the crack was." – Joseph Hall
QuoteReputations can be recovered, but it takes time and effort. It may be a while before the public forgets what happened, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't fix it — in fact, it's vital that you do so quickly.
"You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do." – Henry Ford
QuoteTalk is cheap and actions speak louder than words. The public wants to see that you are doing things, not just paying lip service, and will often see right through inauthenticity.
"Character is much easier kept than recovered." – Thomas Paine
QuoteBuilding your reputation and being true to it is not only easier but more effective than trying to rebuild it after a crisis. Carefully monitoring your image and fixing problems before they get out of control will allow you to avoid major problems in the future.
"If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself." – D.L. Moody
QuoteIf your motives are true and authentic, your reputation will follow. The public can be very savvy and will detect inauthenticity.
"Begin somewhere. You cannot build a reputation on what you intend to do." – Liz Smith
QuoteTake action and don't just say you are going to do something. The world is full of people with ideas, so be a person or company who takes action and your reputation will reflect that.
"Whether true or false, what is said about men often has as much influence on their lives, and particularly on their destinies, as what they do." – Victor Hugo
QuotePeople talk and that's part of how reputations are made. It's how you are viewed in the public space, whether true or not, that shapes your reputation, making monitoring your public image very important.
"There is no advertisement as powerful as a positive reputation traveling fast." – Brian Koslow
QuoteWord spreads and you want it to be positive. People will not only be drawn to your business's good reputation but will tell others, helping your business grow.
"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." – Warren Buffett
QuoteYou have put all of your blood, sweat, and tears into not only your business but your reputation and how people see your brand. It can all come crashing down very quickly, so guard your reputation closely and approach your public image carefully.
"Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness – great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation, and great joy." – Jim Rohn
QuoteGiving back is an important part of business. You are not only helping others, but it will add to your reputation and stakeholders will respond to your actions.
"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." – Will Rogers
QuoteAlthough a humorous take on reputation, this quote is no less true. Make sure that your actions are authentic and that if someone on the outside sees how things work in your company, there are no secrets to be ashamed of.
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