Popularity Contest No one succeeds all on their own. Be a stand-up business person and gain popularity with those who can help.

In today's fast-paced world, entrepreneurs can no longercreate success alone. We need to inspire others to help us gatherthe right resources and establish the necessary contacts to achieveour goals. Since people like to work with those they respect andtrust, a top priority for an entrepreneur is to develop a positivebusiness reputation.

As the owner of a business, you must not only drive sales andmotivate employees, but also serve as your company'sspokesperson. Nothing helps solidify long-term relationships--andyour competitive position--like a sterling reputation.

To accelerate the process of becoming a stand-up businesspersonwith a reputation that attracts business as well as referrals:

1. Use passion as your foundation. Not many people in theworld dare to explore their passion, let alone create a living fromit. People respect and admire those who are willing to pursue theirdreams. Let your passion be the basis for your business and foryour conversations. It motivates others to help you succeed. Peoplewill quickly recognize your trustworthiness because you havedemonstrated that you will excel at doing what you love.

2. Stick to the truth. Be truthful, and deliver on yourpromises--this is key to developing and maintaining a greatreputation. Your conviction will attract customers and businessassociates because it affirms their trust in your ability to takeaction.

Clearly tell others what you are going to deliver to them, thendo it. Nothing is more time-consuming or detrimental to yourreputation than trying to hide the truth. Consistently state thefacts--then, if a problem should arise, people will find assurancein your openness and confidence in your ability to resolve anyissue.

3. Listen more often than you speak. Listening is a rarequality that everyone appreciates. Silence shows respect for otherpeople's ideas and recommendations, and it will be extendedback to you. You will be amazed by the new strategies and contactsyou discover.

Your reputation can be damaged when you speak out of turn or inhaste. More often than not, people perceive that those who talk toomuch actually have the least to say.

4. Speak with authority. By basing your decisions on yourpassion, you begin to speak from your own true voice. When youshare information or ideas, learn to excite people with your words.Speak clearly and with conviction; it demonstrates that you believein yourself and in your business. In turn, others will believe inyou, too.

5. Acknowledge your abilities through praising others.People respect accomplishments--make the results of your hard workvisible to others. Don't boast. Simply inform yourconstituencies of how your product or service helped one of yourcustomers achieve success. Providing unique strategies and ideashelps promote business and will differentiate your business fromyour competition.

Maintain an excellent reputation by taking care of yourselfspiritually, emotionally and physically. Such care builds yourself-confidence and subliminally tells others that you will alsotreat them well. Respect is not about changing yourlifestyle--it's about having the confidence to live accordingto your own rules.

Speaker and consultant Romanus Wolter, aka "The KickStart Guy," is the author of Kick Start Your DreamBusiness.