What are the best ways to build your reputation in the Customer Experience community?

Be authentic. Network and dig into topics you’re most interested in, passionate about or want to learn the most on. Reach out to people who inspire you and ask to meet… be curious and ask the tough questions. Remain open minded and look for traditional, modern and thinking that is out of the “norm” from various experts to give you a well rounded view. Check out recent podcasts, Ted Talks, local Google Meetups and new CX groups that challenge thinking.

Engaging with online CX platforms provides a gateway to knowledge-sharing, networking, and reputation-building. Explore blogs, podcasts, forums, and events to access valuable insights, contribute your experiences, and connect with CX enthusiasts, fostering growth in the customer experience community.

Joining online CX (Customer Experience) platforms is a strategic and accessible way to enhance your understanding and influence within the CX community. These platforms, encompassing blogs, podcasts, newsletters, forums, webinars, courses, and events, serve as rich repositories of knowledge and insights. Engaging with them allows for a comprehensive learning experience, covering the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies in customer experience.

You can elevate your CX reputation by spotlighting projects on your online platforms. Demonstrate expertise through metrics, testimonials, and videos, creating a compelling narrative of your impact on customer satisfaction, retention, and loyalty. This will enhance your visibility and attracts potential employers, clients, or collaborators in the CX community.

Demonstrate your “Stars and Scars” of CX. A trusted vendor I work with closely mentioned how he has the “scars and stars” of CX which means he had the reputation and experience needed to be an authority on CX. So you need not only to show your achievement, but you also need to show what challenges you overcome and endured.

We can improve on our Customer experience journey by engaging in challenges and competitions. Whether online hackathons, ideathons, or design sprints, participating allows you to exhibit creativity and problem-solving. Learn from peers, showcase your skills, and potentially earn prizes, recognition, or career-enhancing opportunities, solidifying your standing in the CX community.

Live and audio events, blogs, and podcasts are plenty; generally, I have found the CX community quite collaborative. Engage with other CX professionals, participate in their discussions, share your views, and/or join an event! The most important aspect though while you are engaging is to be your authentic self. Share your thoughts and opinions, even if they differ. The CX community is one of continuous learning, and I've found polite discourse to be an excellent way of getting your voice out there and making some good CX friends along the way!

In my experience, writing transforms knowledge into expertise one word at a time. I have found that pouring my CX experiences into blogs isn't just about sharing insights; it's a journey of self-discovery. With each post, I formalize what I've learned, finding clarity in my voice and carving out my niche in the vast landscape of CX.

You need a compass to guide you in building credibility. Having a mentor who doesn't sugarcoat things is like having a secret weapon for my CX journey. Their candid feedback is the compass steering me toward growth, helping me turn weaknesses into strengths and truly level up in the world of customer experience. So find a mentor willing to speak the hard truth about your strengths and weaknesses as a CX expert is indispensable for growth. Embracing constructive criticism accelerates your development, allowing you to address weaknesses, leverage strengths, and ultimately elevate your expertise in the dynamic field of customer experience.

In my opinion, when you want to build a good reputation in the Customer Experience industry, just remember to: Be truthful, open, and polite with everyone. Always do your work in a consistent and dependable way, taking responsibility for your actions. At the end of the day, it's all about being honest, treating people with respect, and doing your job as best as you can ??

Be mindful of the "Three P's" to demonstrate authenticity. A model I have found helpful is the "Three P's." Presence: Be fully present in the moment, engage actively, and demonstrate genuine interest in others. Passion: Express your true passions and interests. Authenticity is closely tied to sharing what genuinely excites and motivates you. Purpose: Align your actions and communication with your values and purpose. Being true to your core beliefs fosters authenticity. Remember the "Three P's" to cultivate authenticity in your CX work and interactions.

Be of service. Don't focus just on building your reputation for personal gain, instead focus on helping others. If you can show your value consistently, your reputation will grow naturally.

Remember...it's not what you gain, but what you lose. This quote was ingrained in me as a U.S. Army officer. It's a reminder that our reputation is delicate, and trust is everything. Losing credibility, the trust of customers, or a positive image in the public eye can have a ripple effect on relationships, brand loyalty, and overall success. That's why my focus is on safeguarding and cherishing the integrity of my reputation, recognizing that the potential losses in trust and credibility hold more weight than any fleeting gains. It's about not just building positive associations but also staying vigilant to protect against anything that could chip away at the foundation of my reputation.