The 5 Best, Bad Reputations

Disclaimer: This is a comedy piece and does not encourage readers to behave in a manner that would earn them one of these reputations. This should be read as a satire. When it comes to social circles, networking, and outreach, first impressions can mean a lot. But before/after first impressions, a person will have to wade through your reputation. Just about everyone has one. In fact if more than a dozen people know who you are, chances are you have a reputation. Sometimes it's good, but most people at some point in their life have had to deal with a negative connotation attached to their name. Below are a list of the five bad reputations that may not effect your professional life.

1. Abrasive

Via google.com

Definition: Tending to annoy or cause ill will; overly aggressive. What this actually means? You don't care how you come across. If someone is acting foolish, you will get in their face and not back down. So what if people look at you like some sort of a******, it's your way or the highway. People can still follow and respect an abrasive person. And while they're busy hating you, they may not fully realize just how much you're helping their life.

2. Immature

Via google.com

Definition: Not fully developed. What this means? It isn't the worst reputation in the world. Unless it is accompanied by another bad reputation, immaturity is often a more innocent, negative reputation to have. It just means you can be rather embarrassing and not always say/do the right things. What makes immaturity one of the better bad reputations is one's ability to change. People often cheer for their immature friend to grow up and the changes have the potential to be quick and noticeable.

3. Vindictive

Via google.com

Definition: Having or showing a strong or unreasoning desire for revenge. Again, look to the disclaimer at the top. This is not encouraging anyone to be vindictive. But if you have the reputation already you can rock it. What this means is no one will want to get on your bad side. In the business world, it may scare some people away, but the ones you do make a deal with will certainly honor all of their promises for more than just the legalities.

4. Cold/Distant

Via google.com

A cold person can certainly rub people the wrong way. But when you are cold to a large group of people, maybe your entire professional life, you do generate an air of mystery and confidence. People will continue talking about you while possibly craving your attention/approval. And on the rare occasion you do warm up to someone, it will be the hottest gossip. And while it will generate hate, it will also, possibly, create jealousy and make you the center of attention.

5. Arrogant

Via google.com

Definition: Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities. If you can pull off arrogant, you will own the world. This reputation will put a target on your back. All eyes will be on you. Everyone will be waiting for you to fail, but if you keep succeeding it will only grow your legend. The last thing you want to be is arrogant if you can't deliver on your promises. But if you push the envelope and exceed expectations every time, arrogance will propel you into the highest professional percentile.