To get along successfully in business, or in any other occupation, for
that matter, every man must establish a reputation for himself.
Indeed, reputation is the basis of credit; it is his first and best
capital with which to make a start in life.
Of course, the reputation meant is a good reputation, and not one that
is open to question.
A man may have a reputation as a fighter, a shrewd man, a tricky man, a
dishonest man, and so on, but these keep him back in the life struggle,
and even if he should succeed, as the wicked are often said to do, his
success will be only temporary.
It is the lasting reputation for honesty and fair dealing that brings a
man up to the standard of success.
Be true to your word, stand by your contracts even if you should lose an
advantage, for you will regain more than you lose by your reputation.
A good reputation in small things means the acquirement of a reputation
in large things. You are always gaining.
It must be borne in mind constantly, however, that a reputation is
easily lost by a false step: “At every word a reputation dies.” Hence,
having once gained a reputation for fairness, honesty, and squareness,
do not let any small advantage or chance of gain persuade you to throw
it away, for a reputation once lost will cost you years of sorrow to
regain. When you have lost the good opinion of your fellow man, you may
as well withdraw from their society for you will be an object of
suspicion ever after.