Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Losing Credibility in a Moment

I spoke last Friday (11/17/06) at QAI's Testing Conference on the topic of how to build and keep your credibility. The main idea is that if people don't find you credible, they won't believe your findings. I also made the point that it takes a long time to build credibility, but it can be lost in a moment.

Well, little did I know that very evening Michael Richards (aka "Kramer") would validate that point by going on a racial tirade that lasted a few minutes but may have destroyed his career. (The video is at TMZ.com)

Richards doesn't have credibility at stake as much as he has reputation and marketablility. Both took a pretty big hit on Friday evening at the Laugh Factory.

There is also the issue of damage by association. This was really bad timing for Jerry Seinfeld since the 7th season DVD is soon to be released. Some think that sales will take a hit. We'll have to wait and see on that one.

The thing that amazes me is how long it takes to build a career and reputation and quickly it can be damaged or lost.

Want to view and listen to the presentation on credibility? Just go to the presentations page on my web site and register as a free member.

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