Reputation management: Representing yourself and Filipino professionals in offshore outsourcing
I recently read a thought-provoking article in The Manila Times entitled “Filipinos should pay more attention to reputation management”* that argues that there needs to be more reputation awareness. It struck a chord with me because we recently shared content about building your brand in order to secure a great job. While “brand” and “reputation” are closely related, they aren’t the same. Your brand is what you intentionally build. Your reputation is what others perceive about you, often based on a pattern of behaviour over time.
In the offshore outsourcing industry, reputation matters more than you might realise. And here’s the hard truth: when you work in a client-facing role, especially for a foreign client, you aren’t just representing yourself. You’re representing your team, your employer and – whether you like it or not – all Filipino professionals.
That might sound like a heavy burden. It is. And it’s one we all need to take seriously.
We once had a new client who was hesitant about offshoring. They had concerns about quality, accountability, and communication. But they were open-minded, so we placed what seemed to be a strong candidate; a Filipino professional with a great CV and solid interview performance. Sadly, the candidate let everyone down. They were late. They missed deadlines. They were absent without explanation.
The result? The client didn’t just terminate the contract. They gave up on the Philippines entirely and moved their outsourcing efforts to another country. One poor performer had tainted the impression of an entire workforce.
Of course, that may not seem fair. But reputation often isn’t. First impressions last, and when a client is new to outsourcing, they can draw broad conclusions from a single experience.
This is especially important to understand now, as global competition for outsourced roles increases. Countries like Vietnam, India, and even China are improving rapidly. Indian professionals can undercut Filipino salaries. Other countries are investing in English education and digital skills. The Philippines no longer holds an automatic advantage.
So how do you protect and strengthen your reputation?
First, show up consistently. Clients value reliability more than brilliance. Be on time. Be responsive. Communicate clearly, even when things go wrong. Second, take pride in your work. Deliver results. Go the extra mile when you can. And third, take ownership of your role in the bigger picture. When you act with integrity and professionalism, you aren’t just lifting your own career. You’re reinforcing the reputation of every Filipino working offshore.
If you work with foreign clients or colleagues – you can be sure they are judging all Filipino resources by the standards you deliver. Just as all of us, whatever our nationality, are judged against the perceived reputation of the countryfolk that came before us.
Reputation is fragile, but it’s also powerful. Build it carefully. Guard it closely. And remember that your actions can open doors not just for yourself, but for those who come after you.
*Article can be accessed here.