“In a competitive era, showing up isn’t arrogance — it’s a survival strategy.”
— GP Herry Saputro
In a business landscape that changes as fast as phone notifications, 2026 marks a turning point — a year where adaptability defines existence.
Many great entrepreneurs fall not because they fail to sell, but because they fail to be seen.
Meanwhile, those who combine hard work with visibility strategy — appearing in the media, earning awards, and publishing books — rise to become national icons.
“People used to think having a great product was enough. Not anymore,” says GP Herry Saputro, founder of GP Talk and Award Magazine.
“If you want to be trusted, you must be seen.
If you want to be remembered, you must be recognized.”
A New Era: From Product to Reputation
Business in 2026 is not only about quality — it’s about perception.
Modern consumers don’t just buy goods; they buy trust.
And trust is not built overnight through ads, but through a consistent trail of public recognition.
“Reputation is the new currency in business,” Herry says. “When products can be copied, trust cannot.”
He likens personal branding to a signal of light in the darkness of the digital marketplace — the brighter the signal, the easier it is to be found.
That light, he explains, comes from a powerful trio: media exposure, award recognition, and personal publication.
Step 1: Appear in the Media — Build Public Credibility
According to Herry, media exposure acts as a validation amplifier.
“When the media talks about you, the world starts listening,” he says.
Appearing in reputable news outlets or business magazines is not self-promotion — it’s a refined way to build authority and positioning.
Profile features, exclusive interviews, or award coverages can instantly shift public perception — turning a local entrepreneur into a national figure.
“Credible media is like a mirror,” he adds. “It reflects who you are in the eyes of the public. Make sure that reflection is strong and positive.”
Step 2: Join Award Programs — Earn Legitimacy
Awards are more than trophies on a shelf.
For Herry, they are social proof certificates — independent validations of achievement.
“In the eyes of the public, an award means recognition.
In the eyes of your competitors, it means you’re already one step ahead,” he says.
He encourages entrepreneurs to actively pursue credible national and international award programs.
These platforms not only strengthen a brand’s credibility but also expand professional networks and open doors to new markets.
“Awards give you a stage,” Herry explains. “And on that stage, reputations are built.”
Step 3: Write a Book — Become a Thought Leader
Few things are as powerful as the written word.
Herry describes books as intellectual monuments — proof that someone not only works, but also thinks and contributes ideas.
“When you write a book, you elevate yourself from entrepreneur to thought leader,” he says.
“And the public respects those who can write their ideas, not just speak them.”
A book adds depth to one’s personal brand. It transforms a businessperson from a doer into a thinker — from an operator into an icon.
From Visibility to Legacy
Herry warns that fame without substance is just noise.
That’s why he always emphasizes balance — between visibility and value.
“Don’t just be known,” he advises. “Be remembered for your impact.”
In every GP Talk session, he reminds his audience that visibility is not vanity — it’s responsibility.
“Many people are afraid to show up because they fear being labeled arrogant. But it’s the opposite.
If you have value and you hide it, that’s ego. The world needs to know who can inspire it.”
Real Stories of Game Changers
At the many events he hosts, Herry has witnessed firsthand how recognition changes lives.
“I once saw a regional entrepreneur who was only known in his hometown. After receiving an award and appearing in the media, his brand went national. Today, he’s a keynote speaker at business forums.”
Stories like this, he says, are not coincidences.
“They’re the result of courage — the courage to step up and build credibility the right way.”
“The difference between observers and winners,” he adds, “is the willingness to take the stage.”
2026: The Year to Level Up
Herry concludes with a message that captures the spirit of 2026:
“This is the year of game changers — the year when ordinary entrepreneurs can become national icons, if they dare to step out of their comfort zones.”
He leans forward and finishes with a smile:
“Don’t just work hard behind the scenes. The world won’t know your value if you stay hidden.”
“Show up not to boast, but to inspire.
In 2026, inspiration will be the highest form of promotion.”
— GP Herry Saputro
