The same way, People would simply fear the name an of "Uchiha". Several shinobi feared when they simply heard that one of the "3 Legendary Sannin" were going to fight them. The word "Akatsuki" was feared by many as well. Simply because a group of weaklings from Iwagakure when told to run away if they were to face the "Yellow Flash" does not mean that Minato is the Solo King.
We have seen 2 of Minato's fight. One was his fight with Tobi and the other with A, B and the unnamed Kumo Ninja. I would not call his battle with A, B and the unnamed Kumo Ninja a victory. His battle with Tobi was however a victory. As for people saying "Minato soloed Tobi and Kyuubi" let me tell you that dieing because you got yourself stabbed by one of the Kyuubi's claw is not considered 'soloing'
he could solo many shinobis