The Core Concepts of Effective Reputation Management

“Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow.  The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Abraham Lincoln.

Do you have the good reputation that you deserve? Bad publicity has always been a challenge, even to the good guys. In these days of social media that can instantly harm you there is a need for a sophisticated response strategy. Make sure people are aware of your character, and not looking at someone else’s shadow.

Reputation management can have many forms, and can require several different roles. In a large organization, the role would be filled by a full-time strategic communication advisor; but even then, the key employee may need consultation depending on the situation.

Perhaps the defining characteristic of effective reputation management is good judgment. Maintaining a good reputation involves planning your organizational structure so that you have a smooth flow of information as well as confronting specific issues as they appear in the business environment and in the media.

Any confusion caused by incorrect reporting must be addressed with authority in a timely manner.  Any roadblocks to communication within your organization must be located and eliminated.

Whether it is for a hospital board, an African nation, the U.S. Department of Defense, a corporate public relations department, or a small business operating a marketing strategy, a reputation management strategist coordinates clarifying your position. This important advisor will also assist in the formation and adjustment of policy.   

The higher your authority, and the broader the scope of your endeavors, the more important it is that you are in position to be able to manage the public perception of your efforts. An effective reputation management strategy is much more than “spin.” The creation and implementation of good policy needs dedicated attention and support in the unpredictable climate of popular opinion.

The Possible Roles involved in reputation advisement:

• As an educator, the advisor communicates with employees and associates to make them better conduits for a policy that has been decided upon.  In order to avoid inconsistency of services or product, all people involved in implementing your service should be schooled in the philosophy of your business or social mission. This involves coordination with human resources and training of department heads as well as direct presentation to large groups.

• As a publicist, the advisor has editing, writing and speaking skills to distribute information through appropriate networks, whether through existing corporate newsletters and email systems, or media outlets. The publicist is familiar with social media and monitors interaction on strategic sites. The publicist can produce content, as well as inform others on proper responses to online forums.  The publicist has a close relationship with any formal spokesperson or media relations department for a large organization, acting as a liaison between management, media, and policy formation.

• As an analyst, the advisor suggests what information should be given to a particular group, be it employees, associates, or volunteers. The analyst assists in the timing and proper media for press releases. The analyst provides support and assembles research opportunities when adjustment of policy is necessary.

• As a researcher, the advisor is aware of trends in the social fabric regarding your endeavors. The researcher is aware of meaningful published work, and, if necessary, attends relevant summits and discussions by experts in the field. The researcher evaluates new ideas and innovations, making recommendations to you for discussion and review of policy.

• As a coordinator, the advisor makes certain that internal and external policy is consistent with your goals, and develops measuring techniques to monitor progress in accurately portraying your efforts to the public. The coordinator will be aware of budget compliance, and will be able to provide recommendations for necessary adjustments, whether in policy or implementation of existing policy.  

Give us a call, and clarify your position.

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A Roadmap to Reaching Thought Leadership

Research has shown in order to become a master in a particular field, you need to invest at least 10,000 hours of practice within the field.  In addition, to be effective, this practice has to be deliberate: it must be mindful and completed with the constant goal of improvement.  How do these 10,000 hours of practice relate to thought leadership within a particular field?

Becoming a thought leader requires the same amount of attention as becoming a master violinist, golfer, or painter.  It takes a commitment to constant improvement with an eye to becoming an expert in the field.  If you want to become a thought leader, you must give yourself a road map to success so the hours you spend at work will be transformed into the “deliberate practice” that will turn you into an authoritative expert.

Attend Conferences.  You need to know what other thought leaders are doing and saying.  The best way to locate other thought leaders is to attend conferences within your field. Conferences tend to attract large numbers of eminent figures within any particular field.

Read Current Research.  A though leader must be thoroughly knowledgeable about his or her industry.  It’s necessary to read current research or reports from within your field.  Subscribe to journals, newspapers, magazines, or any form of media that conveys recent news within your business.

Connect With Other Fields.  Thought leaders earn success by devising creative solutions, theories, or ideas within their trade.  Creativity requires flexible thinking and a multidimensional understanding of a vocation.  In order to see your work from a different perspective, connect with other professions or study to cultivate mental flexibility.

By focusing on gaining more experience every day, your commitment to becoming a thought leader will begin to pay off.  Being knowledgeable about your business will give you a keen sense of view to allow you to recognize trends and opportunities.

If you have any questions or comments about thought leadership and small business success, please feel free to contact us!

Four Ways to Demonstrate Thought Leadership

Entrepreneurs can be divided into leaders and followers.  Followers might be sufficiently competent and reliable, but leaders are the ones who command the most attention and respect.  They set trends, make breakthroughs, and consistently demonstrate authority and creativity in a given field.

To promote your business and set yourself apart from the pack, you’ll need to exercise thought leadership, proving to others that you can address the pressing problems in your field, offer a unique and compelling perspective, and yield a profit from your foresight and authority.  These days, many people on the Internet and other media call themselves thought leaders; to distinguish yourself from them, you’ll have to go beyond talking about how you’re a thought leader and actually give proof of it.

What are four ways to demonstrate thought leadership?

1) Engage In a Public Dialogue about the Burning Questions in Your Field

Publish articles, both in trade journals and in magazines geared towards the public, where you make predictions about where your field is headed and the issues that need to be addressed.  Participate in conferences where you present ideas and receive feedback from others.  Write about some of your wilder or bold plans in blog posts to attract interest and a steady following, along with some healthy debate.  Your communications must be rich in substance and crafted in such a way to attract and hold attention.  With time, you’ll build a body of work that proves to others you’re a thought leader in your field.

2) Promote Your Accomplishments

Don’t be modest about your achievements and credentials.  You can promote your accomplishments effectively without coming across as a braggart.  Send out press releases announcing creative or compelling information about your company, such as a new product or service, or a new way of doing business.  Secure interviews with journalists and bloggers who can write a profile on you and help you broadcast your message and your achievements to date.

3) Listen and Learn

A good leader pays attention to other people whether they’re business colleagues, competitors, or customers.  What’s important to them? What are they saying? Read and think about what’s going on in your field, and look beyond it as well; key innovations can arise when people synthesize information from multiple fields.  Don’t automatically dismiss or attempt to silence those who disagree with your views.  You can have your own firm opinions while still maintaining an open-minded attitude. People will respect you for this.

4) Get Endorsements

Your business will receive a significant boost if you get the endorsement of well-known figures in your field.  These are people who already have a strong reputation, have broken new ground, and others look up to them.  If they mentor you, collaborate with you, or otherwise endorse or spotlight your work, your own reputation as a thought leader will strengthen significantly.

Demonstrating thought leadership requires meaningful public engagement, compelling communication, and active networking.  Contact us to discuss effective ways to promote yourself as a thought leader and strengthen your reputation.

 

Reputation Management and Habits of Successful Leaders

Forbes magazine recently published an online article titled “The Most Successful Leaders 15 Things Automatically, Every Day.” Leaders know how important reputation management is, both personally and professionally, and they become experts at doing these 15 things every day to ensure success.

 

1.  Make others feel safe to speak up. Successful leaders are confident enough to give those around them a voice.
2.  Make decisions. Successful leaders don’t waste time and “make things happen.”
3.  Communicate expectations. Successful leaders communicate clearly and make sure all team members stay focused on the goal.
4.  Challenge people to think. Successful leaders keep people on their toes.
5.  Be accountable to others. Successful leaders are willing to take responsibility for themselves.
6.  Lead by example. Successful leaders do what they ask others to do.
7.  Measure and reward performance. Successful leaders don’t take team members for granted.
8.  Provide continuous feedback. Successful leaders pay attention to team members and help them grow.
9.  Properly allocate and deploy talent. Successful leaders put people where they will shine!
10.  Ask questions, seek counsel. Successful leaders are willing to admit they don’t know it all.
11.  Problem solve; avoid procrastination. Successful leaders get things done!
12.  Positive energy and attitude. Successful leaders eliminate negativity from the workplace.
Be a great teacher. Successful leaders are always learning and teaching.
Invest in relationships. Successful leaders reach beyond themselves for the greater good.
Genuinely enjoy responsibilities. Successful leaders love leading!

TwoGirlsConsulting is on your team as you manage your reputation and implement these leadership principles. We can help you become the leader you want to be, the leader your business needs you to be. Using solid communication strategies, we will develop community awareness and open new avenues for your business to expand. With a personable and experienced approach, TwoGirlsConsulting will help you achieve your dreams!

We are committed to listening to you and helping you achieve your goals! Contact us today and tell us your story!

Getting Past Excuses

Excuses are nothing more than distractions keeping you from being successful. Whether from a co-worker on a team or yourself, they are unacceptable. Keep a focused mindset and accomplish your goal.

Five quick things to remember to stay on track:

1. Have a ‘don’t care’ attitude when it comes to excuses because all it means is the work did not get done.

2. Be able to identify when you don’t meet the expectation.

3. Adjust and plan to determine if the goal is still a priority. If it is, create a new plan or amend the current plan to hit your target.

4. Take responsibility.

5. Only you decide your level of success.