How To Properly Use Reputation Management

The online world cares about image. It is the sole focus of a lot of what the Internet is all about after all. Those who manage their image and reputation well are most likely to receive repeat business. Those who allow reputation management to get away from them may see a steady decline into irrelevance. 

Using Outsourced Reputation Management 

Many people want to do their own reputation management online when they first hear of the concept. They think there is no reason they should not be able to handle it. After all, it is just their own image they are trying to preserve. However, an article on the subject on Forbes.com, Michael Fertik, owner of Reputation.com stated:

“The best analogy that I can think of is anti-virus software for your computer. There are probably only 25 guys on the planet who can do good anti-virus protection on their own because it requires deep technical expertise. We have dozens of engineers who work on each of our products, which are designed expressly to fix or enhance your digital reputation and profile. That said, there are certain things that you should do on your own, like have a thoughtful, well-curated LinkedIn profile. And you should have a Twitter handle that is your name, not something like “ILovePizza,” unless your job is in pizza.” 

Well said.

Caution But Not Too Much 

Obviously, avoiding mistakes is a major part of reputation management. That being said, it is not a good idea to completely box yourself off from the entire Internet and never really try anything. You need to be marketing and at the same time avoiding major mistakes. It is a careful balance that has to be struck, but it is possible. 

Sell Yourself, Sell Your Product 

If you are able to sell yourself and your reputation to people online then you are probably in good shape to sell whatever product you need to as well. You just want to make sure that the image you are providing is a good one. No one wants to buy from someone they do not trust or have confidence in. 

Contact us today to get information on how you can get started with reputation management. 

Advertisement

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.

 Contact us

You Should Be Actively Involved In Your Online Reputation Management

Maybe you’re thinking to yourself, “Why do I need to manage something I don’t even have?”  If you’ve ever searched for your business online and only found results pointing to your website or social media pages, you’re ahead of the game.  At this point, your online reputation is managed.

It’s important to remember your squeaky clean online presence can be tarnished or even badly damaged in a short period by a disgruntled customer or an ex-employee deciding to start posting negative comments online about you and/or your company, and you may soon find those comments are receiving a higher ranking than your web page.

This is why you need to actively monitor and manage what is being said about you and your company online.  If you’re not taking proactive measures now, you may find yourself needing to take action to repair your reputation after the damage is already done.

You may not even realize how many searches are being performed each day on you or your company.  These are some of the more typical:

• Potential customers
• Potential investors
• Business partners and/or colleagues
• Journalists
• Coworkers and/or employees
• Personal contacts

You want to be sure you are showing up in the best possible light should any of these people decide to look you up.  The type of issues that could cause problems if not effectively managed include:

• Negative comments and perceptions
• Inaccurate information
• False information
• Copyright or Trademark infringement
• Postings on review or complaint websites

A negative online reputation can be highly damaging if it leads to a boycott of your products or services.  You could also be dealing with legal issues as you try and figure who is responsible and how to negate the damage. Having consistent monitoring of your online presence can head off those possibly negative consequences before it gets out of control.  An online reputation management team will serve as the perfect “buffer” for the possible attack on you or your business.  

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you support a positive online reputation! 

 

When Bad Things Happen to Good Businesses: Reputation Management

You have developed your business so it delivers what people want when they want it. Not only have you established your product and services, you have also advertised and promoted your company effectively through traditional media like newspapers, radio, and television, as well the Internet. As a result your business is growing and prospering.

However, the unexpected happens. It can be a natural disaster such as a flash flood or having a defective product slip out the doors to the public. Or perhaps, an irate customer or group of customers threatening to sue your company.  Challenges to the health of your business can take a variety of forms. Nevertheless, you will need to be ready to deal with them.

When bad things happen, the media might be coming to you. They will come at a time that will not be convenient and will ask questions. This will be a time when all the good work you have done in creating and developing your business can be threatened.

It is at those times you need to be ready to deal effectively with both the media and the public. TwoGirlsConsulting can be a crucial asset for you during those times. From effective executive media training, to handling and advising on how best to deal with media and the public, 2GC can help you weather the storm intact. Reputation management during times of crisis is one of the many things we can do for you.

TwoGirlsConsulting is committed to helping you grow your business and make it successful, while helping you avoid the misfortunes a business can face. Contact 2GC for more information on how we can accomplish this for you.

 

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!