Reputation isn’t formed by accident

‘Reputation’ means “the opinion that people in general have about someone or something….”

But opinions are not always based on fact, and what we hear from others or read online (which is often how opinions are formed) can be hearsay or inaccurate.

The opinions of your customers, potential customers, suppliers, staff, and others will be based on the first experience they have with you or the first time they hear about you.

If what they hear is predominantly negative (this includes negative online reviews), and they’ve heard or experienced nothing positive to bring balance, they are more likely to form a negative opinion.

Those who are important to your business or organisation must hear positive information about you. This way they are less likely to be influenced by anything negative because they already have – TRUST.

That’s why it’s vital to have a proactive mindset:

• Regularly inform customers and potential customers about the great things you are doing.
• Ask for positive online reviews and respond to, and deal with, negative reviews.
• Build a relationship with local media and other journalists, and be the voice of authority in your field (also let them know what your business is doing).
• Engage with people who matter, though social media.
• Ensure all customer complaints are resolved.