Reputation and Public Relations

50 days until I am 50 – Charity Challenge still on to lose 50 lbs before I am 50 on the 15th Dec 2017 – so far 17lbs lighter and now writing daily to stay accountable.

Yesterday was a busy day so didn’t really have time to over eat and failed to get any fitness in.

My proud of moment was when I said no to cake at the Women’s Business Club Lunch where Lorna Jackson from Advance and Get Noticed was speaking about everything PR.

It is interesting to notice that I was more than happy to share stories of my clients when I worked for Slimming World but I have avoided it since starting my own business in 2008.

As I sat and listened to Lorna, I found myself having a conversation in my head with my critic. It was muttering that my stories are not that good.

Isn’t it funny how I can listen to others and bring their stories to life and value their story but not my own. Well for a few minutes anyway. Thank goodness I know how to Manage My Critic. I got out of my own way, changed my focus and asked some questions and today Lorna sent me the most amazing press release – who would have known that I have a story in me after all. Watch this space – I am ready to get noticed.

Lorna also shared a brilliant hand out about how to protect your reputation and I thought it was really interesting how much of what we talk about at Step by Step Listening is covered, in terms of take a breath, reflect (if you have time) get stories clear first and ask more questions. I hope you find it as informative as I did.

Reputation and Public Relations

Public Relations covers a vast area of your business.  It’s everything you do and say and what others say about you.  Your staff, marketing materials, website everything outward facing and of course your internal communications too, reflect on you and your business.

Your hard earned reputation needs protection.  Good reputations take time to achieve and build, but in the blink of an eye can be shattered.  Even big businesses can suffer and take some time to repair and re-build the trust that has been lost through ‘bad press’.

How can you protect your business? There are some simple steps you can put into place to prevent bad press, the obvious one being, providing excellent customer service.  You want your customers to be raving fans and keep coming back to you for your products or services and share their experience with others. So keep them happy.

  • Operate your business honestly and professionally and always treat your staff, suppliers and customers with respect and they in turn will respect you
  • If you get bad feedback, don’t ignore it. There are so many places now that people can post damaging feedback, so you need to make sure you are monitoring all social media and feedback sites.  Set yourself up with Google Alerts, these monitor the web for new content, you can use specific words and phrases which will highlight publicity about you and your business. It’s simple to do and can also help you to monitor topical news in your industry sector too.
  • If you think there could possibly be ‘negative reaction’ to something you are involved in be sure to have a prepared statement/response for the media. The last thing you want is to be put on the spot, or on the back foot, answering sensitive questions
  • Knee jerk reactions are often not good, as they are not thought through and can sometimes come across as defensive or aggressive when there is no need to be
  • Always tell the truth, be open and honest. If you have made a mistake, hold your hands up and say so, ‘We have made a mistake and are taking steps to ensure this never happens again.’ Don’t make excuses and blame someone else
  • By preparing a response in advance you can think through possible questions you might be faced with and prepare your answers to any negativity with ‘positives’ to diffuse the situation
  • Make sure you allow yourself time to respond. Where possible ask for questions to be emailed to you so you allow yourself time to read through them properly rather than have a conversation on the telephone.  Often things can be taken down incorrectly or out of context.  If you have questions laid out in an email you can type your answers in a response, avoiding misquotations. Whenever possible ask someone to read through your email response before sending.  A second, fresh pair of eyes will see mistakes and can challenge your answers/thinking to ensure everything is factually correct and you are totally happy with your response before sending.

Granted there isn’t always the gift of time, but if you do have it – use it.

So, if you want to grow your business reputation and benefit from good publicity think about what you do and say and how you treat your staff, suppliers and customers.  It can give handsome rewards if you pay it forward and help others, and go that little bit further to be the best you can be.

If you need any further help or advice don’t hesitate to get in touch Mobile 07917150502 or email me at lorna@advanceandgetnoticed.co.uk or visit www.advanceandgetnoticed.co.uk

Thank you Lorna for your care and kindness

 

Sheryl – The Strength and Solution Detective
Supporting you to manage yourself, time and others so that you can live a life with purpose and without apology.

Feel free to share below your thoughts or join us in the Facebook group Manage your critic

If you are struggling to be heard and understood and it is preventing you from doing your best work and living your best life then please do book a 30 minute call today with no obligation.   I might be part of the solution you need and I might not but you will you know your next best step. Or you can thickpaperbackfront_FinalPurchase a copy of my book here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author – Sheryl Andrews – The Strength and Solution Detective

Sheryl Andrews, Founder of Step by Step Listening, is well known for her fast speaking and her passion to make things happen. But what many of you may not know is that in private behind closed doors she was also no stranger to lapses in self belief and an overwhelming sense of not being good enough.

That was until she learned the importance of being heard and asking for support. In her book she describes the step by step journey she took to learn how to manage her critic turning her overwhelm into clarity in 7 steps.

Sheryl now runs retreats that encourage you to really listen to what you need to work, learn and live at your best with others and the confidence to ask for those needs to be met.

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Published By

Sheryl Andrews, Founder of Step by Step Listening, is well known for her fast speaking and highly motivational passion. But what many of you may not know is that in private behind closed doors she was also no stranger to challenging conversations, lapses in self belief and an overwhelming sense of not being good enough. Sheryl used to find it difficult to speak up and have her needs met despite the fact she could and would encourage everyone else to do exactly that. A series of 3 events in her personal life forced her to stop and learn how to take her own advice. Today, Sheryl runs retreats and one to one sessions resourcing you to do more of what you love, delegate what you don't and ditch the critic that says you can't. Sheryl openly shares an easy to adopt communication tool kit that will transform the way you think, feel and understand those around you. Sheryl will be your strength and solution detective until you have fully trained your inner critic and those around you, to listen in a way that motivates and inspires you.

View all posts by Sheryl Andrews →
27th October 2017 Communication Training
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