Reputation is everything in business. It’s something you cannot buy and is as a result of all the interactions you have, the work that you put out, the people that you meet and the relationships that you build over time.
It’s very important to mention at this stage that your PR isn’t just about the press or the media, which is often very controlled as you are very aware of the messages you’re choosing to put out there so you think more deeply about interactions with journalists. Social media is an extension of your PR and it is just as important to be careful about what you put out into your social media feeds. With anything that you would put out into the public domain, make sure you are happy with the message it conveys to your audience.
It can take a long time to build up your reputation but no time at all to break it. So be aware of that.
WHAT DO YOU STAND FOR?
If you are a solo business owner and you are the business, you need to work out what you stand for. And make sure you convey this through all of your communications.
- What do you advocate for?
- What are your passions?
- Why have you set up your business?
- What are you an expert in, in relation to your business?
- What are your values?
- What are your beliefs?
- What are you happy to put out into the world?
Once you have gone through the exercise of working these things out, then actually putting yourself out there and being confident to speak out becomes a lot easier. Rather than being worried about what you should and should not say. But if it’s something that you are really passionate about and you really believe in then you will stand up and talk about it.
Draw the line in the sand of what you are happy to talk about and what you are confident in and fully believe in. These are the things that you are going to use to build up your PR and your reputation through media, speaking opportunities, podcasts etc.
BUILD UP YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
I talk a lot about PR being about building relationships. Ultimately when you start your business, you are building a tribe of supporters, collaborators, partners and business relationships that will form a network that will allow your business to grow in the future.
When I started freelance over eight years ago, I was able to get booked really quickly as I had built great relationships with former colleagues which has enabled me to find opportunities and get clients. This enabled me to build more relationships so it was a virtuous circle.
The people you build positive, strong relationship with are going to become your cheerleaders. They are going to think of you when they see an opportunity or need your help.
Getting out there and getting seen and known help you to build more relationships.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE BEING GENUINE
You need to be authentic (a well overused word but a very important one!).
Going back to point 1, you need to live by what you stand for and make sure you are consistent in putting that out there into the world. People will get to know you for what you do and don’t stand for and this will build your tribe further.
There is a saying….
“Don’t be a dick”
….and it’s true! People don’t want to do business with people that are difficult.
So be decent, authentic, genuine and be confident with that.
Ultimately, work out what you want to stand for and who you want to be aligned with and be consistent with that messaging in your PR. This will build a tribe of cheerleaders who will support you, love you, trust you, recommend you and buy from you.
THAT is a great reputation.
If you need help in identifying the key relationships to build to grow your reputation then sign up for a 2-hour Cheerleader PR Strategy Session with me 📣.
Book now here.
To see my live video talking about ‘How to Build Your Reputation Through PR’, click here.
