To build a sustainable company that is fit for the future, you need to focus on building a strong
company image and reputation. If your company does not have a positive or strong reputation
or image, you will find you will be constantly facing an uphill struggle. Trying to always win over
new and existing customers alike will be draining and costly. So, what action can you start
taking to build a strong company image from the start?
Listen to Your Customers
The first area you must focus on is your customers. It is crucial that you always listen to your
customers. Establish what they want and give them what they need. Your customers are going
to give you feedback, and they are going to give you suggestions if you allow them the
opportunity. If you are not actively listening to your customers, you will find that you will not
provide the service that they want. This will then mean they will look at other new companies
and opportunities.
Useful Information: Negative online reviews and comments can damage any reputation that you
build or establish. To make sure that this doesn’t happen, you must be responsive to comments
and reviews left on your social media pages and on other online review sites.
Focus on Giving More Back
A positive reputation and image can be built by giving customers more. Customers are giving
you their hard-earned money for a product or service, and what is the harm in giving them a little
extra back? This could be something such as a pair of custom socks featuring your company
branding or logo. Or it could be a freebie or discount voucher which they can use on their next
visit. When you focus on giving a little something back, you add some positivity to a customer’s
transaction. You also positively influence how they see your brand and company.
Be Honest and Transparent at All Times
The reputation that you build must be built on transparency and honesty. If there is something
that is unclear or dishonest within your company, it will affect how others see your company. To
ensure honesty and transparency, you need to make sure that everyone within your company is
working on the same page. You also have to ensure that every customer transaction or
interaction is always transparent and open. Clear pricing, and clarity within what you offer, are
always going to be important.
Standards and Consistency
High standards are essential for a positive company image and reputation. To achieve these
high standards, you will need to focus on consistency. If you have in place policies for customer
care and even policies for how sales and inquiries are handled, you will be sure that consistency
is present at all times.
Useful Information: You can learn a lot from your competitors, so always keep up to date with
what they are doing. See how they are listening to customers, and understand what makes their
company image and reputation so strong. A regular competitor analysis will help you see where
strengths and weaknesses exist.
Suggested Reads:
Mircari – Marketplace for Buying/Selling Preloved Products
Masako Katsura – The First Lady of Billiards That Brought Women into This Sport
