Our conversation makes up your brand. We talk about our experiences with your product, your services, your customer service reps, your employees… We talk about you. Your brand is our conversation! Our perceptions of your company affect how we talk about you, how we influence other people, and how we open our wallets. We put our money where our mouths are!

Branding & Reputation Management

A brand is what someone associates with something else.

• What do people associate with you? Is it positive?
• What is your company trying to project?
• Who are you in the minds of your audience?

I just attended an online seminar, a Twebinar titled, “Who Owns Your Brand?” This was the second of a Summer Series on Social Media by Chris Brogan (@chrisbrogan on Twitter).

Below are my top four nuggets from the Twebinar and my “take” on the importance of branding and reputation management.

Nugget 1: Social Media is like the Gutenberg Press for the Bible.

The Bible was once owned by the church. The people didn’t have access. Reading and interpretation of the Bible was controlled. The Gutenberg Press put the Bible into the hands of the people. It became cheap enough for them to have their own Bibles. Social Media and blogging have paralleled the power of information. Companies used to own and control their message. The Internet and blogging has redistributed control. We, the people, now have access - a voice. (more…)

SMX Advanced generated a lot of controversy and conversation.

Did the conference go to the “Dark Side” with Black Hat SEO?

Should there have been more advanced topics?

Was there enough White Hat SEO discussed?

The 2008 Advanced Search Marketing Expo also delivered a fast-paced, action-packed venue of topics and opportunities for networking with top-notch performers who specialize in organic Search Engine Optimization, Paid Search and Web Development. (more…)

My Mom always told me, “There’s no second chance to make a good first impression.”

Your people create strong impressions that become part of your reputation.

Who speaks your Reputation?

Who speaks for your company?

Who touches your customers?

Who wears your company logo?

Do they create a lasting reputation you want to keep?

The person behind the phone, behind the counter, and even behind the wheel, is critically important to your reputation. (more…)