Corporate leaders are seen as a reflection of the business culture. Executives are often affected by events external to their businesses. Whether they have a hand in these events or not, having a sterling, untainted reputation maintains both the executive’s credibility and reputation and that of the company. Investors and customers often judge businesses based on the reputation of their leaders and decide accordingly.
In the same way a brand relies on advertising and public relations to make an impression on investors and customers, so too should individual business leaders, regardless of seniority, exploit the reputation management channels to establish a dependable image behind a brand or business.
This is especially the case for rising executives, who need to make a good first impression and underscore their professional accomplishments for the advancement of both their careers and their companies. Proactive online reputation management practices aren’t just for established leaders. Young, upwardly mobile businesspeople can expect to be in public scrutiny as they progress and must take steps to build a solid reputation that won’t be shaken easily at the peak of their careers.
Young business leaders can also take cues from the public relations measures of their companies and senior counterparts and inject their own improvements in their personal campaigns. Both online reputation management and public relations are grounded in the same principles of meaningful impressions and engagement to craft an image favorable to the public eye. Looking good in social media is one thing; image may not be the be-all end-all of one’s career, but a good visual impression does invite people’s interests. Having a professional mien creates a lasting impression and leads to the creation of meaningful interaction with the public.
In addition, whether dealing with offline public relations and online reputation management, one shouldn’t put oneself at the spotlight all the time. Press releases might be good for announcing company events, but in most circumstances, content given and released by a person or company should consist of information valuable to the target audience.
It is never too early to start protecting one’s online reputation. Being proactive about it creates a bulwark that preserves one’s good name and trustworthiness in the eyes of current and future employers and clientele.
FURTHER READING
http://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2014/01/18/5-new-reasons-ceos-should-maintain-a-stellar-reputation-online/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2014/04/10/image-rx-online-reputation-management-for-rising-executives/