How to Maintain a Great Brand Image for your Business

HOW TO MAINTAIN A GREAT BRAND IMAGE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

A good reputation is such a fragile thing that it can be shattered by the tiniest of mistakes. However, there are many things in your control which can help you maintain a great reputation.

By Elizabeth Adams

When people find out that I’m a business start-up advisor with a specialty in franchises, the question I normally get is, “What is the hottest franchise out there?” My answer usually disappoints them: “It depends.” Everyone knows that this is a typical “lawyer answer,” because it can’t get you into trouble, and you aren’t committing to anything until the client pays your retainer (and maybe not even then). It is, however, the only right answer to that question, because the “hottest” franchise is really the BEST franchise for you, and what that is depends entirely on what you enjoy doing, what your budget is, what you are hoping to achieve with the business, and where you live.

An entrepreneur’s dream is to have a great brand image. However, that’s easier said than done. In fact, a good reputation is such a fragile thing that it can be shattered by the tiniest of mistakes — some of which may be beyond your control.

However, there are many things that you can control and which can help you maintain a good reputation. Lets’ take a look at them:

CREATE A BEST FIRST IMPRESSION Never underestimate the importance of first appearances. Remember that you will be judged on how you look and behave even before you open your mouth. So always make sure you are impeccably dressed, polite, and professional. This can be a huge opportunity to impress others just by your mere presence.

COMMUNICATE Always make sure to keep your customers in the loop with the latest updates. This can be done through emails, traditional mail, phone calls, texts, or social media. This ensures that the clients know you have their best interests at heart. Good communication is the key to a good reputation.

ASK FOR FEEDBACK Don’t be embarrassed to ask your customers about their opinions of your products and services. Encourage reviews and positive criticism. You can also send your customers a survey occasionally to check what they think. When you do this, your customers will know you value them. Also, make sure you implement the positive changes your customers request.

EXCEED EXPECTATIONS It just takes little things. For example, if you promise to follow up with your client in the next 24 hours, do it in 18. If you promise to get someone a reference, get them two or three. Always send personalized thank you notes to your customers. Little things like that can boost your brand image.

ACT WITH INTEGRITY In the business world, even a small act of greed, selfishness, or jealousy can have a serious negative impact on your franchise and show lack of integrity. If you think that you will not be able to achieve something in time, don’t do it. If your product does not deliver what it promises, do not try to sell it. Don’t cancel events or appointments at the last minute. If something interferes with it, find someone who can fill in for you or who can do the job just like you. You don’t want to be known as flaky and unreliable.

ADDRESS FAKE NEWS Professional jealousy is a real thing. If someone is spreading false rumors about your business, don’t just expect them to go away on their own. Actively work to make sure your clients know that the rumors are baseless. Address it in a positive way so that your customers don’t feel like you are just looking for petty revenge.

As you grow your business, it is essential to keep monitoring your reputation. If you can’t do that yourself, hire someone else to do it for you. It will help you in the long run.