Coming up with a company name can be as easy as just picking a catchy one or using your family name. However, maintaining a good reputation associated with that name can prove to be a little more challenging. Whether you are in new construction or the services industry, you need to be concerned about what people are saying about your business. It’s important to note that entire relationships can be dictated by first impressions, and — more often than not — you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Even the tone of your business name will set the scene for every interaction with your customers. The reputation of the name is essential to the survival of your company.
Having a good reputation can translate into your company being picked to do a job even if there are many in your market that do the exact type of work.
Business experts say that a good name is the single most important marketing tool in your arsenal, but what you are saying about your business is not always what your clients are saying. In the past, word-of-mouth seemed to be the biggest factor in a company gaining momentum in the marketplace. Nowadays, word-of-mouth has changed to an online social platform that focuses on an online presence and social responsibility. Here’s the short of it: People want to know that you care. You know you care, but do your employees and the communities you serve know you care? Simply advertising what you do is not enough. Putting together marketing material and discounts doesn’t always speak the customer’s language to gain their trust. We owe it to our clients to personify the business and portray the true heartbeat of what we believe in — and what we truly believe in is taking incredible care of those who support our businesses day in and day out.
The reputation of a business depends on a number of factors, including the business delivering on its promises to customers and vendors. Being transparent, trustworthy, and responsive are essential fibers of your business. The following tips can help you improve your company’s reputation:
• Have a mission statement. A mission statement is basically your declaration of purpose in the marketplace. This can be a starting point for developing a solid direction for your business.
• Make sure your advertising shares the heart of the business with its potential clients, like charitable projects and satisfied clients. Show them you care and why you care.
• Address customer issues in a timely manner. This will build a lot of confidence in your ability to put your client first.
• Establish an online presence. Make sure you are the talk of the town on social media platforms (for good reasons, of course).
• Keep an eye on Internet reviews and make sure to address any negative feedback in a professional manner. It looks better when you address the issue rather than to ignore it.
• Keep your Internet information relative and unique to your business.
• Be involved in your community. Let them know you are here and that you care about your clients.
• Award your technicians for obtaining good reviews online. This will help build their buy-in and their engagement.
• Remember that your employees can be very good brand ambassadors for your business.
• Honor every promise that you make. Trust me, people remember what you promise.
Overall, building a good reputation in the community means you should take pride in your name, and your employees should share that pride. It’s also a good way to be a model company for others, and it feels great to see the positive reviews come in. You can’t put a price on having a good name, but having a bad one can definitely cost you.
Talbot is a licensed, master electrician in Georgia, where he was born and raised. He has been in the industry for 17 years and is currently the operations manager for Mister Sparky Atlanta, where he manages a team of technicians. In his spare time, he plays with his kids, volunteers, and is flipping his fourth house. He can be reached at [email protected].
