When you think of Starbucks, McDonalds even Donald Trump what comes
to mind. Is it a positive or negative outlook
on their product or service? How about Enron or the Bermuda
Triangle? The point is that branding comes in many forms both
negative and positive. From marketing material such as a
brochure or business cards to your company website, branding in
today’s business world has become a staple item.
Word of mouth branding is those details that others say about you as
a business owner. Hopefully, you fall into the category of an
owner that receives referrals based on your positive attitude,
integrity for taking care of your customers and character when it
comes to handling business issues and competitors. If this
description doesn’t fit your current business model, negative word
of mouth branding may already be hazardous to your wealth.
People love to talk about good things but love even more to talk
about bad experiences. This is true human nature. As a
business owner, you need to constantly watch your attitude,
professional and personal image as well as your conversations
concerning other people, products and services. Otherwise, you
can rest assured that others are already branding you and your
business with negative press. What does this mean to you?
Ultimately, loss of business and community integrity.
Don’t be fooled. Just because you don’t hear it doesn’t mean
it’s not happening.
How do you stop the negative branding cycle? It starts with
you. Begin to take a serious inventory as a business owner
concerning your leadership, customer service and presentation
skills. See something you need to “redesign” or develop?
Search for a Business Coach that help you take a well rounded look
at your business and yourself and set you on a permanent course for
change.
