A bad reputation is something that no business, or business owner, wants to be dealing with but, it is not all that uncommon for bad press to come a company’s way from time to time, and the main thing is, when it happens, to fix bad business reputation with as much dignity and intelligence as you can.
Here are a few things that will help you fix bad business reputation:
1. Face the music and dance
If you have done something wrong, it is best to own up to it. Whether it was a minor misstep or a major muck-up, accountability goes a long way. Like admitting you ate the last donut, owning your mistakes makes you a lot more relatable and trustworthy. It’s not just about saying “my bad,” though. You need to show that you understand the gravity of the misstep and are taking concrete steps to address it. This isn’t just damage control—it’s sincere damage repair. If you haven’t, then you still need to put your side across as honestly as possible.
2. Put your side to the media
Got something to say? Say it. Clearing the air can be as therapeutic for a business as a spa day is for stressed-out humans. Prepare a statement or hold a press conference. Whatever the medium, ensure your message is clear, honest, and transparent. No business-speak or jargon—just straight talk. Think of it as the PR version of a heart-to-heart, possibly with fewer tears and more action points. Something people like Michael Kassan are finding out is that people will talk about business scandals no matter what the truth is, so it is always better to engage than it is to hide and keep your head in the sand.
3. Upgrade your customer service game
If your reputation’s taken a hit, stellar customer service can be your knight in shining armor. Be proactive. Reach out to disgruntled customers, offer solutions, and maybe throw in a peace offering (who says no to a freebie?). Make your customers feel heard, valued, and respected. Not only can this turn frowns upside down, but happy customers might just turn into vocal advocates for your brand.
4. Monitor what’s being said
Keep your friends close and your online mentions closer to fix bad business reputation. Use social media monitoring tools to keep tabs on what’s being said about your brand. This isn’t about obsessively scrolling through Twitter at 3 a.m.; it’s about staying informed and ready to jump into conversations or smooth over ruffles when necessary. Remember, in the digital age, silence is often interpreted as indifference.
5. Rebrand if necessary
If your brand’s reputation is looking more battered than a thrift store suitcase, it might be time for a facelift. Rebranding can breathe new life into your business and give you a chance to reintroduce yourself to the world. It’s like showing up at your high school reunion after a glow-up—you’re still you but with a little extra sparkle.
6. Focus on the positive
While addressing the negative, don’t forget to amplify the positive. Share stories of things you’re doing right, from community service to stellar employee achievements. Shine a light on the good parts of your business. It’s like putting a frame around your best features and saying, “Hey, look here, not there!”
A bad reputation is never good news, but it really does not have to be the end for you or your company if you do your best to fix bad business reputation right!
