Having a good reputation means everything for business owners. If your company is well-respected and seen as a trustworthy organization, then there’s more chance of new customers choosing you, and of your existing ones coming back for more.
As a result, managing your reputation should be high up on your list of priorities. Bearing that in mind, I thought I’d reveal some of the most significant ways your business rep can be severely damaged.
All businesses need a five-star reputation!
Carrying Out Dodgy Activities
An obvious way you can severely damage your reputation is by doing things that aren’t considered to be ‘right’ or ethical. An excellent example of this is Volkswagen and the lies they told about their emissions tests. It wasn’t ethical, it was very dodgy, and their reputation has suffered ever since. So, make sure your company does things by the book and doesn’t stray over to the wrong side. Likewise, make sure you don’t do anything illegal as well, or you will undoubtedly suffer from a damaged reputation.
Key Employees Have Criminal Records
Criminal records can really harm the reputation of your business, but only if people in critical positions have them. We’re talking about executives or even you. If you’ve got a criminal record, then you’ll always have a black cloud hanging over you and your business. Understandably, a criminal record doesn’t always define you as a bad person. You could have done something stupid when you were younger or had a momentary lapse of judgment. As such, I suggest trying to get your record expunged so it can’t be used against you. If this interests you, then you can learn more at Duffy Law about expungement. As well as ensuring you hire people that are squeaky clean, you also want to ensure that any employees don’t ruin your reputation by engaging in criminal activities while working for you. If they do, then you should let them go!
Not Caring About Customers
I would say the biggest way your business reputation can be severely damaged is if you don’t care about your customers. There are many companies out there that clearly don’t give a damn about the good people spending their money on their products/services. When this happens, it’s reflected in the many negative reviews of your company. Customers are vocal about their poor treatment, and your reputation takes a massive hit. Now, other consumers are looking at you from a distance because they don’t want to be involved at all. It becomes tough to gain new customers and make sales if you don’t care about your customers. Consequently, ensure you always put them first and deliver top-standard customer service.
It’s simple; a good reputation leads to an increased chance of many positive things happening. You could gain more new customers, make more sales, and grow a successful business. On the other hand, a bad reputation leads to an increased chance of many negative things happening. These three things can damage your rep, so be wary of them to make sure it doesn’t happen to your business.
