I am following up with yesterday’s post on customer reviews. I gave reasons to start asking for reviews but today I want to help you to think about getting reviews. This comes down to you providing the means for people to write a review. If people are 10 times more likely share a bad experience how much more do you need to fight for recommendation on good experiences? I think that our fears are people will then write a negative review. The truth is that they are going to do that any way so why not ask those that haven’t thought about. Here is how you can get those glowing reviews.

Start asking your repeat customers for a review. These are the easiest because they are already committed to your business. You have established rapport with them so leverage that relationship to get the ball running.
Next you should include links from your website to places where people can write a review. Instead of having your recommendations on the site you can use the business listing as a way to show the authenticity of your customers. This will also help people to include a comment about your company.

Then you should include something on promotional material for these sites. Put your website and how to write a review for the company. As you ask for feedback you can hand them your business card and it has a way to remind them of your request. Not everyone will do it but you reducing the barriers to getting yourself recommended. On the rest of your materials you can have a way for people to recognize your business for a job well done.

Finally, don’t sweat the disgruntled people. There are people out there who may not like you but if you are doing a great job then you have really nothing worry about. If you are concerned, simply gauge the level of satisfaction and then ask for that recommendation. I would lean toward attempting to get as much feedback as possible. For people who are not happy it might be your opportunity to shine all the more and resolve the situation. The result could be your greatest customer today.

Local business reviews really are a benefit to any company who utilizes them. The easier you make it for them the more you will get. So start asking and see where it takes you. Do you have ways in which you are using recommendations online? Has utilizing reviews been successful for you? Share your thoughts about gaining customer reviews.

Blogging to Establish a Reputation

The clearest and best way to start creating your reputation is through a blog.  Begin by simply writing about your expertise.  Defining who you are what you are about will help people know your expertise.  The best place to start is buy a domain name with your name in it (www.yourname.com).   For instance, a simple modification in my name, Derek Hanson, to Derek Live has allowed me to gain a results in my field.  Now it may seem difficult but you can buy domain hosting where they have a simple installation done by your hosting company for a blog even if you don’t have the technical skills to do it.  This is a quick way to get your reputation online quickly.

Networking to Manage Your Reputation

Another way to manage your reputation is through interacting in the field that you are in.  Joining groups, associations, and online forums will allow you to be visible to those in your industry.   It is said that most jobs people land because of the people they know.  So networking in forums, Linked In, and industry sites will allow visibility.  Even networking with people in your industry through LinkedIn may help you get a job.

Managing Your Expertise Through Consistency

Now that you are visible online stay consistent.  Blog and participate on a regular basis will help your reputation.  Follow through is essential.  Continual updates, comments, and participation will allow your website to  appear higher in search results.   It will also establish you r expertise and offer your employer the chance to view your profile online (i.e. Derek Hanson , Portland, Oregon).   If you want cut through the clutter of a job interview then start managing who you are today.

Conclusion to Your Online Reputation

Managing your online reputation is a great way to get noticed for a job.  You can do this by purchasing your name online and managing a blog about your particular industry.  Joining industry related organizations and groups will help establish your reputation as knowledgeable in the least and at best an expert.  Finally, be consistent and vigilant.  If not someone else may cut through the clutter and land that dream job or worse manage your name for you.