Kate Betts Blog

What do you think of Lord Sugar? Haringey Children’s Services? The Pope? Your local fire service?

Have you ever come into direct contact with them? Possibly, but possibly not. And yet you have probably got an opinion about them. And much of that will be based on what you read, hear and see in the media.

And it isn’t just ordinary folk who are influenced by media coverage, decision-makers also read, hear and see the media.

So whether you are part of an organisation trying to build a better relationship with the public, a business trying to get more customers or a firm trying to win a contract – your reputation goes before you.

Seeing public relations as an add-on or an unnecessary waste of money is dangerous. If you business is relatively unknown – you are cutting off a valuable and credible way of raising your profile. If it is well-known – you are allowing others to control your reputation.

Arguably profile and reputation are as important as your product or service. It may be all I know about you. And some people would say: perception is reality.