Protecting Your Online Reputation

Rapidly developing tech trends have made it increasingly more important for business owners to maintain a presence online. From engaging with customers on Facebook to rewarding your most loyal patrons with specials on Foursquare; your online reputation can often make or break your business. Engaging with customers online requires the same calculated planning execution as every other part of managing your business. Corporations often hire communications firms often look at case studies and develop strategies for crisis management, but it can be somewhat expensive and is often not an option for small business. 

 Here are some tips for managing the online presence for your small business:

1. Planning- It is very important to have very clear goals for engagement with your customers.  Look over your mission statement and make sure all media messages fall in line with it. Remember to always have the customer in mind when present on any social media outlet!
2. Use listening tools- Most major social media outlets have made it very easy to monitor what your customers are saying online. This is a critical part of protecting your online reputation because it gives you the opportunity to address comments and concerns before they are no longer relevant. It can also helps you identify the most valuable parts of your brand for each potential customer. If you are opening a bakery in a new neighborhood, it might be beneficial to know that the local food blogger is gluten-free before you send her a dozen of your new triple chocolate cupcakes.
3. Engage with all feedback (even the negative stuff)- taking control of your online reputation means highlighting the positive comments and reviews, and taking responsibility for every negative experience a customer may have with your business. This can be a daunting task, but there are ways to make resolving these kinds of issues without it being a major blow to your reputation. Working ahead of time to have a few prepared responses can be a tremendous help to engaging with customers in a timely manner.

What suggestions do you have to protect your small business online?

Body Language in Business

Proper nonverbal communication is just as important as verbal etiquette when it comes to business. Your body language determines how people perceive you, and learning to fine tune these skills communicate confidence and honestly. Your nonverbal communication can determine how well you develop relationships and have an influence on your success. Here are the three body language traits that you should be aware of:

Posture- The way you stand has a direct affect on how your feel. Standing tall with your neck elongated and shoulders back helps to make you feel more confident.This stance also gives an outward appearance of strength and poise and can help set you apart from fellow employees. 

Eye Contact- Avoiding eye contact sends a message of presence and authority and in some cultures it can be perceived as disrespectful. Remember to keep your gaze when making presentations or speaking with your peers, as lack of confidence can communicate deception and looking down might suggest insecurity. During presentations, it might be easier to imagine the room in thirds. Devote an equal amount of time to each part and make eye contact with at least one person on each side.

Hand movements- Fidgeting with your hands or cell phone often communicates vulnerability. Keeping hands still and only making small gestures (when appropriate) sends a message of authority to your peers. It is important to keep these gestures below your shoulders.

What body language practices help you feel the most confident? Comment below!

Balancing Act: Three Ways to Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance

A recent study released by Ranstand.com showed that employees in the United States are having a really difficult time maintaining their work-life balance. This research revealed that 42% of employees feel like they are required to check with work while on vacation and about a fourth feel guilty about taking vacation in the first place. 

Unfortunately, The guilt that employees feel isn't restricted to vacation. The report also highlights the 45% of workers that feel obligated to respond to emails at home and that 47% still try to work when out sick. Technology has made it significantly easier to be available 24/7 and harder to leave your work in the office. Establishing these habits can take a serious toll on your work ethic, health, and relationships. Check out these ideas for maintaining a healthy work-life balance:

Schedule your downtime
Make it a point to schedule time to spend with your family and friends and to relax during your week. This gives your something to help you manage your time and give you something to look forward to. Try blocking off time to be "hands-off" with your loved ones or time on the golf course with a friend until it becomes a habit.

Pay attention to your health
Don't ignore your health! Make it a habit to be mindful of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition are essential to productivity and it can get very easy to slack off in these areas as you assume more responsibility in your career. Scheduling fun workout classes and preparing healthier meals ahead of time are some ways to actively

Say no!
Sometimes maintaining your work-life balance means saying no. While this seems easier said than done it is important to be able to clearly communicate your boundaries. If you are already have too much on your plate taking on another task can only decrease productivity. Don't feel the need to say yes even if you happen to have the time you should still evaluate if this task fits within your priorities.

How have you worked towards achieving a work-life balance? Comment below!