How to Respond to Positive/Negative Mentions of your Brand

Publicity ISN'T always good publicity, and in an age where information, good or bad, spreads like wildfire, it's important to know how to respond to publicity on the internet to avoid nasty exposure and capitalise on positive comments. In order for you to build a Google CV that will see your name / brand name off to a good start it is essential that you respond to and manage all negative and positive comments on the web.

As bloggers aren't necessarily professional journalists, you may find yourself defending your brand against false allegations, or being praised outright.
Here are some pointers on how to respond to positive and negative mentions of your brand:

DO
• Use the opportunity to spark up conversation, increase your online presence and convince any negative blogger/commenter to see your side of the argument. • Set the record straight with the truth if the publicity is incorrect.
• Be responsive and don't let any press pass you by (a bit of online reputation management will ensure that this doesn't happen).
• Use the opportunity to receive honest feedback. Enquire about the details for the positive or negativity and you'll be one step closer to perfecting your product or service.
• Drown it out. Sometimes it's impossible to change opinions or have negative comments removed - and if this bad press appears at the top of your Google CV, then it's imperative that you do something about it as soon as possible. Create content that will overshadow the negative press, and hopefully push it down the ranks to a less noticeable position.
• Distinguish yourself from others with the same name who are receiving bad publicity.
• If all else fails when taking care of negative publicity, compile a formal press release featuring the correct information and syndicate online (but be sure not to draw unintentional attention to the bad press).
• Publicise positive mentions of your brand via social bookmarking to increase your web presence.

DON'T

• Don't pretend to be someone else and try to change opinions or praise your own brand. Not only is this morally questionable, but it is easily spotted, and can end in disaster.
• Don't try and censor a blogger. Bloggers really don't like this, and this could end up in an all-out war.
• Don't discuss your competitors. If it's not their argument, leave them out or you may see an extremely nasty situation unfold.
• Stand up for yourself, but never lose your cool and/or retaliate… Never.
• Legal counsel may come in handy, but only as a last resort - never use legal back up as a threat.

The bottom line: The internet is a medium that facilitates communications, connections and opinions. Use it to the best of your ability and you will see a sparkling set of results when a search is conducted for your name. But be patient - as these listings are organic and not paid for it will take time.

Readmore... »»

Joint Venture - websites and small local businesses

If you've done any kind of research about starting a business or helping your new business to grow, you've probably run across the term "joint venture" or "JV." A joint venture is a means of partnering with someone else for specific business reasons, such as to build upon each other's strengths or to enter into a new market. When two entities enter into a joint venture agreement, they create a whole new entity.

The term joint venture does not in fact refer to this new entity but to the reason for the partnership. Also, there are no legal limits on who can enter into a JV - anyone can, including individuals, corporations, websites and small local businesses.

The most common type of joint venture is between two large companies. They enter into them most often to break into a new or specific market. There are countries that demand any foreign interest entering their economy first enter into a JV with a native company. Still, even if it's not a prerequisite, foreign companies can greatly benefit from having an interested party located in-country. The local office can keep a better eye on the social, economic and political situations there.

Even when a JV isn't a requirement, they can give a company a great advantage - as long as they are carefully considered. Small companies often enter into joint ventures in order to take advantage of skills, management styles and even the customer bases of larger, better established companies.

Let's take an example: You run a computer sales store but don't offer computer repair services. Your customers continue to ask about these services, and you repeatedly turn them away, recommending the guy who owns the little repair shop down the street. You realize that you could both benefit by creating a business partnership and he agrees to your joint venture idea. You both benefit. You no longer turn customers away, and he gets all the business plus a cut of the profits.

Joint ventures can be a wonderful tool for business, but they can be a disaster as well if they aren't properly planned out. Successful JVs usually comprise two companies with a combination of five characteristics: 1) Persistence; 2) Creativity; 3) Negotiation Skills; 4) Client Relationship Skills and 5) Visualization Skills.

Creativity is one of the most important of these characteristics. You must be able to think outside the box to see many different ways your business could benefit from a joint venture - and all the different joint ventures your business could fit into. For more detail visit www.joint-venture-guide.com there are possibilities for just about anyone who's interested - provided that you know where and how to look for them. It's also important to be creative when explaining your plan to a potential partner - you don't want them falling asleep on you.

Persistence is particularly important when you first approach your potential partners. Small businesses have a lot going on, for more detail visit www.joint-ventures-secret.com and the owners can forget you if you're not careful. You might also have to explain what a joint venture is if they don't already know.

You need to expect a lot of negotiation with your partner while you're laying out your business plan and detailed agreement documents. You want to protect your interests, and of course your partner wants exactly the same thing. Sometimes you will disagree, and you must be willing to show determination and not give in to undesirable conditions. You must be prepared for some serious discussion.

www.jointwebventures.com

Readmore... »»