I Have a Reputation...

I have a reputation around here ... for my intense interest in reputation management.

Although I may not be pitching reporters all day long, I am still working tirelessly to create positive proof points for my clients to help protect and solidify their public personas and brands. And although I can conduct traditional media relations on behalf of my clients with the best of them, I have found great interest in many other key elements of a PR campaign that sometimes, can prove more important and impactful long-term than media hits.

One of the most effective ways of achieving respect in one's industry and the business community is through earning awards. Gaining a credible third party endorsement of a product, service or company can help increase sales, enhance reputation, offer reassurance to customers and generate growth. An award win can also serve as an incredible morale boost for company employees, especially in times of economic downturn or when the company has gone through challenges.

Looking for the best and most relevant awards requires significant time and research, but when one is selected as a winner for the prestigious honor, it’s priceless. (Just ask some of my clients, who have recently raked in several impressive awards and recognitions!)

For the second consecutive year, Power Home Remodeling Group was named the Top Midsized Company in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s “Top Workplaces 2011” list. Power’s Chief Executive Officer Jeff Kaliner was also recognized as a “Top Leader.” Two years in a row? That’s “Power-ful” stuff! In addition, Power’s Chief Strategy Officer, Asher Raphael, was recently selected as one of the “40 Under 40” by the Philadelphia Business Journal. (And I can't wait to attend the awards gala on May 24 to help the Power team celebrate this superb recognition of Asher's strategic leadership and contributions to Power's amazing growth over the last year!) 

Steve Elefant, Chief Information Officer at Heartland Payment Systems, was named a “2011 Premier 100 IT Leader” by Computerworld Magazine last month. The Premier 100 spotlights 100 leaders from both the technology and business sides of companies for their technology leadership, innovative ideas and effectively managed IT strategies.

A lot of marketing mileage can be gained from these award wins -- if merchandised fully! The achievement should appear on the company’s website, sales collateral, recruitment material, press releases and be leveraged as a real marketing asset -- both internally and externally.

And while clients are always happy when I secure them media coverage, they attach special value to award and recognition opportunities that position their people and their organization as industry thought leaders and influencers.

And I must admit, receiving the call that my client has been selected is like my own personal Oscar moment. (Please excuse me while I go pop open some champagne)!