What's it all about?

We have to move from recognition to reputation. Everyone has heard of Coca-Cola, but not everyone wants to drink it! In the future companies will be more afraid of losing their reputation than the arm of the law because it costs more. We have seen that in recent years in the financial and corporate sectors around the world. John C. Bogle said in his book ‘Enough’ “The lure of money has overwhelmed the prestige of reputation.”

That ‘prestige’ he talks about will infiltrate every business. We are going to have to learn very quickly how to manage our offline and online presence simultaneously. Creating and maintaining a reputation isn’t an option anymore no matter what size company we are. Just look at how the media is damaging its reputation by being inaccurate and sensationalist in a bid to sell more. If you have popularity and great reputation, you build  and convey influence.

Whilst we need to manage reputation, it is not something manufactured. It must come from our authenticity and value system. Those businesses with authentic character can really shape their credibility and exploit their amazing reputation. There will be a shift from recruiting marketing managers to reputation managers who have a tight grip on what’s happening online and how it all works. All companies have flaws. Toyota, in the long run will not be judged on the problems they have had, but on how they manage the aftermath. 

It’s nothing to be afraid of, in fact, it’s very exciting. It means that we can communicate our strengths far better. Small companies will employ the same tactics as the corporatist. 

Reputation though is very much about being human focused and this seminar considers the tactics we can use to manage and lead our offline and online reputations simultaneously.

Who should attend?

Managers and leaders who are experiencing one of the following:

• Just embarked on an online strategy 
• Have embraced an online strategy but want to know how to manage it successfully
• Those companies who need to raise their profile and reach across market sectors
• If you feel you need to co ordinate offline and online reputation more effectively

Who's Ann Holman? (If you don't know already!)

Ann is renowned for her energetic and inspirational approach. She has built a reputation for not only designing seminars that have a lasting impression but also delivering in an engaging and humorous manner. Her main focus is thought provoking ideas for the future of business and work.

Her seminars strip away the hype, get rid of buzzwords and deliver practical, action orientated ideas for small businesses. She offers some new ideas and inspires you to think differently about the way you do business. It’s about sound advice, better decision making and leading edge thinking. Ann has a Masters from Durham University, lectures for several Universities and is on the Advisory Council for the Harvard Business Review.

Date & Time

27th May 2010 - 6pm to 8pm. The Innovation Centre, University of Exeter. Don't worry we'll offer some refreshments and lollipops (don't ask.) Plus the chance to meet other like minded people. This is an intriguing look at a re focusing your marketing activity.