Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Wilkinson
Hi Shannon, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am the founder and CEO of Reputation Communications. We specialize in providing online reputation management services to high-end business leaders, CEOs and C-Suite executives, high profile and high net worth individuals, fast-track entrepreneurs and other rising stars, and VIPs.
We publish extensive free resources at You(Online): The Magazine, to provide the greater public with access to expert and trusted information about all aspects of crisis and online reputation management, personal branding, social media usage, and other topics related to this field. It is utilized by visitors from all over the world.
We also publish an e-guide, Reputation Reboot, based on our experiences in helping clients attain their goals.
I started this company in 2009, after working as an independent Public Relations consultant for many years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I did not have a plan for launching this company. Prospects sought me out and were referred by clients of my first practice, which had developed a reputation of establishing credible, high-ranking content on Google before that was a thing. My first engagements for online reputation management services came in before I had a business card or a name for the endeavor.
My biggest challenge was walking away from my first business, which I had spent years building. My coach told me it was standing in my way of more success, so I took the leap. Before long, the revenues of Reputation Communications exceeded what took years to build in my first PR practice. But I did it, and it paid off. Mine was one of the first companies to provide online reputation management services during the start of that new industry.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Reputation Communications?
Reputation Communications was established in 2009 initially to provide reputation management services to high net worth families, law firms, investigative agencies and multinational financial companies.
Today we are known as a trusted, nonpartisan online reputation management resource for CEOs, business leaders, entrepreneurs, rising stars, VIPs and their organizations. We have served luxury brands, news-making public figures, philanthropists, Forbes 400 and Forbes 500 clients, entertainment industry icons, FinTech leaders, tech founders, venture capitalists and others.
Reputation Communications offers a combination of proactive and reactive strategies for protecting clients’ online image and building their brands. Through our Consults, we illuminate how to face a crisis or other reputation challenge. With our Reboot services, we rebuild a damaged reputation. Our Thrive program scales up their presence.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Service businesses are ideal opportunities for entrepreneurs, because they often do not require substantial overhead. Marketing is crucial, though. Do not wait for your brand identity and message to be perfect before you start marketing your services. Identify them clearly, know who your audience is, and start networking with business cards, flyers, eNewsletters and publishing thought-leadership about your expertise.
Often the first opportunities will come from colleagues, friends and others in your network, and referrals will come from delivering excellent product to those first clients.
Never stop marketing! In the past, when I have been distracted by taking entrepreneurial courses, or other things, I have seen revenue drop because I took my fingers off the marketing machine. It is OK to keep it simple when you launch. You can continue refining, improving and testing new marketing platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reputation-communications.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reputation-communications-online-reputation-management/?
Image Credits
Kelli McCann