A positive corporate reputation increases access to new clients, desirable employees, greater funding resources and favorable professional references. Safeguarding the reputation of your business involves offering value to customers, responding quickly to their inquiries, behaving ethically, staying innovative and using the latest technologies. Here are some specific strategies for protecting your corporate reputation.

1. Provide useful products and services.

Customers typically look to get the best and most for their available funds. Establish a solid reputation by providing high-quality products at the best prices possible.
Conduct a needs assessment. Before designing a product or developing a service, determine the needs of your target audience. In-person interviews, online surveys and customer feedback forms are a few ways to ask detailed questions and gain insights into clients’ needs.

2. Follow up after delivering a service or product.

Ask customers if you are meeting their needs. Send a follow-up email or call to ask if they are satisfied with your products. Inquire about a wish list or feedback to help you improve your business offerings.

3. Respond quickly to complaints and inquiries.

Unhappy customers tend to vent to others. Their friends, family, colleagues, neighbors and strangers on message boards might hear your corporate name in a negative light if an unfair situation has gone unresolved. Minimize this possibility by having conscientious customer service personnel ready to assist customers.

4. Behave ethically.

Act quickly to remove dangerous and/or offensive products from the market. Things sometimes slip through the cracks, or the bad judgment of a single manager can lead to a sullied reputation. Limit the impact of these mishaps by acknowledging that a mistake has been made, and commit to remedying the issue.

5. Create a fulfilling environment for employees.

Disgruntled employees often talk to others about their job dissatisfaction. Gain a reputation as a corporation that values employees and cares about their professional development and well-being.
Acknowledge praiseworthy performance. Implement bonuses, employee awards, time off or other programs that help workers feel valued and appreciated.

6. Communicate with the public.

Use company websites, blogs and social networking sites to speak directly to the public about new products and services.
Demonstrate enthusiasm, respect and concern in all communications. Whether you are communicating with a customer on an online message board, posting an announcement about a new business partnership on a social networking site or addressing your concern for the environment, keep communications honest, positive and productive.