How to Build a Good Reputation in the Community

Get your business off on the right foot by being a good corporate citizen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

1. Be responsive to local media requests. Remember, journalists have a job to do. The easier you make it for them, the more favorably they'll view you and be willing to understand your perspective.
2. Be honest. Nothing creates distrust like lying, even if it's over something you consider no one else's business. You're better off refusing to comment than lying outright.
3. Cultivate allies. By developing good relations with prominent members of the community, you are more likely to be seen as part of the community.
4. Respond tactfully to critics. Although you may never see eye to eye with some of them, people appreciate being heard.
5. Support local causes. It doesn't cost much to support a local Little League team or to donate computers and books to local schools, and it generates lots of goodwill.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider setting up a scholarship fund for local students and encouraging students to study areas that are of value to your company. This creates both goodwill and potential employees.
• Make sure you respect local customs no matter how annoying they may seem to you. If operating overseas, make sure your managers are trained ahead of time to deal the differences in culture. If at all possible, see that they are fluent in the language of the country.