For Steven C. Wyer, it is a comment far too common: The Internet overwhelms me. Wyer says that for many professionals concerned with their online reputation, the question is not if they monitor what is said about them online, but what they should monitor. Reputation Advocate’s Steven C. Wyer offers a simple formula – Three Terms To Track:
According to Steven C. Wyer, an important exercise in online monitoring is to explore the search results for your key competitors. Steven C. Wyer points out that there can be a plethora of information available to a company that can offer insight into a competitor’s weaknesses, clients and key personnel moves. This research may also point out that your company is behind the curve or that a competitor has gotten the jump on you.
Steven C. Wyer has seen this approach provide critical information to his Reputation Advocate clients within minutes of a competitor’s press release being syndicated. Just because your business isn’t a global powerhouse, says Steven C. Wyer, does not mean that you can’t benefit from the same strategies used by major corporations. The final benefit to this approach to research is that you will hear your customers. Steven C. Wyer explains that it will empower a company to “actively listen” to complaints and modify a marketing message.
Steven C. Wyer also suggests that when companies keep a listening ear on industry trends, management can spot opportunities and potential disasters. Steven C. Wyer urges clients to research and search for content about their specific industry. By exploring industry news, blogs, RSS feeds and commentary perspectives Steven C. Wyer points out that companies can learn what consumers are looking for, what has not been received well and what industry executives see as future trends within an industry segment. Consumer electronics and new pharmaceutical developments come to mind as examples, adds Steven C. Wyer. While it is easy to find information on what is doing well, Steven C. Wyer says that the most valuable information may come from knowing what is not working.
Steven C. Wyer is the Managing Director for Reputation Advocate. The firm specializes in online reputation monitoring and management, online crisis management and consults with both professionals and corporations throughout North America.
