Latest research by The Nielsen Company this month points to 82% year-on-year growth of global time spent on social media sites. This has clear implications for companies looking to build and protect their reputation in the online space and for those who either mismanage or underestimate the power of 'member communities'. Examples of corporate misdemeanours in this area were alluded to in my previous post: Online Reputation: Tips to Navigate Disaster.

However, it is not unreasonable to expect that many companies do not have the expertise to effectively manage their own reputations - and that they have genuine needs for wise counsel in this area. It can be a minefield finding the right expertise, however, in a PR industry that is largely self-regulating.

At a regular monthly networking meeting with the intelligent and fun folk at the Executives Association of Great Britain, I had the great coincidence - and pleasure I might add -  to be seated next to Nick Peters. As it turned out, a fellow, no-nonsense Yorkshireman (should I state, more specifically, of the East Riding). Following a colourful journalistic and broadcasting career in the UK and US, Nick recently launched and now edits and publishes Business First magazine. I have already tweeted on how content-rich and refreshingly informative his title is.....

......and that before he published my feature on pages 26-27 of this month's issue. A feature delving right into the pitfalls of dealing with the PR industry. Take a look. I'm risking contention I know with my industry peers. But it's not all bad news! Companies do have a practical guide here how to ensure they work with the best and safeguard their public integrity.


Thanks to Nick Peters, Editor-inChief/Publisher, Business First Magazine for granting link-to permission www.businessfirstmagazine.co.uk

Labels: AC Nielsen, business, Business First Magazine, EAGB, PR. reputation