How to win business and influence people

‘Going that extra mile’ is a phrase frequently used by business owners and managers when describing what they’d like their employees to do to help their companies and brands grow and prosper. Add in determination, dedication, innovation and just a little bit of luck, and you nearly have a sure fire recipe for success.

But there is one important ingredient that’s missing – thought leadership. Because, those very same business owners and managers would be wise to practise what they preach, and go that extra mile themselves in terms of their communication campaigns.

PR can play a crucial role in building your company’s profile, and boosting business, but there’s much more to it than just product launches and press releases. A good agency will make sure that both you and they know your industry or business sector inside and out – including all the hot topics and thorny issues – and help to establish you as an authoritative voice that peers, and potential new clients, will listen to.

Becoming a ‘thought leader’ in your chosen subject or industry will bring many benefits to your business. It shows a commitment to improving standards, which will impress your target audience and inspire them to look to you for further pointers and advice. It also reflects well with clients, both new and established, who will feel reassured that their chosen supplier or business partner knows what they are talking about, and is a truly influential figure in their industry.

Whether we are talking about the living wage, health and safety issues, or sustainability, there are many opportunities to comment. Offering opinions on the topics that really matter to the cleaning sector will give your PR campaigns an added edge so don’t be afraid to stand up, be counted and get involved!

Published in Tomorrow’s Cleaning – June 2013