In Business? Be the Middle Man

To a large degree, professional success has always been driven by the positive regard of others, wether by customers or partners in the profession. They make acquaintance with your business or product, then give, shape and maintain your reputation. For better or for worse, the reflection of your work is shown by their opinion.

That said, I’ve heard much talk on every market becoming much more review-driven in years ahead. You may say it is already that way, which is true, but, our ever-expanding inclusion and dependance on social-everything is predicted to evolve leaps and bounds, primarily in terms of review. With so many platforms of communication on the web, and those to come, we are stepping in as the permanent critics. We will grade, rate, and value whatever we please, and it will all be read by whoever so chooses.

Before we’d sought word-of-mouth reviews by friends and colleagues – people we would physically see through our days. Now, the whole consumer world gives feedback on hundreds of outlets, many in 140 characters or less. As this trending way of life grows, no effort will ever be involved to get the scoop on what works and what doesn’t. The iPad is the perfect example. The web was already flooded with pros, cons and parodies of the product, before it was even available to buy! Sure, anything Apple is going to get goliath attention, but that’s the future, folks. Opinion Opinion, Everywhere.

With things going in this direction, product producers and companies need to be along for the sharing – essentially, they need to place themselves as the middle man. Fortunately, the key to managing your public life is relatively simple. First, you need to show up authentically; just be yourself.  Second, you need to take a genuine interest in others. After all, that’s what drives conversation! While the formula is simple, it helps to find and integrate the good advice, and OPINION of others. While the opinions flow, it’s important to be in on the conversation about your services or product. Feedback is key; it will be there for all of us either way, but it’s increasingly important to be in the midst of it all.