- Appco Group Services
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- Reputation Management Online Through Right Response!
- Kingfisher Airlines gullibility banking on SBI
- Pfizer pill recall – botched up reputation in wrong pack
- Twitter to lose its reputation as a free speech platform?
- IIPM worried about Google Suggest, why is it so?
- Reputation Management Tip for 2012: Brands need to tap into social media search!
- Facebook Timeline and Reputation Management
- Apple Siri gender bias or glitch?
Archive for September 2010
Commonwealth Game 2010 – Child Labour’s New Nightmare
September 23, 2010 | 
Author 
Indian Government Respond to News from the Commonwealth Games
There are certain allegations and activities that lie at the heart of an organisation’s reputation. Manufacturers instituting processes to guard against low cost labour sourcing becoming cheap labour or child labour is a critical component of reputation management. Remember the impact the news that Nike sourced its footballs from factories employing child labour. The same applies for nations and especially those nations with a previous notoriety for child labour.
If there was one thing that India wanted to avoid being implicated in during the preparation for the games, it was the use of child labour. Let’s be clear: child labour is illegal and is condoned by nobody. Indians who are already deeply shamed by the fiasco of the Commonwealth Games are now even more profoundly shocked by what they are discovering about labour policies. Even worse is that this should be taking place in Delhi in the centre of India.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that there has been a major failure in understanding the relationship between the games and national reputation management. It seems that the politicians misunderstood what these games represent. For them they were a facade, an event in their own right whose value was the event and nothing more. In fact these major events are exemplars of a country’s capability displayed to the world. A chance to change paradigm thinking. In India’s case an opportunity to show that the old impoverished India has been replaced by a new, ambitious and efficient India. In this event, it is the old India that is on display and every last facet is still to be seen.
Internally this may represent a pivotal moment if young India can seize it: a chance to rid themselves of the corrupted incompetence of Chandrasekhar and Dikshit who seem blindly insouciant about the reputation armageddon that they are in. The new India and the old are beginning to diverge as each shares a very different ambition for the country. The interesting question is what will happen now. Indian citizens are awaiting the response from the still silent Prime Minister.
Commonwealth Games 2010 countdown to save reputation down to 48 hours!
The Commonwealth Games 2010 that was in the midst of controversies right from the beginning have now been given 48 hours to save itself! With the team officials from different countries saying that they will be pulling out their athletes, in case issues are not addressed satisfactorily, the government is left with hardly any time to set things straight. Indian officials are feeling the heat more than ever before with CWF chief executive Mike Hooper saying there has been enough of the blame game and calling upon Indian officials to work together in order to avoid international embarrassment and save their reputation.
Being aware of the fact that it will be way too bad for the Games and the Commonwealth Movement in the future, as well as for India, if the games are called off at this moment, Indian officials at the helm of affairs are now doing all that they can to keep the games afloat. There are lots of pictures emerging about the current situation and it is only the Indian Government that has an answer to the current state of affairs.
What can be called to mind is that the Commonwealth Games are being hosted in the same city and country which has created records in completing the Delhi metro project (an intricate project that was planned and accomplished meticulously) and the golden quadrilateral (a highway network connecting the major cities of India). And so the question now is will they be able to repeat success this time as well, especially when the project in question is not one of national importance but one that is (being analysed, criticised and scrutinised) at the global level.
With a few top-notch leaders like Sheila Dikshit, Delhi Chief Minister vouching for the games and who was heard quoting “Something may be dripping, some tile may collapse, doesn’t mean the entire Games are bad,”; the support of other politicians at the helm of affairs who still believe they can make the game happen and with the prayers and well-wishes of a large number of Indians (though not all), many feel that there is still a slight hope for things to get better!
Will India make use of the golden opportunity to make a statement to the rest of the world as it originally intended to or will they goof it up…you will have to wait and see!
Posted in National Reputation | 
Tags: Commonwealth Games, CWG, India, India's reputation, Reputation Management | 
1 Comment »
Paris Hilton’s Swansong?
Lindsay Lohan’s career is nose-diving, no pun intended on nose in the light of her well-documented enjoyment of the white stuff. Erstwhile friend Paris Hilton is not far behind as Japan has banned her from entering the country following a drug violation in Las Vegas to follow her earlier bust in Cape Town during the world cup. What’s a celebrity to do with her won reputation in these cases.
Paris Hilton is an interesting species of celebrity. Unlike Lohan she was not a child prodigy actor. She has always been a puzzling character without discernable talent or taste. She talks somewhat like a retard and seems to swan around the world without reason. Yet she is famous and certainly adored by “fans” though the number of them has never been counted.
Of course Paris Hilton is primarily a celebrity for being a celebrity. She is a mirror reflecting a mirror and so any tittle-tattle is good for their career. The question reputation managers will be asking is whether they have reached the point where they think that all PR is good PR and are “numbed” to any longer term consequences. Paris Hilton described her arrest in Las Vegas as being “beyond her control” as though her lifestyle choices are no longer determined by herself.
Apart from the personal inconveniences they face: not getting health insurance, not being able to enter countries, they face professional issues such being uninsurable for projects such as film productions. In branding terms they face the most worrying hit. They are increasingly disassociated from quality product. As their fans mature they will likely grow increasingly disgusted by their criminal behaviour.
Commonwealth Games 2010. India’s Reputation Fiasco
Posted in National Reputation, politicians | Tags: Commonwealth Games, Corruption, Delhi, India, reputation | No Comments »
Arrested Lindsay Lohan tried to Tweet her way out of twouble
Well here’s a turn-up for the books…
Lindsay Lohan, out on probation after being found guilty of substance abuse, has had an arrest warrant issued in her name after failing her latest drugs tests. She now faces strict punishment by Judge Elden Fox for breach of the terms of her probation after he showed leniency in allowing the star some freedom to go about her business, including a host of current screen work.
What’s being talked about most at the moment though is not the fact that she failed another drugs test (like, who couldn’t see that one coming?), but infact the activity on her Twitter page.
Ms Lohan Tweeted:
“Regrettably, I did in fact fail my most recent drug test and if I am asked, I am prepared to appear before judge Fox next week as a result.”
“Substance abuse is a disease, which unfortunately doesn’t go away over night. I am working hard to overcome it and am taking positive steps forward every day. I am testing every single day and doing what I must do to prevent any mishaps in the future.”
The nature of her recent posts has got people questioning whether it’s actually her that’s posting. Her friends have been making comments like “this doesn’t sound like Lindsay”. And indeed, this is a sentiment that seems to be echoed by many people commenting on these Tweets.
It all begs the question… in a time whereby her public image has been shot to high heavens, was it Lindsay making those posts? They were clearly designed to show humility and carry favour with the judge, so was it Ms Lohan that made that call? Did she get advice from a lawyer? Did this Hollywood celebrity make use of a Reputation Management company to try and handle damage control? Was it for the sake of her latest film Machete?
Whatever the hope was for these posts, they seem to have missed the mark. Lindsay now faces jail time and for her stumbles on her path to recovery she has lost the respect of a lot of those keen to see her repent and reach sobriety.
At least we didn’t lose Paris Hilton too…
Appco Group U.S. Move Into 30 West 21st Street
Beck Street Capital, a private real estate investment firm, today announced that Appco Group U.S., Inc., one of the world’s largest sales and marketing companies, has signed a lease for the sixth floor of 30 West 21st Street in New York City.
“30 West 21st Street is a great location for a fast-growing, entrepreneurial organization with global presence like Appco Group U.S.,” said Kevin Comer, Senior Managing Director of Beck Street Capital. “30 West 21st Street offers one of a kind luxury amenities including one of New York City’s only private, landscaped gardens, concierge service, a modern, renovated lobby and a location at the crossroads of Flatiron, Chelsea, Gramercy and Union Square.”
“30 West 21st Street is a wonderful space for our first U.S. office and headquarters,” said Kerry Johnstone, Chief Operating Officer of Appco Group U.S. “We are looking forward to building roots in the U.S. and this is the perfect platform for our expansion.”
30 West 21st Street, acquired by Beck Street Capital in May 2007, is a 12-story luxury commercial building located between 5th and 6th Avenues. For more about 30 West 21st Street, visit www.30west21st.com.
Nora Stats and Daniel Creighton of Tarter Stats O’Toole handled the transaction for Beck Street Capital and Thomas Jacobs of Rice and Associates represented Appco Group U.S. Stats commented, “The location and the prestige of the building fit the needs of Appco Group as it looked to expand its international operations into the United States and establish an immediate presence in New York City.”
Appco Group U.S., Inc. is part of Appco Group, a member of the Cobra Group of Companies, a young, diversified group of companies with interests in sales and marketing, insurance, energy, financial services, high-tech security, field marketing & promotions, business process outsourcing, mid-range super yachts and motorsport. Appco Group is one of the world’s largest and most successful sales and marketing companies with presence across five continents in over 20 countries.
Sarkozy’s reputation ratings drop as Gypsy crackdown begins
The French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s crack down on hundreds of Gypsies has invited the wrath of many, with the Romanian Gypsy leader even comparing French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Romania’s pro-Nazi wartime leader. The expulsions have been criticized by many including the Roman Catholic Church and the United Nations that has resulted in a sharp plunge in the French President’s reputation. Even some members of Sarkozy’s government and political party have expressed grave concerns about the eviction policies. The eviction of Gypsies has come at a time when a series of financial scandals has hit his government and ruling party and Sarkozy is struggling to safeguard his reputation in the opinion polls.
France has sent back about 1,000 Gypsies to Romania and Bulgaria in recent weeks as part of its crime fighting measures as Sarkozy has linked Gypsies, commonly called as Roma to crime,exploitation of children and prostitution. There are over 10 million and 12 million Gypsies in the EU, most of them unemployed and living in poverty. Around 1.5 million of Gypsies live in Romania, which has the largest population of Gypsies in Europe.
Being members of the European Union,both France and Romania are bound by its rules whcih enable its citizens to travel freely within the union. However the governments can send citizens of other EU countries home if they can’t find work or support themselves. Undaunted by the Gypsy eviction issue, Sarkozy is pressing ahead with his plans to strip French nationality from certain categories of foreign-born criminals. Though many feel that it is part of unconstitutional populist measures, Sarkozy is moving ahead with these plans, which might get him a few more votes from a section of voters, who are in favor of these measures. Sarkozy perhaps need to do something to clear off the financial mess, his party is in before setting out on the eviction of these homeless Gypsies,which could well only be a publicity stunt to gain his lost ground.
Posted in Celebrity Reputation, National Reputation, Reputation Management | Tags: Gypsy eviction, opinion polls, Roma, sarkozy reputation | 3 Comments »
Obama’s d(H)ate with Outsourcing and his Dipping Popularity
President Obama took to the stumps this week stepping up his campaign against outsourcing. The President on Friday emphasized his administration will offer tax benefits only to firms that create jobs in the country. It’s time for a bit of honesty, since the beginning of his presidential term, Obama’s personal popularity has surpassed that of his policies, which was obviously on shaky ground. Throughout history, American Presidents have been elected mostly upon popularity, not because of leadership skills.
He seemed to be flat-tempered, candid and intense. He came across as thoughtful and open to debate. People who weren’t crazy about his policies normally liked and respected the man. Yet his rhetoric remained unclear. There was speculation over his personality proving more popular than his policies.
President Obama’s reputation seems to be taking a dip after his much criticised health care plan and now follows the outsourcing. As said above, will his policy bring down this popularity if only he and his bunch of Economist knew where they are heading to? Economics is quite simple; do not spend more than what you earn. It’s about turning wealth from raw materials and every country in the world does this to run their economy. Some countries did that with IT and some with their manufacturing ability.
Barack Obama has to clear his stand since it all sounds staunch protectionist rhetoric. Just how practical it is since the Americans have lost every single manufacturing work to the Chinese and now that has happened they want to pin-down the outsourcing services also.
The President needs to realize that current economic system is blown up, the whole currency (USD) thing is just about matter of days taking into account that money moves around in cyberspace. So things have changed and it will be stupid to even think that US Dollar is the final thing that would buy you a pizza no matter where ever you are in the world.
Obama need not sound like a sarcastic professor but be honest and come up with careful measures how he plans to bring the economy back to track. Talking of the inevitable the President sounds duplicitous and polished and appeared rushed and extreme. The President has to inject this faith in his citizens before they start thinking that the US had its good times over and done with.
Do the Right Thing – WordPress Trademarks
The decision by Automattic, the for profit company behind WordPress.com to donate the actual trademark to the not for profit WordPress.org is garnering a lot of praise because this is not a bit of charity but the gift of a major asset to a not for profit.
Companies frequently donate to charities/not for profits, but rarely do they give anything valuable. What is notable about this is that strategically it is about enhancing the company as “one of us” rather than a faceless tech company that is always using IP law to stifle competition. The WordPress constituency is very internet literate and are major thought leaders. Automattic has just enhanced their standing and reputation among that crowd very substantially.
Trouble at Twinings as Employees Treated Like Mugs
There’s been trouble brewing for a while now at Twinings as the company announced last November that they were shifting 263 jobs to Poland from their UK-based North Shields plant by September 2011.
Twinings have been selling their wares to the world for over 300 years and pride themselves as being one of the first companies to introduce tea to the British public and being recognised globally as a quality brand. But with the cuts at North Shields and another 129 at their Andover facility, employees are making a lot of noise and causing their bosses a lot of public image concerns.
Twinings are in the spotlight again as they surprise staff by informing them that they’ll be tasked with training their Polish replacements prior to being laid off. Neutral observers will be wondering how these Polish counterparts will blend in, as there’s expected to be a lot of animosity towards them, even if unjustified, and is an entirely new kettle of fish.
The British Tea company sanctioned the move in a bid to optimise the company’s efficiency, but has served far more to damage the company’s reputation and serve as an overall hinderance as top bosses find themself in hot water over their latest decision. Cases like this used to be handled by traditional public relations companies, but with the long-term damage to Twinings‘ image being apparent on ever-present internet sites – the need for online reputation management speaks for itself.
With information being so readily available online from news reports to online bloggers looking to let off a bit of steam, stories like this don’t “go away” just because it’s no longer in the paper or on the TV. I guess it all boils down to how important you feel your image is to your continued success, especially in today’s rocky economic climate.
Don’t let yourself get scolded by bad press.