Listen to this article
NetReputation.com specializes in reputation management solutions that help individual brands and businesses repair, manage, and monitor search results while maintaining a positive online image. We recently sat down with Patrick Wentland, NetReputation.com Vice President of Strategic Accounts, to get his thoughts on the company, the reputation management industry, and why innovation is so important.
Hi Patrick, it’s nice to meet you. Can you tell us a little more about your current role and career background?
As the VP of Strategic Accounts at NetReputation, my primary responsibility is to oversee our relationships with key clients and partners. I work closely with our sales and operations teams to ensure that we are delivering the best possible solutions and services to our clients.
I have been working in the reputation management industry for nearly a decade and have held various roles throughout my career, including sales, marketing, and account management. Prior to joining NetReputation, I worked for another major player in the ORM field, where I gained a deep understanding of the industry. I also developed a passion for helping individuals and businesses protect their online reputations and build better brands online.
My career background also includes experience in marketing, technology, and project management, which has given me a well-rounded perspective on how to develop effective strategies and solutions for our clients. I believe that this diverse experience has been instrumental in helping me to succeed in my role as VP of Strategic Accounts at NetReputation.
Please answer this question as Patrick Wentland: When did you join NetReputation? What was it that drew you to the reputation management provider?
I joined NetReputation in mid 2022 and was immediately drawn to the company’s innovative approach to online reputation management. The team’s expertise and dedication to helping individuals and businesses remove content, protect their online reputation, and build more profitable brands online was truly impressive.
What really drew me was the company’s deep commitment to delivering results for its clients. I was impressed by the level of expertise and the quality of the solutions and services that the company provided. NetRep’s cutting-edge technology and proprietary tools were also a major draw, as I saw firsthand how these tools could and continually do deliver exceptional results for clients.
Ultimately, it was the team’s passion for helping clients that sealed the deal. I knew I wanted to be a part of a company that was dedicated to making a positive impact on people’s lives, and on businesses, and NetReputation was exactly that kind of environment. It really has been an incredible experience working with such a talented team, I look forward to being here and helping NetRep clients realize their goals for years to come.
You’ve worked in the reputation management industry for many years. What is it about the field that you enjoy, or that interests you the most?
As someone who has been in ORM for quite some time, what probably interests me the most is the constantly changing landscape we work in. With the rise and ongoing evolution of social media, review sites, and other online platforms, managing one’s online reputation has become more complex and challenging than ever.
What I enjoy most about the field is the opportunity to help individuals and businesses navigate these challenges and protect the brands on the web. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the positive impact our services have on client lives and businesses.
I’m also fascinated by the technology and tools we use to remove content, transform brands, and ultimately empower client success. At NetReputation, we are constantly exploring new ways to leverage technology to help clients achieve their reputation and bottom-line goals. This requires a commitment to keeping up with new developments in the industry and particularly search engines like Google, which keeps the work fresh and exciting.
What do you find most challenging about working in ORM? How do you navigate those challenges?
With the rise of new technologies and platforms, the challenges of managing online reputations are becoming more complex and dynamic every day.
One of the biggest challenges we face is managing online content that is beyond our and our client’s control. This includes negative reviews, social media posts, and other types of content that rank well in search and tend to have a significant impact on a company’s online image.
We navigate these obstacles by employing a variety of strategies, including proactive reputation monitoring, strategic content creation, and targeted outreach on social and across high-authority media outlets. We also employ advanced technology and tools to track and analyze new online developments and identify potential issues before they become major crises.
We work closely with clients to develop customized reputation management strategies tailored to their specific needs and goals. We also prioritize clear and open communication with clients throughout the process, so that they are always aware of the steps we are taking to repair and protect their brands while enabling long-term success in their niche.
Who would you say reputation management is best for, and why?
Reputation management is beneficial for anyone who has an online presence or is looking to build one. This includes individuals, businesses, and organizations of all sizes and industries.
Because people increasingly turn to online resources to make decisions and form opinions, managing one’s online reputation has become more important than ever. A negative review, social media post, or bad news article can have a significant impact on an individual’s or business’s reputation, potentially leading to lost opportunities and revenue.
By proactively managing their online reputation, individuals and businesses can take control of their online presence and ensure they are presenting themselves in the best possible light. This may include monitoring online reviews and social media mentions, creating and promoting positive content highlighting their strengths and achievements, optimizing online profiles, and much more.
As a proven sales professional, what attributes would you say are the keys to achieving consistently high sales performance?
You need to have a deep understanding of your product or service and be able to articulate its value proposition in a way that resonates with your target audience.
You also need to be a skilled communicator and active listener, able to build rapport and establish trust with your clients. This means being responsive to their needs, addressing their concerns, and providing the information they need to make an informed decision quickly.
Persistence is also vital. Sales is not always easy, and you will face rejection and obstacles along the way. But with persistence, you can overcome these challenges and stay focused on your goals.
Finally, I would say that adaptability is key. The sales landscape is constantly evolving, and you need to be able to adapt to new technologies, changing customer preferences, and shifting market conditions in order to stay ahead of the curve.
Recommended: An interview With Billy Giordano, Co-Founder & CEO At StaffedUp
In your estimation, what makes an effective sales team leader?
It may seem cliche, but I believe an effective sales team leader is someone who knows how to inspire and motivate their team to perform better than they think is possible. This means being able to communicate a clear vision for success, providing the resources needed to realize that vision, and holding team members accountable for their performance.
A good team leader also needs to be a great coach and mentor, able to identify areas where team members can improve and provide guidance and training to help them succeed. This means taking the time to understand each team member’s strengths and weaknesses and coach in a way that speaks to those traits.
Finally, an effective sales team leader needs to lead by example. This means setting a high bar for performance and holding yourself to that same standard. It also means being open and transparent with your team, admitting mistakes when they happen, and working collaboratively to find solutions to any challenges that arise.
Activate Social Media:
