I have written recently about the importance of why public relations professionals and recent graduates need to be aware of what is written and posted about them online. This was also the topic of my lecture that I gave this week to one of the undergraduate PR classes at the University of Tennessee (how to manage your reputation online).
This morning, I came across this article from Fox Sports that lists the top ten scandals involving athletes that have been fueled by what is posted online. Some of the examples in this article include the party incident with Matt Leinart to Kobe Bryant displaying his “true” feelings about the GM for the Lakers and one of his teammates to some fans to the Iowa State basketball coach Larry Eutachy who was caught in some party pictures with some young students.
Athletes and coaches these days have to realize that anyone can post, blog, write, and post pictures that will immediately be online. In fact, this is a lesson for everyone in general– the first thing that you have to realizse is that there is always a chance that something may arise about you online, and it all comes down on how you address this. In many ways, we as public relations professionals have to give advice and advocate for our clients– but in this situation– we are the client, and we need to be protective and advocate for our personal brand and reputation.
However, having a great reputation is one thing and being perceived positively among others is great– but how long will that last? The key is that you have to start off with having a strong and good character. John Wooden has a great quote on reputation:
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
Hope you all are having a great day! 🙂
Best Wishes,
Karen
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