Reputation management and communications consultancy


20 April 2009, Insignia forms alliance with TAO Consultants to launch on-line reputation management service

Birmingham-based corporate reputation and crisis management consultancy, Insignia, has announced a strategic alliance with US-based TAO Consultants to provide a new on-line reputation management service.

According to Insignia founder, Jonathan Hemus, former head of crisis and issues at Porter Novelli, the alliance has been formed in response to rapidly expanding demand for proven on-line reputation management strategies: “The role of the Internet in the gestation and spread of crises and issues is well known, but many organisations still lack the ability to manage their reputation effectively in this new environment. They urgently need expertise and tools which help them take control of their reputation in the on-line space, and that’s why we’ve partnered with TAO Consultants to offer the new service”.

TAO Consultants, based in Nevada, USA, and led by Chesa Keane, has strong experience in on-line issues management including business marketing and search engine reputation management (SERM), online reputation management (ORM) and Internet search crisis management as well as traditional Internet Marketing and SEO.

Insignia and TAO are targeting the service primarily at organisations that find their reputation under fire from on-line criticism. “A handful of disgruntled, but well organised and determined customers, have the potential to create a lot of negative noise on-line, drowning out the silent and satisfied majority,” commented Jonathan Hemus. “In common with conventional crisis communication best practice, the key is to find ways of taking control and ensuring that the company’s messages are heard.

“Working with TAO, we’ve developed a powerful way for organisations to achieve a much more positive profile on-line rather than being submerged under a tide of negativity. I’ve seen the success that TAO has achieved with the approach in the States and I’m excited by its potential for European clients,” he said. “When I launched Insignia last year, one of my priorities was to develop a really compelling proposition for on-line reputation management: the partnership with TAO delivers this”.

According to Chesa Keane, US demand for these services has grown rapidly over the last two years. “Eighteen months ago, no one had heard of on-line reputation management: now it’s an essential part of effective crisis and issues management,” she said. “Organisations that ignore negative commentary, hoping it will go away, can find themselves in a crisis from which they may be unable to recover. We can help them avoid this fate by beginning to re-build reputation without delay by balancing the debate and then developing a positive online reputation to replace the negative commentary.

“TAO has worked successfully with many US organisations to manage their on-line reputations in the face of a range of crises and issues, and I’m delighted to partner with Insignia to do the same thing in Europe”

Insignia offers reputation management and communication consultancy which makes a real difference to a business. The consultancy specialises in corporate reputation management, communication planning, crisis management, issues management, reputational risk management, internal communications, communication and media training. Insignia’s approach is based on top quality, purposeful communications advice delivered by trusted consultants with a personal touch. Contacted Jonathan Hemus, director, 0121 382 5304/0786 832 9102, or email (jonathanhemus@insigniacomms.com

A selection of recent reports, letters, releases and features from Insignia.    Archived Stories


308 Birmingham Road Sutton Coldfield West Midlands B72 1DP
T: + 44 (0)121 382 5304 M: + 44 (0)786 832 9102 E: jonathanhemus@insigniacomms.com Blog: www.insigniatalks.com