What Can Eleanor Roosevelt Teach Us About Reputation Management?

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 by Andy Beal

What Can Eleanor Roosevelt Teach Us About Reputation Management?

When looking back in history, we can find many great role models for the importance of building a great reputation. Eleanor Roosevelt will be remembered for her life-long dedication to being an advocate for civil rights, but did you know she was one of the earliest reputation management experts? Here’s one of her famous quotes:

“We all live in a televised goldfish bowl.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Kimberlie Dykeman’s new book Pure Soapbox is full of inspiring quotes from the famous and notable, and she recognizes Roosevelt’s role in pre-online reputation management. Writes Dykeman…

Call it Big Brother, the eye in the sky or just a nosy neighbor…with a wide lens. Not too many things you do are unobserved or unnoted by …someone! You’re on stage for the government, security, and media everywhere you turn: street corners, stores, restaurants, theaters, schools, hotels, apartments! The list is endless. What happens in Vegas might stay in Vegas, but odds are there’s footage. That said, how are you behaving in public, folks? What bad habits, slip remarks, and mistakes are you “performing” daily…and do you ever stop to think how it might negatively ripple back. Maybe it’s time to clean up your “act”. Reel in your violations and, audience or not, you net a safer, friendlier and more fluid environment.

“What happens in Vegas might stay in Vegas, but odds are there’s footage.” Words to live by, don’t you think?

Want more insights and inspiration in your personal or business life? Order Kimberlie Dykeman’s new book.

Social Media Monitoring in Just 60-Seconds. Guaranteed!

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10 comments on “What Can Eleanor Roosevelt Teach Us About Reputation Management?”

MB Web Design Says:

July 9th, 2008 at 11:07 am

“What happens in Vegas might stay in Vegas, but odds are there’s footage.” And so begins a generation of people warning bachelor party invitees about their conduct.
Alex Isaacs Says:

July 9th, 2008 at 2:05 pm

I still like this Eleanor quote best…”Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”
Andy Beal Says:

July 9th, 2008 at 2:56 pm

@Alex – great quote!
Erik Says:

July 9th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

Alex… That’s one of the best quotes I’ve ever heard. Nice pull.

Pretty good tie in, eleanor and online rep management. Wouldn’t have put the two together myself but kind flows. Thanks for the book idea, might have to add it to the list…

Erik’s last blog post..Generating Content for Multiple Blogs
Utah SEO Pro Says:

July 9th, 2008 at 9:02 pm

“What happens on the Web…leaks all over the world.”

Utah SEO Pro’s last blog post..Interview with SEO: Brian Carter and Search Engine Journal Post
Tiffany Says:

July 10th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

@Alex
Very nice quote. Means very deep. Most of people stop to discuss the events.
Search Engine Optimisation Says:

July 12th, 2008 at 6:31 am

Your about right there Utah when you say – “What happens on the Web…leaks all over the world.”
Warenwirtschaft Says:

July 14th, 2008 at 4:39 am

@Alex
Great quote, thanks. I just printed it in big letters to put it in our coffee-corner
Steve Hansen Says:

July 15th, 2008 at 8:19 am

Protecting a business image online has taken on new meaning to every company. If defensive measures are not taken upfront any organization is at risk for either a local Las Vegas style taping or the Global leak referenced by Utah.

Eleanor Roosevelt was a great woman, brilliant strategist and a powerful activist. Good article
Travel Point Says:

July 17th, 2008 at 4:30 am

Cool quote. On my desktop.

Travel Point’s last blog post..The Samba of Brazil