Have you ever given a negative review? Have you received one? Chances are, you’ve been on both sides of that particular fence. While neither is much fun, a negative online review of your business stings in its own special way. We’ve talked about why your business needs Rave Reviews, but don’t worry! Negative feedback is a part of business and a part of life. Like all dark clouds, this one has the silver lining of helping you open up opportunity for your business in a unique way. You just need to understand a few vital truths.
Once you reply to a negative comment with an explanation (or even with a measure of contrition, if necessary), you’re no longer a faceless business. That’s positive visibility, and I can’t overstate the value.
Not everyone will relate to you
Whether you’re presenting to a small sales seminar or a packed auditorium, I can predict at least half of your audience won’t relate to you or be open to what you have to say. People make judgments with their hearts at least as much as they do with their heads. Some will even be influenced by the way you clear your throat or the color of the tie you wore. So keep things in perspective, and remember you’re not there to win everyone over. You’re there to connect with people that are receptive and do relate to your message. Success in business comes from knowing how best to apply your focus, so don’t waste energy obsessing on a dead end. That energy is better applied in other areas! You won’t win ‘em all, and you can’t let the desire for perfection stop your progress to success.
Turn negative feedback into positive business
Finding out someone didn’t like your work isn’t fun, but don’t waste an opportunity for growth and improvement. Negative feedback actually isn’t all bad. Legitimate criticism helps you identify weak points in your own game (some of which may have been “blind spots”) so you can improve both yourself and your business. Better still, negative comments posted online provide you with a public forum where you can engage with the negative feedback. Once you reply to a negative comment with an explanation (or even with a measure of contrition, if necessary), you’re no longer a faceless business. That’s positive visibility, and I can’t overstate the value there. So when you see a negative review, don’t be afraid to wade into the fray. If you’re earnest and thoughtful, you can take back the narrative, and turn negative feedback into positive business.
Focus on being the best you can be
Regardless of how you’re received at any particular time, just keep moving forward. As an entrepreneur, you should always do your best to win the hearts and minds that are winnable and to learn from your experiences. Through it all, though, your focus should always be on serving your ideal customer the best way possible. So don’t get hung up on the bad stuff! Success requires positivity, and the worst thing you can do is allow negativity to poison your mindset. You’ll never make everyone happy, so just do your best, look for opportunity to flip the script and continue the march to success.
