MilliOnAir Magazine April 2018 | Page 129

MilliOnAir

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So what do you do if you are suddenly faced with an online reputation crisis?

Here are my top tips:

Try not to get angry and don’t rant, at least on-line! Take 24 hours to calm down and think about the situation. It may not be as bad as you first think.

Consider if leaving it and not adding fuel to the fire is your best option before doing anything. Remember adding comments will bring more attention to it.

Don’t be defensive no matter how annoyed you are and how incorrect and unfair it might be.

Don’t ever get into a heated discussion on-line. If you need to, clearly state your position on whatever the issue may be and leave it at that.

Recognise that people have their opinions and that negative comments are often more about them than you.

Often the way you respond to a negative situation speaks volumes about your brand so see the opportunity.

Take some time to think about what your personal brand is and what you need to focus on most about your brand to bring about a positive dilution to the crisis. What are you best known for and what can you do to reinforce this powerfully now? Blog posts, articles, well-constructed comments to other posts, videos for example, are all be great ways to do this.

What character traits are you most proud of and what can you use now to bring about a balance again? How can you reinforce your authentic self most powerfully and quickly?

Never use bad language, accuse or retaliate – this will not create a positive outcome online.