5 Tips to Deal with Cyber Negativity
Whether you run an online business, are very active on social networking sites, date, or study online, you will inevitably meet people who will send you negative messages or leave unpleasant comments on your site. Often negativity online is expressed even more intensely then in face-to face situations because of a so-called "disinhibition effect", according to which people express themselves more freely online than in a traditional setting because of invisibility and delayed response. Today I will give you 2 "don'ts" and 3 "do's" to help you raise your energy when you feel it sinking.
#1 Don't bring in "the Terminator"
It is very easy to get pulled into the negative energy and start acting on the same level as the offender. My friend who is also a conflict resolution expert, Anastasia Pryanikova, believes that there is nothing more destructive that you can do for your own reputation (and your own sanity!) than escalating into a flame war. In the end nothing is resolved and everyone walks away unhappy.
#2 Don't sink and sulk
Don't let negative comments affect your self- esteem and your overall happiness. Unfortunately, humans are wired to skip over or disbelieve the praise, and hold on to the criticism. We women often let negative comments affects us on a deep level and we often remember them for a long time. However, learn to see negativity as a sign of your success. The more you rock as a business woman, the more negative comments you will receive! Nowadays, I look at such remarks and tell myself that I must be doing something right and even thank my negative guests for contributing to my SEO optimization. (Hey, the more comments I get on my posts, the higher up my website goes in the search engine!)
#3 Use the "Love never fails" strategy
MI usually try to remember this wisdom and respond with gratitude to any negative comments. I thank the writer for taking their time to express their opinion and promise to take it into account. You will see that this works like magic, and this "so- called" offender may eventually become your number one fan!
#4 "Build a Finesse Sandwich"
If you really need to stand your ground and defend your point of view, remember to do it with class by creating a "finesse" sandwich.
First start with a "thank you"-- you need to neutralize your opponent.
Next, prove your point. And finally, end with best wishes.
#5 Use '0 tolerance' rule for bullies
If you are the target of cyber-bullying, do not respond. Do not give them ANY of your attention... nothing, zero, NADA! Block the bully, unfriend them, or ban them from your site. You can also use reporting tools to show offense online.
Dr. Marina Kostina is a distance learning expert, and an online business coach. She helps small business owners to transcend distances and leverage their work online without losing personal connections with their clients. Marina is also a co-author of an Amazon Bestseller, "The Golden Climate in Distance Learning" that helps online trainers connect, engage and enjoy the online environment.
