ARTICLE:

In the e-business world or otherwise, people are going to say things about you or your business in an attempt to knock you for a loop, and destroy the credibility you're working so hard to build.

Why?

Maybe they like to get people down. Maybe they have nothing better to do. Maybe the idea of other people's success is threatening. Maybe it's a misunderstanding or miscommunication. It could be all or none of those.

But regardless of the reason, it's still going to affect you, and you need to know how to handle yourself when the time comes. And trust me -- if you're successful, people ARE talking about you. You just don't know it yet.

So, when you find out, here's how to cope:

1. Don't let it get you upset.

The first thing we want to do when we find out people have been talking badly about us or our business is to get angry.

Don't.

Why? This won't solve anything, so don't get your blood pressure up and increase your health risk over rumors. Stay calm and collected, and move on to step 2...

2. Ask "the messenger" what their views are on the issue, and ask for specific examples to back them up.

The messenger? The person that told you about the rumors. Whether they agree or disagree, ask them why.

If they don't agree and can give you valid reasons why not, then you might have little to worry about. If they agree and can give reasons why, are they valid reasons? And can the person provide supporting examples?

Just be sure NOT to think about this from a self-defensive point of view. Be open-minded about what they have to say. Acknowledge your mistakes and REALIZE them, apologizing for any wrong-doing. What a way to INSTANTLY prove that you're not "the bad guy!"

Everyone makes mistakes -- but very few people have the courage to admit to those mistakes.

3. Remember, the odds are already against you. Be prepared for the worst.

Most people ARE closed-minded, no matter how much they say otherwise. Realize that the messenger may have entered into a relationship with you based on biases passed on from the rumor source. So, don't be surprised if they can give you supporting examples that back up their accusations.

They've probably been LOOKING for things to support those rumors, and were pretty much oblivious to the positive about you. Such are the characteristics of closed-minded people, and those who "met" you under less than idea conditions.

The sooner you realize that, the better off you'll be.

4. Don't dig yourself deeper by getting defensive.

Doing this will only prove to the messenger that the rumors are true! Don't get uptight, don't be nasty, and don't accuse the messenger of spreading the rumors. Remember, they only relayed the message(s) to you from the source.

I know it's tempting to be self-defensive, but instead, relax. Take a deep breath.

If you got the "bad news" by e-mail, don't respond right away. Come back to the message after several hours, or even a day or two if need be. You'll have had time to cool down, and will be able to respond with a level head.

5. BRIEFLY explain why the accusations couldn't be true, then agree to disagree if necessary.

Don't be long-winded, or you'll still come across as being self-defensive. And as we all know, people that go out of their way to prove their innocence are guilty of the crime 99% of the time -- or just insecure. You don't want to be portrayed as either one.

All in all, don't waste your valuable time defending yourself or getting upset about rumors. The originators of these bad tales have nothing better to do than to try to bring successful people down instead of trying to achieve success themselves. They won't hurt you as long as the rumors aren't true.

Although you could win a few "messengers" over and get them on your side of the playing field, spend your time building your current success -- not wasting energy and time defending yourself against inevitable rumors.

I guarantee you, you'll be much better off.