Watch what you say. This applies to both online and offline interactions. Avoid having any discussions about illegal activity or making derogatory comments. You also want to avoid having yourself and your business tied to images that are explicit or inappropriate. Also, try to avoid doing or saying anything negative that will be on a news station. Potential investors and customers may see these things as red flags.
Counteract any negative online content on your company by contacting its creator. If there is ever any negative content when you do a search of your company, try contacting the reviewer, blogger or whoever posted it as soon as possible. Ask them if there's anything you can do change their negative sentiment to a positive one. If they are unwilling to do so, write a comment(if possible) with your side of the story.
Be professional when posting on social media sites. Avoid using Internet jargon and slang such as LOL, YW or TY. Be professional at all times. Respond to comments just like you would to your clients in a face to face meeting. Use proper English and proofread all responses before posting them.
Reputation management is a skill that some great companies provide to businesses. Sometimes it's worth hiring someone to help with this since your plate will likely be full with the other daily dealings of your company. This can be very beneficial to your business.
When a businessperson's reputation takes a hit, the consequences can be quite serious. Knowing how to dodge the bullets and buoy a faltering reputation is essential to ongoing success. By keeping these tips handy at all times, it should be possible for any businessperson to navigate temporarily rough waters and recover fully.