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When Strangers Criticize Your Business

Many of us home business owners have had a difficult client or two and have been on the receiving end of some negative comments and nastiness. We may also have had to endure some doubts from our family and friends. Additionally, it can be rough when strangers or those who are hardly involved with us at all criticize our home business operations.

There is nothing like unsolicited criticism to put a person on the defensive. Most of the time, I can get by with saying “I’ll definitely take your comments under consideration” or “I appreciate the feedback.” Even though it really does not feel like “feedback” since the person is not really involved with my business. I have had people I hardly know offer me suggestions for articles and tell me how I ought to be organizing my time. The worst was a nasty critique from someone who was complaining about all sorts of things that I had absolutely no control over as if it was all my fault. There was virtually nothing I could do or say to influence the situation and it triggered me as well!

It is important to remember that it is just talk; it is just an opinion. We can take it or leave it and while we may not welcome the unsolicited criticism, we can use some manners and basic social skills. The person may be a potential or customer (if they are someone we actually want to do business with) and if we can handle the criticism with some grace, they may decide we are just the sort of person they want to do business with.

Take it easy, take a break and detach. Do not take it personally and if it seems like there may be something valuable in the criticism, you can take it “away” and digest it when you are feeling less defensive. Or, you can simply smile, thank them for their interest, and let it go.

See Also: Coping with Customer Insults

Working with Challenging Customers and Clients