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The Internet Can Be A Very Unforgiving Place

| Posted in Social Networking |

10

Common Sense Rules To Protect You From Tarnishing Your Reputation

A couple of days ago I added a comment to a post on Jason Better’s blog that left me with egg on my face. Or so I thought. (By the way, if you haven’t visited and bookmarked his blog yet, I would suggest you do so immediately. You will find great information there as well as a community of very experienced online marketers.)

But anyway, back to my story…

I posted a comment and thought I made a mistake and gave credit to the wrong person. (You always want to make sure you give credit where credit is deserved when you leave a comment.)

As it turned out, I had been correct in the first place and had given credit to the right person. But I didn’t know that for about two hours. I was totally miserable. I was so embarrassed.

In a way, I am glad now that this happened because it gave me a topic for this post and it reminded me how public a place the internet really is. Once you hit that “submit” button, whatever you say is out there for the whole world to see. There’s no taking it back.

What happened to me was just an honest mistake, a little blunder. But nonetheless, it’s ‘out there.’ And it taught me a great lesson. I will be much more careful next time before I hit “submit.”

Just remember these ground rules…

Always be polite.

Always be honest.

Always be kind.

If you made a mistake, fess up and try to correct it immediately.

Don’t say anything you could regret later. Because, whatever it is, it WILL come back to haunt you.

Be like “Thumper” … “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say nothing at all.”

Especially as a professional, marketing and growing your business on the internet the last thing you want to do is tarnish your reputation.

Oh, and if you ever had “egg on your face” I’d love for you to share your story in the comments below … IF you dare =)

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Comments (10)

Oh Ilka, I can soooo relate to this. Only my comment is out there for good on Google.

Mitchell Dillman had an article on Better Networker wondering if Medical Marijuana would be the next home based business. I made a comment, something to the extent that I had never thought of that before.

Now when I google my name, it shows I made a comment under that. Second page too!

That doesn’t look good for business on my part and secondly, my husband is in law enforcement….aargh!

Lesson Learned!
Twila

[Reply]

Twila,

I know how it feels. Guess we both learned our lesson. We’ll THINK before we type next time :)

Thanks for being brave enough to share your blunder!

Have a great week!

[Reply]

Hey Ilka,

We all have made mistake and will make more mistakes. However, following those simple ground rules you posted, it will make us a genuine person.

Chat with you later…
Josh

[Reply]

Ilka Flood Reply:

Hey Josh,

Very true! I’m sure that wasn’t the last time I had egg on my face. Hmmm, wonder if egg is actually good for the skin. Got to research that :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Have an awesome day

[Reply]

Hey Ilka

Mistakes can be costly but also great lessons (as long as we learn from them).

I can’t say that I have had any online ‘egg on my face’ experiences as yet (touch wood). If they do occur I will deal with them with the highest of integrity, remembering this post all the way.

Nice honest post

Dwayne

[Reply]

Ilka Flood Reply:

Hey Dwayne,

Thank you for visiting and leaving me your thoughts! I’m honored.

I hope you never have to deal with any online “egg on your face” experience, but I’m glad I gave you something to remember ‘me’ by :)

I feel honesty is the way to go. Even if it can be a bit uncomfortable at times.

Have a blessed day!

Ilka

[Reply]

Hey Ilka,

Don’t worry,

We’ve all been there. I even
sent out an e-mail the other day
where I accidentally put the wrong
name on.

If anything, it lets people know that
you’re human. :-)

[Reply]

Ilka Flood Reply:

Oops! I’ve done that before. Looks like I’m in GREAT company :)

What’s even worse is if you accidentally hit “reply all.”

Thanks for stopping back by, Jason!

You’re awesome!

[Reply]

Hi Ilka,

I’ve done that before too. We get so consumed in what we are doing that sometimes we mix up things and people.

Even it really did happen to you, it’s all good at the end of the day.

Take care and have a good evening.

Jerome Ratliff

[Reply]

Ilka Flood Reply:

Thank you, Jerome, for your kind words!

Yes, we all get so awfully busy.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Ilka

[Reply]

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