Is your business more public than you think?In this overwhelmingly information-rich world, the answer is a definite yes. And if it’s public information, it has every legal right to carry on.
On social media, review sites, consumer blogs, industry forums, and business search databases, there’s a strong likelihood that people are discussing your company. Individuals turn to this public information to gain insights about your business based on the experiences of others. This includes both current and potential customers, along with possible business partners.
While this offers opportunities for consumers to get to know you, it may not be a genuine reflection of your business. Whether that’s due to inaccurate descriptions, slanted comments of dissatisfaction or unanswered questions, negative remarks weigh heavier than any others.
Studies show that 86 percent of consumers will think twice about doing business with companies that have negative online reviews.
Source: Invesp
What can a business owner do?
The key is to follow one fundamental piece of advice: keep tabs of the public information that exists online about you and your business.Take the good with the bad, and help your business thrive while maintaining data security in this very public world. Every online personal or business search database, review, post, comment, photo and share that is connected to you could be accessed and spread by others.
Pay special attention to these three areas where public information could compromise you and your business.
Beware of Mingling Your Identity and Your Entity
With public exposure comes the potential for overexposure. This is especially true if you’re a sole proprietor that intermingles personal information with business information.
What’s the problem with mixing personal and business information?
With so much personal information available to the public, it would only take a few clicks to find your home address, birth date, associated family members’ names and your Employer Identification Number (EIN) among other sensitive data. Remember, for a sole proprietor, an EIN provides a direct tie to the individual owner/taxpayer, and an EIN can be used to open new lines of credit.
Support a Two-Way Street
Ask for direct feedback from your customers whenever they do business with you, and make it quick and easy for them to offer their opinions.
Why should you invite open communication?
Open communication will give you an opportunity to resolve any issues customers may point out by initiating dialogue that people will value. It can also reduce negative public-facing comments about your business because you welcomed and addressed concerns instead of hiding them. This may even lead to messages of appreciation where customers applaud your transparency and problem-solving skills.
Interact with Feedback
If you have constructive and engaging responses to negative comments, it may help reduce the damaging effects of bad press. Likewise, respond to glowing write-ups.
Why do consumers need to hear your voice?
Even a simple “thank you” can be beneficial as it reflects your consideration for your customers’ opinions. Every interaction offers a chance to build rapport with your customers and express your appreciation for their valuable feedback.
7 Essential Takeaways:
- Promote your business goals clearly through your website(s) and social media page(s).
- Keep your personal life and your business separate on social media.
- Track comments posted online about you and/or your business.
- Respond to critiques in a constructive and engaging way.
- Encourage your customers to provide feedback for your business, and consider creating your own platform for receiving any business feedback.
- Monitor your credit file and banking statements regularly for errors that could indicate fraud or identity theft.
- Opt out of any online public information databases or other public search/people finder websites that you can to limit easy access to your personal information.