Watch Your Mouth...or at least what you type!

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The recent hype about "Man vs Food" star, Adam Richman, got me thinking about Facebook, Twitter and everyone's blog. You can click on the link if you want the whole story, but the short version is simply that the Travel Channel has indefinitely postponed Richman's new show, following his incredibly bad reaction to a comment posted on Instagram.

For the most part, all of you have multiple clients. I don't think any of you are in a position with only one client. However, when you took on social media you put yourself in the public eye and your readers, followers and potential clients all, directly or indirectly, have input into the future growth of your business.

The fiasco with Adam Richman sparked some ideas to help you stay grounded. See if these five points make sense:

• Remember, the toughest form of communication is the printed word. It shows no emotion and is impossible to interject the tone of your voice, eye contact or often genuine sincerity. If you can confront somebody directly via phone or face to face, whatever the challenge, it'll be resolved smoother than trying to write something. Also, when you post something in a public forum everybody who reads what you wrote has a chance to weigh in - so whether you want them in the "battle" or not, you've extended an invitation!
  

• Don't respond to trolls or troll-like comments. The best way to respond, is to simply not acknowledge their presence. Most of the time, if you wait long enough, one of your supporters will often step in and defend your position without you having to step in.

• Count to ten! Your parents taught you that years ago - "Count to ten before you explode." Well, I'll take it a step further. Hold any sarcasm for 24 hours - then before you post or tweet, read it out loud and see if you still feel it's appropriate.

• Don't bomb Luxembourg! Luxembourg is a little city - well, in the same respect, keep things in perspective on how you react to comments that don't agree with you. You don't need to make it a "federal case" when somebody writes something you don't like.
  

• Treat people the way you'd like to be treated. It's one of those Golden Rules we were all taught as kids, but it's sad how many people were home that day and missed the class!
  

Last on the list, we're all only human and sometimes you just get pushed over the edge. When that does happen, don't be afraid to go back and apologize. You don't need to stand your ground when you know your approach is wrong.

Make sure you taste your words before you spit them out!
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