Protect Your Business from the Cancel Culture
It’s unfortunate that several businesses end up closing as a result of the cancel culture. Information spread online about something terrible that the business did, or stood for, and people decide not to patronize the company anymore. Due to the lack of customers, these businesses decide to cease operations. Although it’s unfortunate, several of these companies deserved to end that way. It’s not the cancel culture that ended them, but their own actions. Therefore, you have to take the right steps to guarantee that your business is protected against this culture.
Treat your employees right
Back then, employees were voiceless. If they don’t get the right treatment, they remain quiet and accept their fate. It’s no longer the case today. If employees are mistreated at work or being unfairly paid, it’s easy to expose their employees through social media. Even big companies are now in trouble because of the behavior of top executives. It was even exposed further due to the coronavirus when several companies failed to meet health and safety standards to ensure no one gets infected. By treating your employees right, you won’t run into this problem.
Treat your customers well
You also have to do the same with your customers. Train your employees to respond to the needs of the customers promptly. Although some of them seem entitled, not everyone will interpret it that way. In the eyes of many who viewed the information on social media, it’s the company that lacked caused the problem. Always refer to federal and local laws when crafting policies used by the company. Avoid anything that discriminates anyone in any way.
Hire an online reputation manager
Things circulate quickly on social media. You need to hire someone who will deal with issues by responding online right away. If something wrong happened, you need to craft a clear message that prevents the problems from escalating. It’s easy for people to make up stories, and you have to counter the narratives with facts. Don’t forget that you also have to compete with other companies. It’s in their interest to pull you down, and some of them might go hard in competing against you.
Listen and apologize if necessary
It’s understandable for some businesses not to apologize right away, especially if investigations are still underway. Apologies also have a legal repercussion. It’s an acknowledgment of mistake. However, you should at least show that you’re listening to various parties involved and you’re doing everything to right the wrong. Eventually, you might have to apologize in behalf of the company and promise that you will improve how things are moving forward.
If you do things right, the cancel culture won’t affect your business. Even if it does, the facts will come out, and you will survive the challenge. Always do what’s best for everyone in your team, and the people you serve.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://chiefexecutive.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AdobeStock_358226652-1024×652.jpg
2nd image from https://www.teamworkandleadership.com/2013/08/story-treating-employees-well-can-make-a-leaders-job-more-difficult.html
