BE In the Business of Minding Yours...

I don't know about the next entrepreneur, but I have too much business to tackle to be concerned about someone else's.

It might feel like the assignment to overstep boundaries in the form of comments and shares. Feeling super bold to let your fingers run recklessly, making statements you never would face-to-face. Remember, the boomerang effect (what goes around comes around).

So, when it's your turn. When your brand suffers public ridicule (oh, believe me, you stay in business long enough, you'll face some public backlash), don't ask for mercy, especially when you didn't give any.

If you find yourself struggling to handle the volley of sticky situations previously mentioned, here are a few techniques to lessen your stress when you're sitting in the hot seat.:

1. Understand the difference between critique and criticism. (Here's a clue: only one comes from people that truly know you. The others take it with a grain of salt.)

2. Only respond to questions, not aggressive speech.

3. Employee reflective listening.

4. Silence is a powerful answer.

No one on this planet is perfect. We do not have all the answers. Stop wasting your time trying to convince anyone (whether you think you need them or not) of who you are as a business. They've already formed their opinions. Instead, keep learning, growing, building, and expanding in places that are happy to receive you.