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Cutting for Business readers: I try to keep this blog full of helpful tips for Silhouette and Cricut small business owners, and I attempt to do so in a light, fun manner. But, there is something serious I have been seeing online lately that I need to address here: Venting or trashing your customers on social media.
Unfortunately, I see this all the time on Facebook crafting groups, on Instagram, and most recently when I was browsing my personal Twitter account. At no time is it okay to vent about your customers, complain about them, or otherwise berate them online. Small business owners must realize that without paying customers, there is no business!
The Golden Rule of Social Media: Always assume that anything you post online (either on your personal accounts or business accounts) will be shared somewhere and could potentially be seen by anyone in the world – including by your customer.
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Posting on Social Media
- Would my customer give me permission to post this information?
- Would my customer push the “like” button on my post?
- If your this post goes viral – will I be proud as the business owner?
- How does this post make my business look?
Together, let’s let other small business owners know that it is not okay to speak poorly of customers online. If you see it online, I urge you to simply comment “This post is not professional and will not help your business grow.” If you belong to moderated online groups, reach out to the administrators of the group and ask if they will ban venting or trashing customers in their group.
Need help dealing with difficult customers? See this post.
Since 2015, Christine Schinagl has been helping crafters start and run craft businesses through her blog, Cutting for Business. As a Silhouette and Cricut crafter herself, she has a unique take on what works and what doesn’t work in the craft business world. She also enjoys teaching other crafters how to create digital SVG designs, available through the Design with Me series.
Lycia
Monday 21st of May 2018
This is still such great information although it was written some time ago. I also see this frequently on Facebook and I just cringe.
Christine
Tuesday 22nd of May 2018
Thank you, Lycia!
Emma
Friday 25th of March 2016
I used to work as a medical assistant and something that I really hated was the constant complaining of doctors and MA's about certain patients. I also worked at different facilities and several clinics and it always made me so uncomfortable that as health professionals they would share such details about their patients for anyone to criticize.
Christine
Monday 28th of March 2016
Ohh dear! Yeah, it isn't good in any profession!
Anne
Wednesday 30th of September 2015
I couldn’t agree more. I cringe when I see those customer rants especially when the customer is identified. The seller never looks good, even when they’re right. I have worked for more years than I like to count and have been plenty irritated by my customers but I’ve always been careful to keep my vents in-house and even then, I never put them in writing. That policy has served me well.
Christine
Wednesday 30th of September 2015
Anne, I agree with you - I never put anything in writing, either! My husband serves as my "vent" for complaints on all things customer related. Christine
Cindy
Tuesday 29th of September 2015
A much-needed post! I admit, I have read many of the "vent rants" but always thinking, what if someone in this group knows someone that is related to that person or had considered referring someone to the "ventor". I think it is extreme "bad form" to post a screenshot using the customer's name also. Our character truly sheds light on how we respond to things... Love your posts.
Christine
Tuesday 29th of September 2015
Thank you Cindy! I'm glad to see this post was well received by Cutting for Business readers. I wholeheartedly agree with you - screenshots are the worst. Thank you for your kind words, I truly love writing Cutting for Business! Christine