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My last post made me think about something that I wanted to mention here briefly. This will be a short post, because I think I can make the point very succinctly. Remember this rule when you’re marketing your business online:

Everything you do has a ripple effect.

On the internet, everything is connected. It’s massively convenient this way, and it’s hugely powerful, but it’s also a double edged sword. Think about it…everything is connected. This means your message is going to spread across the globe instantaneously. And along with your message will go your value proposition. If you’re creating real value for others with your business, you’ll be able to grow successful quickly. Likewise, if you’re a spammer of any sort, if you refuse to handle complaints professionally, etc…word will get out in regards to that as well.

With everything being connected, everything you do creates a ripple effect around the world. All businesses are global. If you handle a rabid commenter poorly, not only will you likely lose that potential customer forever, but you’re comments will be seen potentially by hundreds of others. Hundreds of other people who are likely still forming an opinion about you and your company.

If you, alternatively, respond to a complaint about you or your product on a forum, and you do so promptly, professionally and in a way that truly helps, you will likely create at least one customer for life, but even more likely is that hundreds of others will see your comments and be impressed by your attitude and the value you added in that instance.

Everything is an opportunity to either build your brand…or damage it. And with everything being even more connected than ever, the effects of our actions are magnified many times. Think before you act…but don’t just think about the event itself…think “what ripple effect will I be causing?” Because, there WILL be a ripple effect. Be good