Dealing With Negative Word-of-MouthAt some point, your business may fall victim, warranted or not, to negative word-of-mouth.

It's essential you nip the problem in the bud before itleads to devastating results. Here's how to fight back:

The best way to counter negativity is to create positiveword-of-mouth. Try to get to the source of the problem andspecifically answer the charges.

Negative comments are often spread by discontented customers.Compile your customer complaints, and see if there's a pattern.Do you have a problem with a particular product or service? Orcould a disgruntled employee be the cause? The best way to find outis to ask customers what they think about your business.

Finally, plan ahead. Have emergency plans in place in case thereis a problem. And if you encourage an open relationship with yourcustomers, you'll likely be able to head off problems beforethey happen.

Excerpted fromGet Smart: 365 Tips To Boost YourEntrepreneurial IQ