When I was in the corporate world, workplace gossip was common as grass.
It took many forms and grew just about everywhere.
So, if you’re still working for someone else while you’re building your online business, you could be tempted to transfer this gossip attitude to your digital venture.
Don’t do it.
In online world, gossip in business is no longer consumed in front of coffee machines or in the company parking lot: it is spread in forums, or in Facebook groups.
But the concept is the same.
How can you say NO to gossip?
Here are some practical suggestions:
- Ignore the conversation
When you read something that sounds as gossip, just walk away.
. - Talk about the positive
Move to concrete business aspects rather than personal aspects. If they gossip about Vick, or Frank, or John, always emphasize the positive done or achieved in business by Vick or Frank or John.
. - Shift the focus
Instead of following the flow of the gossip, start a new, different, business-related subject, that has no connection to what is being gossiped about.
Always remember:
gossip is only a way to set a negative example, to diminish your business stature, and lose respect.
As a matter of fact, I never saw any master in gossip becoming a master in his corporate career, promoted to a director level.
Nor am I aware of any master in gossip who eventually became a master in his own business.
If you want to make your business successful, don’t hear the latest rumors about Vick: you’d better listen to him directly here.
