An acquaintance shared a story this week that epitomizes someone making a key mistake in business (and life)!
Here is a paraphrase of the situation:
The owner of Business A participates in different charitable endeavors and had participated in at least one specific campaign with the owner of Business B.
For whatever historical reason (real or imagined), the Owner A has a vehement dislike for Owner B.
After one of the charitable events, Owner B posted positive social media references highlighting the participation of both companies.
Of note, the companies are not competitors; the conflict was personal (not professional).
Owner A asks and employee to expunge the references and remove any associative mentions between the organizations.
It did not matter whether the mention was positive or negative. There was only the desire to avoid any visible connection to the other.
Just based on the story, this is who I would have expected if introduced to Owner A!
My Advice
They should focus on Things That Matter!
Why would a business owner spend their marketing budget to remove positive references about their company made by someone else?
Rational people would (at a minimum) accept the compliment graciously and use it to build their own social proof.
If they decided to do “more than the minimum”, they would respond in kind congratulating the other company for their work toward the common socially beneficial goal they share!
(Note: For extra credit, name the oblique movie reference from the above quote in the comments below! Don’t you dare Google it, cheaters!)
This behavior would be akin to seeing your mortal enemy at a mutual friend’s wedding, having them compliment your spouse’s dress, and responding aloud “WHY ARE YOU TALKING TO ME? DON’T YOU KNOW I HATE YOU?”
Yes, that would be acting like a crazy person! The wedding is really about neither you nor your enemy and common decency simply expects that you show respect for the event and those for whom it is planned.
Secondly, Owner A is actually spending money to get positive comments removed. That money could (and should) be getting spent to acquire new customers, build engagement with existing customers, and developing more value to attract both groups!
The moral of this story is to be sure that you are focusing on Things That Matter! Do not waste your time (and money) on Stupid Stuff That Doesn’t!
