Playground bullying is something that we all wish we could leave behind at our schools. Unfortunately, it seems that no matter how old someone is, being petty is something we are all capable of. It’s a sad state of affairs, but large companies bullying smaller ones into submission is nothing new. If you feel like you’re being pressured by a giant in your industry, then it’s important you stand your ground and show them that you won’t back down to their demands.
Whether they’re trying to buy your company or they’re threatening you with something obnoxious, follow these tips to ensure that your business stands tall in a cutthroat industry and make your customers (and yourself) proud.
CreditDon’t sink to their level
The worst thing you could do is stoop down to their level and start threatening them or resorting to childish playground tactics like tweeting mentions to other companies and trying to gang-up on them with other smaller companies. It makes no sense to engage in these types of activities. Instead, be the better company and remain professional during disputes and despite whatever personal qualms their members of staff might have against yours. It’s important that you tell your own members of staff to remain calm as well because their activity and behaviour will reflect on your business. If you don’t give them enough warning and one of them lashes out at another company, you’ll have no choice but to fire that employee if it gets out of hand.
Seek legal advice
Your best friend in these situations is going to be a lawyer. If a company is attempting to slander you, then you can sue them on the basis of defamation of character. In addition, everything you say will be recorded and can be used against you, making it necessary for a legal professional such as a lawyer to be with you at all times to give you advice on how to act so that you have a high success rate of winning your case and fighting back against industry bullies. If you don’t have a lawyer and you’re receiving lots of negative comments as a result of another company’s influence, it’s a good idea to hire one as soon as possible and cut all contact with the media or the other company before you do something too rash.
Don’t blame the consumer
Whatever happens, don’t engage in arguments and disputes with your customers or customers that regularly use your competitor’s products. If you want your business to grow big, then you have to remain professional when it comes to dealing with your main source of income; the consumer. Don’t start petty wars but subtly inciting your members of staff and customers to go and boycott the products of whoever is attempting to defame you, and don’t get involved with arguments from customers who buy other products and have been influenced to dislike your brand and leave you negative reviews. These unfair ratings can be removed if they are blatantly promotional towards another business or slanderous, so the rules are always on your side assuming you remain professional.
