Kaitlin, I am pretty new to the industry. I am in my second year of business. I know I am not anything fabulous yet, but I still get a lot of negative comments on my images. I respond back, and then they just go off on me time and time again. Now it seems like every week I am deleting more and more comments, and some are even from other local photographers. What do I do?

— Frustrated with Negative Comments

 

Its a shame that I even have to write a blog post about such an unpleasant situation, but sadly, negative comments happen all too often….especially towards photographers and other such creatives.

If you have followed me and my work for the past 3-4 years you have seen my own battles with negative comments, haters, verbal and personal attacks and so on and so on. But this post is not to reward said haters with the satisfaction that they had any affect on me or my business….your you and your business. This post is to help you MOVE forward and handle these negative situations and comments more professionally, classily, and maturely. Furthermore, by learning new ways to handle these comments in an appropriate manner, you are maintaining happy clients and showing prospective ones the type of person you are….and the type of BUSINESS owner/operator you are.

 

Kaitlin’s Tips For Handling Negative Comments:

 

1. IDENTIFY THE COMMENT. Before flying off the handle and responding, figure out whether the comment was intended as a joke, was is a misunderstanding, was it directed towards you, was it spam, or lastly, was it even written or said by the person whose name is attached. Once you figure out how to label the comment, then you can figure out how to handle it. This time spent figuring out the comments intention will also give you the time you need to calm down and collect your thoughts as opposed to irrational reactions.

 

 

2. DO NOT OVER REACT OR RESPOND IN A NEGATIVE/COMBATIVE MANOR. If you respond in an equally negative or combative tone, ESPECIALLY over the internet, emotions can be escalated or misunderstood. Have you ever heard the saying from your mama “Kill em with kindness” ? DO THAT! Be polite, LISTEN to what they have to say, digest it, THEN formulate a classy response that shows the “offender” that though you may not agree OR appreciate their comment, you heard it. Listened to it. And will take it in to account.

For example: I often get comments from some people that give me unsolicited advice on how to better edit, pose, etc. I have had some people write to me and call me offensive, a terrorist, a fake, a fraud. They tell me to quit now…that Im the joke of the county. ROUGH! I know. But listen…haters gunna hate y’all! LET THEM.

I respond like this ” Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me today. I appreciate the time you took out of your day to reach out to me. Though I may not agree with your comment or opinion, it is your right to have one. Please do not be afraid to “unlike” , “block” or “hide” me from your newsfeed if my posts are not to your liking. Thank you again for your time!

When the comment is really offensive, I do something else my mama taught me….”DO NOTHING/SAY NOTHING at all!” There is nothing that infuriates a hater more than when you do not reward their comment with a reaction. : )

***SIDE NOTE! If a comment is made by another to attack or offend your client…REMOVE IT, BAN THEM FROM YOUR PAGE, REPORT IT. Your clients are your number one concern and priority. You never want them to feel attacked or offended…you want them to feel like your business is a happy and safe place for them and their husband, family, friends to belong to. 

3. ASK THEM TO EXPLAIN AND IDENTIFY WHAT THEY ARE TRULLY UPSET ABOUT. Its super easy to  make a comment, but to defend one to another is harder. Simply respond by saying, “I received your comment and I would like for you to kindly explain what it is you feel as though I may have done wrong”. If they choose to answer, go from there. If this conversation is happening in a place where all can see…especially clients…REMOVE the comment, message/email them privately. NEVER EVER hash out a situation in front of your clients and prospective clients faces. Much like airing dirty laundry….its just not classy.

In your private conversation, REMEMBER that we are in a customer service based industry. If the comment was made by a client, ASK THEM what YOU can do to rectify the situation…what a positive resolution to the situation may be.

4. DO NOT LET OTHERS TOXICITY AFFECT YOUR POSITIVITY. One of the hardest lessons to learn in this business is simply that when you start out, you will have haters telling you “you can’t…you suck…stop now.” Then when you get good….those same haters will find something else to say. BUT…and this is a big BUT– When you get great…ANNNNND think your great…you have faith in your work and in yourself….those haters will have NOTHING LEFT TO SAY.  And if they do, they will look like the jerks for EVERYONE  to see. All your clients, fans, and prospective clients will see is you being successful, happy, classy, radiant and 100% professional. And to be completely honest, THAT IS WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE IT. You need a core base of people that trust you and place trust in your business because they trust who you are as a person/business owner. No drama. Super classy. Always smiling, positive and happy.

You have to work hard everyday. Practice and perfect your trade. You cant just say “oh yeah I’m awesome” and think that brings on success. Success comes from a lot of hard work, patience and positive thoughts. If you let negative comments into your soul, it will KILL your spirit and your business. Handle those comments prfoessionally and move on. Dont look back, dont dwell.

Look at it this way…the more time they spend making negative comments towards you, the LESS time they have to focus on perfecting their trade. See…you already have a leg up. And to your clients and fans….you have never ever looked better! : P

xoxo,

Kaitlin