I once owned a publication that enjoyed much critical and financial success.

Then, one day without notice a competitor – a good one that should know better – printed a rumor that we were going out of business.

I was beside myself.  Wouldn’t you be?  It was far from true.

But how to deal with badmouthing whether it is public or behind our backs?

I couldn’t – or shouldn’t – take the bait and print a rebuttal.

Could I ignore it?

Readers and advertisers were calling me wanting to know if it was true that the publication was going out of business.

Have you ever felt that way?  All your hard work undermined by a person who badmouths you?

I turned to my friend Malcolm Rosenberg who had helped me through a number of difficult situations previously and I’d like to share his advice with you in case you or someone you know or love has been adversely affected by badmouthing.

Keep doing what you’re doing.

Pay absolutely no attention to the backbiting comments or criticisms.

The best answer is to prove them wrong by doing not by talking or making excuses.

In time, the rumor issue died out as my publication continued to improve and ironically, the publication that did the accusing – even though they apologized in print – eventually went out of business.

Do – don’t stew when you become the victim of hurtful and unfair badmouthing.

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