The Framework of Conversations

Social media is all about reaching out to other people and connecting with them. It’s all about talking and interacting to build a relationship. But what happens when we lose control of what’s being said about us?

For most people, it’ll be an easy choice, wait until the flame dies out on its own. However, not everybody has such an option. This holds true especially for businesses who can’t afford to have negative remarks on their belt.

How can you avoid losing control of the conversation? You guide it. You don’t force it to conform to what you want, but rather just give it a soft shove towards a favorable direction.

When does a conversation get out of hand anyway? For one thing, It starts when things get posted without having a proof or basis behind it. This is why it’s your duty. as a brand manager, to furnish people with the correct information so they’re well-informed before they start mouthing off on you.

Another reason why conversations run amok is because companies don’t pay it enough heed to want to respond to it. It’s a no win situation if you just ignore the negative comments.

If there’s no truth to it and you don’t say anything to clear out the misinformation, people will think that what’s been said is true and you’ll have less followers. If you don’t do anything to rectify wrong comments that have truth behind it, you still lose followers.

Now, how do you guide readers towards a favorable discussion? First, be keen to nip misguided conversations early in the bud. It would be more difficult clearing things out when the discussion has already gone through multiple pages of comments.

Keep in mind that you’re going to have to clear every misinformed comment that you come across in order to set things straight. So you might as well start while the remarks are still few and easy to manage.

Another way you can do it is to be the first to clear out a situation if you had been at fault. Don’t let speculations brew before your eyes. Explain what went wrong and tell people what you’ve done to correct it.

Remember that conversations only go astray if you let it. Be proactive with discussions that go on about you and your brand and you’re sure to be able to keep things in order.

I pass the mic to you guys now. What ideas can you share on how to guide conversations?