ATLANTA, Nov. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Retired Franchise Rep Dan Prechtel writes about the power of the internet and the importance to any business whether independent or part of a franchise to be aware of the their online reputation, and actively manage that reputation.

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We live in an era where a single unhappy customer, a jealous competitor, a jilted lover, a disgruntled former employee, or simply a venomous blogger with no motive can destroy a business that has been built with care and great customer service over years and years of productive work and service to the community.

In just the past month major news outlets such as CNN have been fooled by rumors and gossip that have gone viral on the internet…….and found untrue. If a trusted and major source of news can be fooled, imagine what can happen to your customer!

A single angry client, a jealous competitor, a frustrated ex-employee, or simply an ignorant mischief making blogger can ruin your business. It has been said that it takes over ten positive reviews of a business to outweigh a single bad review! Regardless of the truth or fiction of the post, it can ruin you.

Think of the hours and days and weeks and months and years that have gone into creating your reputation, all to be ruined by a single posting! It is imperative that you be aware at all times of what is being said about your company online.

Procrastinating about your online reputation is easy to do. After all, it doesn't walk through the front door of your business and slap you. In fact, if you don't log on to the internet you can pretend that it doesn't even exist!

That head in the sand attitude can be a business killer however. You must take the initiative today to take control of your the public face of your business. A single irate customer could be out there right now destroying a reputation that you have taken years to build.

Think of the cost involved in bringing a new customer to your business, and the years and years of profitable interaction with that customer. Do you suppose that if they were to google you and find a negative post it might affect a decision? A decision that could cost you money not just today, but long in to the future.

Anyone with a laptop and an IQ over 60 can do irreparable damage to your brand. The problem with the internet is that this can create a "digital tatoo" which in all likelihood will never be removed. The questions that a company leader needs to ask are what are people saying about our brand, our business, our reputation? How can I monitor what people are saying about our company? What if some of the online information is false? Can I sue? Who? Where are they?

Make a move today, you owe it to your business!  And follow us daily at http://www.danielprechtel.me

Media Contact: Daniel Prechtel Daniel Prechtel, 404-281-8954, danprechtel@gmail.com

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SOURCE Daniel Prechtel