The title of this post is about the simplest advice I can give my clients. It’s SOOO easy to listen if that’s what you choose to do. Fabulous tools like Tweetdeck, the amalgamation of Google Reader and Alerts, and dozens of others are available to help you monitor your brand (and personal) reputation. I’m always amazed at how many negative articles, blog posts, tweets, etc. aren’t accompanied by a subsequent comment from someone who is being criticized. It may not change anyone’s opinion but at least your side of the story is out and you’ve turned a rant into a conversation. Bravo for you!
There is no excuse to let other people dictate how you’re perceived. You and your company should be actively managing your reputations. The first step is to listen. The second is to act on what your hear.
That said, it’s time for me and you to listen to our families. Have a great holiday!
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also a sad truth about a number of our interactions in cyberspace. In particular, I’m thinking about 
Consult Keith 