It's that time of year. Every day the reports of the flu virus spreading gets worse. But colds and flu aren't the only things that spread through populations like wildfire. Attitudes, both good and bad are spread just a quickly.

One of the the challenges of being an online seller is the isolation. I don't go to an office every day, I rarely get to know or interact with my sources or my buyers. So it is natural to form a bond with other sellers. I visit several different chat groups, discussion boards and forums. I have developed wonderful friendships with many other Ruby Lane dealers. We often talk on the phone about our lives, families and topics other than ecommerce. I love the sense of community.

But there can be a downside to these chat groups. It is easy to let others opinions color your own perceptions. When I socialize with sellers who focus on the positive, I also tend to also have a positive outlook. When I find myself in the midst of other sellers who only whine and complain, I find that my attitude changes as well.

It reminds me of the two grumpy old men who sat in the balcony of the Muppet Show: Statler and Waldorf. In one famous scene, they started off praising a skit, then talked themselves into not liking it at all.

Statler: That was wonderful!
Waldorf: Bravo!
Statler: I loved it!
Waldorf: Ah, it was great!
Statler: Well, it was pretty good.
Waldorf: Well, it wasn't bad...
Statler: Uh, there were parts of it that weren't very good though.
Waldorf: It could have been a lot better.
Statler: I didn't really like it.
Waldorf: It was pretty terrible.
Statler: It was bad.
Waldorf: It was awful!
Statler: It was terrible!
Waldorf: Take 'em away!
Statler: Bah, boo!
Waldorf: Boo!

See how easy it is to let someone else's opinion turn yours completely around?

Not to say that one should turn a blind eye to changes that have a negative impact on your business. But be careful in your conversations with other sellers and on chat boards. People are more likely to report bad news than good news. When changes occur, look for ways to make those changes work for you, rather than focus on any negative aspects.

Donnah Brnger
Mainely Glass
http://mainelyglass.rubylane.com