Your reputation doesn’t just depend on what you do—it’s also tied to the people you work with. So when negative news breaks about your business partner, it can feel like a direct threat to your own credibility. Whether it’s a scandal, a lawsuit, or damaging headlines, you need a plan.
Here’s how to handle negative news about your business partners without letting it damage your brand.
Learn More: How to Remove a News Article from Google
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Panic never helps. Before making any decisions, get the full picture.
What to Do:
- Read the article(s) carefully—don’t just skim the headlines.
- Confirm whether the news is accurate or just a rumour.
- Determine if the issue directly affects your business (e.g., fraud, unethical practices) or is more personal.
- Document everything—screenshots, links, and any statements from your partner.
Your response will depend on how serious the news is and how closely your brand is tied to your partner’s actions.
2. Have a Direct Conversation
Don’t make assumptions. Talk to your business partner directly.
Key Questions to Ask:
- Are the claims true?
- Is there more to the story that hasn’t come out yet?
- How do they plan to handle the situation?
- Do they have legal or PR support?
This isn’t just about finding out the truth—it’s about understanding their plan so you can protect your own reputation.
3. Decide If You Need to Distance Yourself
If the news is damaging enough, you may need to publicly distance yourself from your partner. This doesn’t always mean cutting ties immediately, but it can mean:
- Pausing joint marketing campaigns
- Removing their image or name from your website or social media
- Clarifying your own brand values in public statements
If the partnership is more formal (like a co-founded company), consult a lawyer to understand your legal options.
4. Prepare a Public Statement (If Necessary)
If you receive questions from customers, clients, or the media, be ready with a clear, factual response.
What to Include:
- Acknowledge the news without sharing unnecessary details.
- Reassure customers that your business remains committed to honesty, ethics, and quality.
- Emphasise your own track record and values.
- Avoid getting too personal or critical.
Example Statement:
“We are aware of recent reports involving [Partner’s Name]. While we cannot comment on the details, we want to reassure our customers that our commitment to quality and ethical business practices remains unchanged.”
5. Monitor Your Online Reputation
Negative news spreads fast, so keep an eye on how it affects your brand.
What to Monitor:
- Search results for your business name and your name
- Customer reviews on Google, Yelp, and social media
- Mentions of your brand alongside the news story
- Media coverage that may connect you to your partner
Set up Google Alerts for your business and your own name to track any new developments.
6. Suppress Negative Content (If Needed)
If your brand is getting pulled down by your partner’s bad press, you can take action to restore your reputation.
Effective Strategies:
- Publish positive content about your business (press releases, success stories, client testimonials)
- Optimise your website and social profiles to rank higher in search results
- Request de-indexing for any inaccurate or misleading stories that mention you
- Work with a reputation management service to clean up your search results
7. Consider Ending the Partnership
If the situation is serious enough, you may need to formally separate from your partner to protect your brand. This can mean:
- Buying out their share of the business
- Dissolving the partnership entirely
- Rebranding to remove their name from your brand
This is a last resort, but sometimes it’s the only way to protect your future.
Negative news about a business partner doesn’t have to bring you down with it. By staying calm, making smart decisions, and protecting your own brand, you can maintain your reputation even in a crisis.
Need help dealing with a partner’s bad press?
Reputation Flare can help you remove harmful content, suppress negative search results, and restore your image.
Get a Free Quote and protect your brand today.