Bump in the Night

Got out a little early tonight. Dinner with the family and a little wine. Life is good?
Bump
The upside of social media is that you can reach a targeted audience, the bad thing is that audience can target you.
I promised to share my experiences as I grow in a new world that I have not been exposed to in the past. I have dipped my toe into the world of social media and tonight I found the water a little chilly.
Professionalism is difficult sometimes when an attack seems personal. My years of experience has taught me that it is never personal, only a matter of perception. And when a difference of opinion comes front and center,  leaving emotion out of it is almost impossible.
Tonight I had the chance to respond to a guest in a post that was directed towards the new management and changing of the guard. I didn't like what was said but understood how the guest felt. I also know some of the history and issues with the prior staff and management. Here's the rub. I did nothing wrong and the guest or group of guests only hate me because I am not the old regime. I can say nothing and ignore but ya'll know me better than that. I can attack the poster and start a mini online war. We know that no one wins this.
And oddly, page for the restaurant, is not run and monitored by me, the corporation responds as they see fit and may or may not like what I have to say. Jeez, the politics of social media. And those who really know me KNOW how much I love politics.
Choose your words carefully and don't lash out in anger. I did ask Sveta to give me a few minutes to concentrate on an appropriate response. (She is more emotionally driven, go figure).
So the set up is a guest was not happy that a former employee is a former employee.  Mind you, the store was closed for 8 months and now we suck because that person is not here.
I'm not happy someone posted publicly that they will never return because of something I had no control over.
Before I post my response, I again want you to remember, it's not personal but it is their perception and your job is to change their perception and make them loyal to you.

In the world of professional sports, even great players like Brett Favre or Peyton Manning move on by choice or force.
I turned the key on June 5th to reopen a great restaurant with no knowledge of the memories and talent of the past. I am building a championship team for the continuation of a brand that is to me, as operating manager, unequalled in the industry. Join us for the resurrection of name synonymous with quality.
My promise is to win you over with my team.