Many businesses do not realize the power of social media and the Internet in today’s business environment, like Preferred Guest Resorts does, when it comes to proper handling of reputation and crisis management.

Recent celebrity scandals such as with Paula Deen, Amanda Bynes, Miley Cyrus, and the caddy Twitter swaps between LeAnn Rimes and Brandi Glanville show the importance of proper crisis and reputation management, even though I’m sure they all wish the poor media attention would just go away. Unfortunately, it won’t. With little filters available, especially online, some improperly handled celebrities (which are basically a “brand”) and most businesses, do not realize the power of social media and the Internet in today’s business environment.

Any person, or company for that fact, can have a bad day or experience, and with today’s instant online channels and online-complaining trend, it seems easier for people to just jump online and complain, thinking, “I have the right to freedom of speech, and I can say whatever I want.” But the fact is, certain statements are restrictive and illegal, such as: “This business is a fraud; don’t do business with them.” Without substantial proof, it is considered slander and illegal action can be taken against