How to Handle Haters on Social Media While Selling

In today’s digital marketplace, salespeople often encounter hostile comments and trolls on LinkedIn, a challenge highlighted in Salesman.com’s “How To Deal With Haters When Selling On Social Media” episode [3]. Hosts Daniel Disney and Will Barron share personal anecdotes and actionable advice for maintaining composure and protecting a brand’s reputation.

Key takeaways

• Early LinkedIn activity can attract a surge of trolling, especially when engagement rises [3].
• Distinguishing between occasional aggressive remarks and repeated harassment helps decide when to block or report [3].
• Developing a “thick skin” and focusing on metrics that can’t be fabricated, such as follower counts, can reduce the impact of criticism [3].

Personal Experiences Shape the Advice

Daniel Disney recounts that his first few years on LinkedIn were “the worst for trolling,” noting that increased visibility often brings “more trolls out of the woodwork” [3]. He emphasizes that while a thick skin is essential, trolls can still affect emotions, leading him to block a particularly abusive user for the first time [3]. Will Barron adds that his own experience includes blocking spammers and confronting a sales trainer who accused him of fraud. Barron’s response—a semi‑viral post showing him “flipping the bird” in front of the Coliseum—illustrates one way to defuse tension, though he later reflected that ignoring the provocation might have been wiser [3].

Practical Steps for Managing Negative Interactions

The hosts outline a two‑part framework for assessing whether a comment warrants escalation. First, evaluate the content: a single, extremely aggressive message may cross the line into harassment [3]. Second, consider frequency; repeated subtle attacks can signal a pattern that justifies blocking and reporting [3]. They advise sellers to monitor engagement metrics that are transparent—such as likes, comments, and follower growth—because “the numbers are there for everyone to see” and are harder to manipulate [3]. This focus on verifiable data helps maintain confidence despite negative feedback.

Why it matters

Handling haters effectively protects both personal reputation and the broader sales funnel on LinkedIn, a platform where credibility directly influences prospect conversion. By distinguishing genuine criticism from trolling, sales professionals can preserve their brand’s integrity while avoiding unnecessary distraction. As Salesman.com continues to produce content on social selling, these guidelines are likely to evolve, offering more nuanced strategies for navigating the increasingly hostile corners of online sales environments.