Negative Feedback: How to turn it into a Positive for Your Business

By Angeli Marie Shaw

No one likes receiving negative feedback. It can hit hard, especially when you’ve poured your heart, time, and talent into your work. Whether it’s a less-than-glowing review, a client who wasn’t 100% satisfied, or an unexpected social media comment, that sting can stick around far longer than it should. But here’s the truth: negative feedback doesn’t have to be a setback. In fact, when handled the right way, it can become one of your most powerful tools for growth, connection, and business elevation.

Let’s talk about how to shift your mindset and use criticism not as a reason to crumble, but as an opportunity to rise!

Don’t Take It Personally (Even When It Feels Personal)

This is easier said than done, especially in an industry where what we do is so deeply personal. Our work is a blend of education, intuition, skill, and connection. So, when someone’s unhappy, it can feel like a rejection of us. But here’s a gentle reminder: negative feedback is rarely about your worth. More often, it’s about unmet expectations, miscommunication, or something completely unrelated that the client is projecting onto the experience.

So, take a breath. Pause before you react. Give yourself a moment to shift from emotion to logic. Ask yourself “Is there something I can learn from this? Or is this simply a reflection of where someone else is at?” That shift alone can change everything.

Listen With Openness, Not Ego

If the feedback comes from a genuine place, it deserves your attention. Listening with openness doesn’t mean you agree with everything said, but it means you’re willing to reflect without immediately getting defensive. Ask clarifying questions if needed. Stay calm, even if your inner voice is screaming.

The person in front of you (or behind the keyboard) may just need to feel heard. You don’t have to explain everything away or justify every decision. Sometimes a simple, heartfelt response like “Thank you for your honesty. I really appreciate the chance to reflect and improve” can de-escalate tension and show true professionalism.

Find the Gold in the Grit

Every piece of feedback, especially the ones that make you feel uncomfortable, holds insight. Maybe your consultation process needs tweaking. Maybe your booking system is a bit clunky. Maybe the tone of your confirmation messages could use some warmth. Instead of brushing it off or spiraling into self-doubt, use it as data.

Journal about it. Bring it up in your team meetings. Look for patterns. When you start to see feedback as information, not criticism, you empower yourself to lead and grow with intention. Even one small improvement made from feedback can prevent future misunderstandings and help you uplevel your entire client experience.

Don’t Let One Comment Erase All Your Wins

Negative feedback has a sneaky way of becoming louder in our minds than the dozens of positive ones. It’s a natural bias. We’re wired to spot threats and protect ourselves. But just because one person had a less than ideal experience, doesn’t mean you’re failing. Look at the whole picture. All the return clients. The glowing reviews.

The referrals. The transformations. Try keeping a “praise folder”, digital or physical, where you store screenshots, thank you messages and rave reviews. On tough days, come back to it. Remind yourself of the impact you’ve already made. One piece of feedback doesn’t define you. It’s just a moment. A steppingstone.

Show Professionalism and Class

How you handle negative feedback says more about your brand than the feedback itself. A calm, professional, and graceful response builds trust not only with the person who gave it, but with anyone else watching. If it’s a public review or comment, resist the urge to “bite back.” Stay grounded. Be polite. Be firm if needed, but always respectful. Something like “I’m really sorry to hear you felt this way. This certainly wasn’t the experience we aim to deliver. I’d love the opportunity to discuss this further and see how we can make it right” goes a long way. People don’t just watch what you do, they watch how you handle things. Let your character speak volumes.

Protect Your Energy—But Stay Accountable

Some feedback crosses the line into bullying, aggression, or personal attacks. In those cases, it’s absolutely okay to protect your boundaries.

You do not have to engage with abusive behavior. But if the feedback is respectful, even if it stings a bit, it’s part of being in business. Growth comes with accountability. We don’t need to be perfect, but we do need to be honest and willing to evolve. Remember that true leaders don’t avoid hard conversations, they rise to them.

Let me just say, if no one has told you lately, you’re doing an incredible job! What you’re doing takes skill, passion, resilience and heart. Receiving feedback, especially when it’s not glowing, is never easy. But if you choose to respond with grace, self-awareness and curiosity, you’ll grow stronger! So, hold your head high, reflect with honesty, and remember; feedback doesn’t mean failure! It means you’re still in the game. And you’re growing!

Angeli xxoo

And guess what beauty? My brand has had a glow up! Visit www.angelishawmentoring. com.au or follow me on socials @angelishawmentoring to connect and find out more.