When Your Competitor Leaves You a 1-Star Review

On Saturday, one of my clients messaged me, and was clearly very upset.

“I couldn't make this up. The owner of the store next door just left me a one-star review — and gave herself a five-star review all within the same hour!”

She was shocked. Angry.
Ready to fire back.

But that’s not how we handle things in business — not when we lead with integrity.

So I told her,

“Be a better person.”

Then I asked for details.

Now, out of integrity and respect for privacy, let’s call her Jane — the owner of Sweet Treats, a dessert shop just down the road from my client’s sweet treat shop.

After reading Jane’s review, here’s what I suggested my client reply with:

Hi Jane,
We always welcome feedback — though we were surprised to receive such a detailed review from the owner of Sweet Treats next door.
While we understand perspectives may differ, we stand by the transparency of our pricing and the quality of our guest experience.
We’d love to connect as neighbors, not competitors.
Collaboration builds stronger communities than criticism ever could.

No defensiveness.
No sarcasm.
Just clarity, kindness, and confidence.

And you know what happened next?

Within days, Jane — our “friendly neighbor competitor” — removed the review and called to apologize.

And here’s the kicker — in a small town driven by strong community values, people noticed.

A few locals saw both reviews, and the gossip spread fast.
Instead of hurting my client’s reputation, Jane ended up hurting her own.

Her move backfired — because people respect integrity more than ego.

That’s the power of emotional intelligence in action.
That’s what happens when you know how to stay centered instead of reactive.

In business, you can’t always control what people say about you —
but you can control what you stand for.

And that’s what builds trust.
That’s what attracts clients who stay.
That’s what turns pressure into proof of your leadership.