Keeping Your Big Mouth Shut!

My two most recent columns won’t ever be printed.

Written in a burst of enthusiasm about the day’s news, they were more emotional than logical.

Why else would blatantly political overtones overwhelm my marketing discussions?

Fortunately, both my bride and daughter squashed these discourses, reminding me my objective is educating and discussing communications; not politics.

They observed no matter how passionately I feel about something, I risk offending readers by taking sides on an issue.

While I’m as entitled to my opinion as anyone, I’m keeping my thoughts to myself rather than posting in this particular forum.

This is an issue we’ve addressed before; how business owners gamble with their organization’s fortunes by taking any public stand. Supporting a candidate, promoting a cause, or defending a policy invites those sharing your views to patronize your firm, but simultaneously invites opponents to attack or boycott you.

But where do you draw the line?

For some it’s a moral decision, others financial. Since I’m not wealthy enough to offend anyone, I try to watch myself.

My friend Dan follows me on a private Facebook page where I do share my political views. He noted; “I’ve got clients I could send your way, but I don’t think they’d like your politics.” And though I pride myself on an ability to work with almost anyone, regardless of their personal views of the world, he made his point.

Then there was the CEO of LaFace Skincare, who accosted a black homeowner for writing BLACK LIVES MATTER on his own property. Twitter blew up on her, and I’m suspecting her bottom line will feel it too.

And we won’t even talk about the pros and cons of Goya Foods’ CEO and his relationship with the White House.

It’s probably an understatement to say right now that times are weird, and are probably likely to get weirder in the days to come. As the election draws nearer, I’ll remember the words of Walter Cronkite who, when asked to run for Vice President, remarked; “The reason people like me is they don’t know what I stand for.”

As the owner of a business, I will keep my political views to myself. Regardless of what you’re selling, I’d recommend the same to help customers keep liking you.

With that said, I wish you a week of profitable marketing.

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Make your audience happier at www.askmrmarketing.com.