One person makes enough comments over time, we know where he stands politically. Another man, in a prominent place where prospective clients can easily see, posts a picture of himself with a well-known partisan, political figure. Someone else, during a discussion about a different topic, manages to indicate his disappointment in an election. And yet another person discusses his position on abortion.
All these people have something in common: They are all business people. And the situations in which they made their statements also all have something in common: The business people revealed their positions in front of strangers or others who may hold drastically different views. These very strangers are prospective clients.
Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with having strong political views. But does sharing these views somehow increase business? Do businesses believe sharing their political views will grow their bottom lines by attracting others with similar opinions?
We guess this is a possibility but we doubt this is a true business strategy. After all, how well would this strategy work when businesses share their strong political views in front of strangers with unknown opinions? In those situations, aren’t you potentially alienating liberals or conservatives who might otherwise hire you?
We believe what’s more likely is people cannot help themselves. They feel so strongly about their political beliefs that, even though revealing them goes against their better judgment, they can’t help but work in comments into what are otherwise unrelated conversations. And while you may connect with someone politically, you’re probably more likely pissing off people. These are people who might have used your services but use your one or two political comments to define your entire existence or brand.
Even if we hear political comments we agree with, we sometimes make a mental note that this business person isn’t considering the consequences. There are always examples of businesses which reveal their political positions and do not suffer significant repercussions. However, small businesses especially can not afford to sacrifice a few solid prospects here or there due to unrelated political commentary, unrelated being the key word. Sometimes companies must fight for political positions, such as tax policy, that may directly impact their businesses. But too often, we hear political remarks that hold absolutely no direct relation to the conversation at hand.
Some men can’t help staring down passing women even when standing next to their wives. Some people can’t help eating cookies even when dieting. And we’re convinced some business owners can’t help spewing political jabs even when it may cost them customers.
Politics and government are important. But we often depict America as fairly split down the middle politically. Show some verbal self control. Be smart. And if you automatically assume the people surrounding you agree with you politically, that’s not very smart at all. Politics is a perimeter most businesses should not cross.