Soul Proprietor - Business and politics

I’m not a football person at all. I leave stuff for my buddy Jill, who is kinda like my personal Howard Cosell. I only learn what’s happening in the sports world by watching her Facebook feed.

But this year, I decided I would watch the half time show. Lady Gaga would be performing and the internet was speculating that she might “get political.” I tuned in just in time and marveled at her overall performance. Singing live and running in heels? Impressive. There was so much going on, you almost missed the subtle pro-LGBTQ message in there.

I found it interesting that people seemed to be so worried about it.

Perhaps they were expecting something from her because she’s been vocal in the past. Or maybe the anticipation was amplified due to some of the Super Bowl ads, like the Budweiser immigration ad, which triggered a boycott.

All this hubub about politics brings up a good question: should you take a political stance in your business? If so, could this hurt your brand?

My answers: if it feels right, go for it. And yes, you might just piss some people off and they may take their business elsewhere.

Now don’t let that second part freak you out.

Many businesses freely share their political stance and do just fine.

Ben & Jerry’s. Starbucks. Target. Hobby Lobby.

These guys have no problem at all stating their beliefs – and neither should you. When a business decides to speak up, there will always be people who get angry. They might boycott or resort to leaving nasty comments on the internet. That can feel scary, especially to a small business.

But know this: if someone gets hostile, then perhaps they are not your right customer after all. Maybe they DO need to go elsewhere.

Stating what you believe gives people the ability to self-select. Which is ultimately good for them – and your business.

So if you feel like sharing your political opinion, do. If you don’t, then don’t.

It’s all good. But do not hold back out of fear, ever.

Principles before profits, always.

Blessings,

Theresa