Last week when Helen Thomas made her now-famous remark that the Jewish people should ‘get the hell out of Palestine,’ there was an instant backlash as only our modern media can deliver. Thomas very quickly learned what many business owners should understand – in this world of social media, you are a very public figure.
Your personal views should stay that way
I’ve seen and heard a lot of very respectable professionals weigh in on the news about Thomas, the upcoming Congressional elections, the president, and on just about any other polarizing issue they feel like. Usually, I hear it out loud in a business setting, but occasionally I read such things on personal Facebook pages, and even some smaller company blogs. This can be a terrible move for your business.
Recently I was on an airplane heading home and the guy behind me started in on politics. He was loud, angry and beyond rude. Near the end, he was handing out business cards to a few folks. I wonder how many thought he’d be just as cautious in his handling of their business needs.
Not just you, your employees
Wanna have some fun? Do a Google search for your company and see how many employees pages come up. Dig in and read some of their political views. This is how many companies get portrayed without even knowing it. We highly recommend to our clients that they monitor their employees’ online activities and distribute corporate guidelines for use of client names, political views, etc.
Subtle hints can be damaging
I’ve seen many advertising firms proudly helping out with political campaigns. They even go so far as to place this work on their websites. In this polarized society this can be a dangerous move. I know clients who have very clear political agendas. These color who they chose to work with. As a result, we keep a very large distance between our work and our personal ideas. Even subtle hints on your corporate website can be damaging. Before you do a group photo of executives, look carefully at their neckties, and lapel pins. Before you do a photo of the exterior of your company headquarters, look at the bumper stickers on the cars in the parking lot. Paying attention to these small communications can protect you from sending out the wrong message.
