“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
The Chik Fil A controversy this past week has had a lot of people talking, hasn’t it? And it’s amazing that it was able to get so much attention at the very same time as the Olympics. Seriously – it’d be hard to buy the amount of publicity they gained through word of mouth combined with incredible power of social media.
But it raises a good question for those who are active on social media and blogs:
Just how honest should you be when you blog or tweet?
Should that change just because your opinion might offend some people?
This came up on my own Facebook page a few weeks ago – I posed a quote graphic intending to provide encouragement – instead, it got some people’s blood boiling!
I don’t normally go seeking confrontation for it’s own sake. That said, I don’t think it was a bad thing, and here’s why…
One of the most important things that I teach about social media, that I’ve seen time and time again, is that it is incredibly important to be yourself. Write like yourself, tweet like yourself, and act like yourself. Bring yourself to your business, not just a cardboard cutout version of yourself with perfect but stilted words and no opinion about anything.
Your values and beliefs are a part of the uniqueness you bring to your business. And goodness knows, these days there are a lot of pretty strong opinions out there about competing beliefs and values, right?
I’m not saying that you should deliberately go out and seek confrontation about what you hold dear – unless that too is authentically you. I mean, it works for Perez Hilton, right? There is a BIG difference between voicing your own belief system and attacking the beliefs of others.
But if you try to hide your opinions for too long, you’ll seem cold to your readers. And you’ll have a hard time building the connections that social media is all about.
Will I lose followers if I’m honest about my opinions?
I’ll be honest with you. It’s highly likely that you will lose some people who disagree with your opinion. Just like it’s your right to have a belief, it’s their right to act in accordance with theirs.
But – it stands to reason that if they unfollowed you because your opinions and beliefs were that different, they probably weren’t your ideal client anyway!
Opinions Gone Viral
Social media has greatly increased the ease with which peoples opinions can be shared far and wide. Going back to the example of Chik Fil A, let’s look at what happened – with the issues taken out of it. The founder shared an opinion about a hot button issue. People on both sides had strong opinions in reaction. People on both sides shared those opinions and what they thought others should do via social media. Politicians got involved in expressing opinions, and suddenly the whole thing went viral and even got ugly in some cases.
Opinions can go viral in moments, thanks to social media. It makes you wonder if it’s worth being honest with who you are.
What Do You Stand For?
If you’re building a business on social media, you have to decide: What do you stand for? Do you stand for your beliefs and hold fast to them, or are you going to let other people dictate what you believe and what you share with the world?
By being yourself, you don’t have to “be” an issue, a cause or anything like that. But without being yourself, there’s no “you” to connect with, either.
Would love your comments…what do you think? Can you share your opinions on social media? Do you need to in order to be authentic?
About Kim
As with anything we have to pick and choose our battles wisely because they are out there. I try to avoid topics of controversy such as politics. I do have opinions on the matters but it doesn't bring any value to my business to discuss such things on social media. I hope that makes sense. There's also my other general rule of thumb–is it true, is it helpful, will it matter in a year?
It is amazing how many get wrapped up in a position and then don’t even remember it a year later. You are right, Kim.
Kim- I loved the post. I believe that you CAN have an authentic presence in social media without letting everyone know every single thought or opinion you have. Just as there is a distinction between authentic and fake, there is a distinction between authentic and lacking boundaries. I agree with Kim the commenter about avoiding topics like politics if it has nothing to do with your business. My clients don't want or need to know my opinions on politics or hot topics unless it can in some way improve their business To date, I have not found anyone needing to know my position on the upcoming election or my views on gay marriage in order to accelerate their success. =)
Thank you for jumping in Kelly!
It's taken this baby-boomer years to get to the point that I know who I am, what I believe and what I will and won't stand for. Social media is no different…I don't go looking for a fight, but I won't be used as anyone's doormat, either.
Here here! Love it, Carla!
I love this, Kim. I try to not talk political or religious views because they cause such strong reactions in people. You're right though. How will people really know me or be able to connect with me if I don't tell them where I stand. I do tell if asked and I will say in private why I will not do or be apart of things. I try not to judge or preach but I will save my values. Thanks for reminding me that unless I tell people about my personal views they really will never know me. ..;) awesome as always !
It’s a tough line for sure!
I feel like the above. If it's not bringing value to my clients or potential clients I stay away from it. Michael Jordan was asked why doesn't he endorse certain candidates and his reply was "conservatives buy shoes too". On the other hand, if I'm simply trying to get engagement then religion and politics will always get that.
Thank you Kim for this again interesting article. Most of the time I do like other commentors: I don't talk publicly on social media about subjects that can deserve my business. But I did an exception during the presidential campaign in France this year about politics. I thought it was important to bring some information to my followers, even if it was quite risky. I have choosen to be myself, with my beliefs, even if it could make some people unfollow myself. The good thing in that decision is that it made other people follow me. And the bottom line has been improved
.
Do you think it could be better to act on social media through an avatar when takling about controversy subjects?
No, I think you need to be you.
Gosh but this is a good question. And it really made me think. I hate conflict and avoid it, especially in business. But I find that if I keep my personal opinions too banal and vanilla in order to please everyone, I lose myself. In the end, I state my opinion – even in my blog – to keep it real. I don't fight or defend my position too strongly. I simply state the truth. I think that is how you win true followers.
I agree, Liz. I think it’s important to be true to who we are but to not go out of our way to stir up controversy!
Kim,
I agree with most of the above comments. I have my opinions and they are strong. I also know that I am not going to convince or persuade anyone by voicing them. And the other side of that is I probably don't really care about other's opinions and it's highly unlikely that I am going to be persuaded. There are so many more important issues for us to discuss.
Strong opinions are hard to hold in don’t you think?
Great article, Kim. Also, as for me, I do feel like the comments above. I also try to avoid topics that would just bring a lot of controversy. But even so, I am very thankful that you have shared this article. It has reminded to show to my audience where I stand. Again, thanks for sharing.
I prefer to avoid controversy too
I agree with all the above, I know I take all this in consideration. I am sometimes a little bit more expressive on my personal profile than on my biz page. I make a difference in the two; especially in my niche, people like to know what I stand for. So, it all depends. When people really do want to know you; they will find out one way or another….
The other side to this is that sometimes people go all over the place to please everybody, just to be political correct.
So true, Olga!
Well said, Kim! I do try to refrain from contraversial posts and tweets, but I do beleive it is important to voice your true opinions
It’s a tough balance for sure!
Great article and I for one am glad this whole issue has settled down.
It was kind of tense there for awhile wasn’t it?
I think by nature I have always been an advocate for the underdog or those unable to stand up for themselves…with that being said, I was also raised to count to ten, take a deep breathe and ask myself if my opinion will be helpful or harmful and if the person will be likely to hear my thoughts…honestly, in my experience for the most part people want to speak their feelings not hear others! Excellent article!
This is an excellent point of view! I totally agree…you have to make sure you aren’t responding on pure emotion and the counting to 10 or waiting 24 hours really does help!
I think there is nothing wrong with speaking your mind. We need to be authentic and that calls for us to be honest. I do not shout my beliefs all over the Internet but if asked, I would tell, just like Dan Cathy. I worked in marketing for Chick-fil-A and got to meet him on several occasions. Both he and his father are admirable, honest and strong businessmen. They know what they are doing and are not bowing to pressure in today's society. Yes this caused a PR nightmare but if he had been dishonest, he would have lost more raving fans than what happened when he was honest.
AMEN! The bigger issue is that he has the right to his beliefs just like anyone else in this country!
Geat article, Kim. Feel somebody could be offended at any time if they disagree with something we say, but being authentic and true to who we really are will attract those into our lives who really are your ideal clients. We should be able to express our beliefs/values without attack but realize there will always be those who "live" for controversy! Glad you wrote this article. I think it's important that we don't let others dictate who we really are!
I totally agree…we should never let others cow us into being something we aren’t! Appreciate you, Sue!!
Great article and it does make you stop and think. It makes me more aware of articles that I share as well. Thanks Kim.
Thanks for dropping by Kerry!
I think there's a fine line between balancing the two. Whereas it is totally important to share your beliefs, there should always be caution thrown to the wind to make sure that what you put out onto social media is something you're willing to risk answering to.
I think it's awesome that he had THE GUTS to reply, whether, I agree with him or not! The reason so many don't make A DIFFERENCE is because they don't have the courage to reply how THEY REALLY FEEL. Politically correct is so beyond lame it doesn't make you stand out, it makes you fit in. When I was 17, I heard S. Truett Cathy speak and I was moved by his humility. Personally, I have seen Chick-Fil-A give a TON to the homeless, orphan kids, and single moms. Also, I have been to every one of their competitors (Mc Donald's, Burger King, Jack In the Box, Wendy's, Church's, Whataburger, Sonic, Five Guys, Chipotle (which I love too!), Panera Bread, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Papa Johns) and while some of them are great like Chipotle and Five Guys, there is NO CUSTOMER SERVICE like Chick-Fil-A's. Hands down, the best! I am treated like royalty EVERY time I've been there. I go back because Chick-Fil-A seems to get what so many don't. Treat the customer like they are valuable, make a memorable, remarkable experience and customers for life. Kim, thanks for sharing this article… I appreciate that you had the courage to bring this perspective up.
You are dead on Melodee! I totally agree
Freedom should be absolute up until the moment it is in conflict with another persons freedom. The real issue is are public service companies obligated to cater to all. I do nt think they should have any limits on their services as long as it is not in direct violation of a potential customers rights. But those are very few. I feel that if a business has a religious underpinning, it is entitled to make any statement wants. And there is no right of an individual to say anything about it. Their right is to choose not to go their.
Now that said, if a company were truly of God they would be careful not to judge others. So overall I think the PC wave needs to end and we bing back practical views on things. It is only in the extremes that we see such nonsense. It is a reasonable reaction however to the suppression of religion that has occurred in my lifetime.
There are a handful of items I feel strongly about:
1) Abortion – It should be avoided at all costs. But never decided by anyone other that the lady whose body is in question. Anything else is a type of slavery and is unacceptable. I feel that may explain the epidemic of causes as women seek outlets for the frustration.
2) Gay Marriage. This is a tough one. But I feel that marriage is a religious based activity. And God has reasons for the marriage of te opposite sex. I do not feel that others are entitled to be married as that erodes a sacred ritual in the eyes believers. However I do not see an issue with some other civil bond that is called by a separate name. I feel these things sre petty in the grand scheme of things as a true Christian would not voice an opinion strongly on this except for the attack on religion that iis ongoing, not by the people but by Satan.
3) Removal of prayer from school. We were founded as a nation based on God an Christ. To deny this is unacceptable. We have allowed for the existence of other religions but to give any more is to let ur God down.
But the thing that is missing in all that we do is a sense of humility that should drive us to Truth. Never seek agendas but solely the truth, and always seek the best for everyone not yourself. That was Christ’s message, to look outward not inward. But I guess it needs humility.
Faith in the face of substantial blunders is what we should strive for. Never worrying about failure as even failure brings knowledge. sometimes that knowledge is more valuable than the success would have been.