Think About It: Why Your Biz Needs to Get Off the Fence on Social Issues

Let's be real - running a business is already a huge juggling act without tackling complex social and political topics. Wouldn't it be easier to just sit on the sidelines and mind your own biz?

Here's the hard truth: In today's climate, customers aren't just buying products - they're aligning themselves with brands that reflect their values. If you stay silent on major social justice issues, you risk coming across as indifferent, neutral, or even complicit.

Don't believe me? Just look at some businesses that have faced backlash for failing to take a stand on important causes like racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change. Their refusal to get off the fence was pretty damning, leading to calls for boycotts and loss of customer loyalty.

On the other hand, companies like Patagonia, Ben & Jerry's, Nike, and TOMS have won big by being outspoken advocates for causes close to their brand values and customer base. When they take bold stances, it resonates strongly with their audience and fuels even more brand love.

Now, I’m not saying dash off hot takes on every political issue under the sun. And never, ever be inauthentic - that’s a huge no-no. But there are social impact areas clearly tied to your company's mission, expertise, or offerings that you NEED to be actively engaged in as part of your brand identity.

Whether it's ethical manufacturing practices, LGBTQ+ equality, environmentalism, or another cause - get off the fence and start building a position as a leader and advocate in that space. Your audience will respect your passion and commitment to driving positive change.

Does this mean risking some backlash from those who disagree? Unfortunately, yeah - it does. But you'll also attract more customers who deeply value companies willing to stand up for justice and rights - instead of sitting silently on the sidelines - and they’ll stay loyal for that reason.

The bottom line: Maintaining a neutral, issue-free brand is no longer an option in today's social climate. If you want to forge real connections and loyalty, you need to take a stand on causes that matter to your customers and differentiate your values. No more sitting on that fence!