What do you want to be known for? At the end of all of ‘this’, and yes, I am counting on the fact there will be an ending, what do you want to be known for?
I was asked on Quora how I managed to skirt around giving an opinion on the virus, the Black Lives Matter movement, and Canadian and American politics. I was asked as a business owner how I managed to ‘stay neutral’ and or ‘silent’ on these issues.
Let me be clear – I do have an opinion on all the above and on a few of them a rather strong opinion based on my experiences.
My answer to the question on how to stay out of the ‘conversations’ was simple – I am focused on what matters to me and that is my business and my business growth. I shared that I continue to work to move myself and those I serve forward.
This forward focus, if you will call it that, means posting positives on social media, posting engaging content, sharing lighthearted moments and pictures that will further my goals as a business owner and the goals of my clients.
This forward focus is what I want to be known for now and at the end of all of this.
Will someone remember my opinion expressed on a thread about the current pandemic? If I disagree with them in a robust confrontational tone – most likely yes! Will the person I ‘sided’ with remember me as one of their troops? Possibly if they were in a minority field at the time. Do either of these matter to the growth of my business? Most likely not. As a matter of fact, those with the opposing viewpoint and those I did not ‘side’ with may remember, and the impact could be felt by my business based on the distaste I left behind in expressing my opposing view.
A true story…
A young teen in our community looking to grow a business – invested time in a dialogue regarding one of the items deemed a ‘hot topic’. This teen was articulate, well spoken, informed, and educated on said topic. However, the viewpoint of the teen was opposite of the one posting the original post.
I shared with the teen – the expression of opinion always comes at a price. Some days the price is amazing validation and being heard and knowing you spoke your truth, other days the price may be negative feedback and aggression – no matter the price, it is not just paid to the one expressing it, it also is paid to the business of the one sharing. We are our businesses.
Am I saying do not express your opinions? No, I am not saying that at all. How many posts are in fact asking for your opinion? How many people are calling YOU specifically and saying, ‘how do you feel about this or that’? Expressing opinions are moving our eyes off the goal of growing our businesses and standing / rising through what some are calling these ‘challenging times’.
What do you want to be known for? What is your focus? The squirrel... the elephant in the room…the bright shiny object syndrome is real. Stay focused on what matters to you and I am hoping that is your livelihood, family, and friends.
What do you want to be known for when all this is ‘over’?
Cheryl Clark
Business Strategist
Cheryl Clark is a published author, a speaker, a facilitator and an entrepreneur and co-founder of Embrace and Become networking group in Innisfil. Her weekly columns give guidance, advice and tips to small business owners and entrepreneurs.