Publicly stating your companies/personal political views - effect on business

[Tony_Scarpelli]

It seems most of my customers are the opposite views of mine....so wouldn't help me much to ad political views. You'd have to almost do it like a code: "the conservative little shop" or "the liberal shop" and drop it at that....

Most folks would have no idea what you are talking about nor do they care but the few that it is important too would notice and possibly be attracted like a magnet.

FT--
I served in 7th Special Forces Unit at Ft Bragg, NC in 1975, lot of anti military sentiments, not surprise if there is still some there.

 

[Rocco]

I wear a belt with crosses, and a belt buckle with a horse and cowboy praying before a cross. It may be unprofessional to some, but it is my way. I have had many compliments on it, and never heard a complaint. I can probably get away with it in Wyoming a lot more than I could in California, LOL.

As for would I frequent a business with like views, I don't know. I didn't go to chic-fil-a during that craze weekend, I don't like lines, and why should I wait 3 hours for lunch? I didn't stop eating there though. I am more frequent to go to a business that I know is owned by a member of my church. But that is more likely because I know the owner, and not because of their viewpoints.

So on a national level, I don't think the owner's stances on anything affects my decision to shop there or not. On a local level, if we know each other, then of course I will base my decision to go to a place on who I know. If there are 2 similar businesses, one who you know the owner, and the other is a total stranger, where would you go? (Unless it was an adult bookstore, then you don't go to your friend's... )

 

[twonline]

I'm in business to advance my bank account not my political or religious agenda. Period. There is a time and place to proselytize, neither of which includes my shop or my customer's offices.

 

[bsd13]

Chances are most people make a statement about their religion and/or politics without ever saying a word. Or saying very few words. Those things aren't hard to pick up on. The danger isn't in having an opinion, or even voicing that opinion. It's when you start ramming it down client's throats that problems arise.

As far as the original question about how it would affect my decision, as a customer, to use one business over the other based on political/religious views. Case by case basis.

There are somethings I simply will not tolerate any of money money going towards. Abortion, racism, sex traffic, gun control, and homophobic agendas come to mind. If I know your business supports those things I will not be your customer.

 

[PCSupportGlasgow]

Absolutely agree. Before moving to London town lived in area popular with Irish families from both sectarioan groups when the "troubles" would sometimes blow up, litterally Town also had famously partisan football clubs. Quickly learned that avoiding topics of football politics religion with new beer buddies cut down on visits to A&E / trauma unit.

not from my quiet little city known for its friendly "kiss" were you

here religion a definite no-go area. I would go asfar as to say you have to also consider which colours you use on adverts as certain combinations can lose a fair chunk of business.

 

[hightechrex]

My take on it is... Who cares, go back to fixing computers. Well atleast, that's how i'd feel if I were a potential client.

 

[Tony_Scarpelli]

Types of opinion advertising:

NPR
Fox
MSNBC
Polictical papers Left or right
Kamen pink ribbon
Sponsor the Zoo, Museum, Opra, Tennis/golf tornys, kids sport teams.

I think it is much less risky to sponsor these types than it is to name your business "Seven Christian Brothers" or "Christian Dimension" two of my competitors both went out of business.