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It’s Getting Hot in Here – Brand Activism in Diverse Political Climates

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nfl, brand activism, racial injustice

Phew…this weather…am I right?

I am beginning to think sweating is my new way of life.

The weather certainly seems to be symbolic of where we are as a country right now – chaotic, confused and heated.

Business & Brand Activism

8THIRTYFOUR is a progressive agency, that is something we have never shied away from, and we find it important to take a stance on issues we believe in. Hell yes, Colin Kaepernick and all of the other NFL players should be kneeling. We will take this stance any day.

This isn’t always common practice for businesses, as it can, in some instances affect your revenue stream.

However, the impact on revenue can be a positive one, if done appropriately.

NFL, Racial Injustice, Bathroom Laws, and More – When to Take a Stand?

When is it appropriate for a business to take a stand? A Fast Company article on brand activism made the following points:

  • When brands take action on issues their customers care about, it fosters an emotional connection.
  • Brands understand the value of following their employees’ lead on issues, both because it helps with retention and recruitment directly and because being known for running a respectful, thoughtful workplace.
  • Taking a stand is polarizing, and could turn off or even drive away potential customers who don’t agree with you.
  • It’s important for companies engaging in brand activism to be seen as leaders in their industry, not followers.

As a business, this is an important conversation to have internally. We are experiencing an incredibly divisive time in our country and this is leading to more businesses such as Apple, Starbucks and Target issuing public statements on the “bathroom law”, LGBTQ rights, marriage equality, racial injustice (NFL dialogue) and more.

I’m not sure businesses can afford to stay quiet. What do you think?

 

Comment (1)
Brian Mack
September 28, 2017

I totally agree that taking a firm stand on an issue, particularly when it reflects the mission and culture of an organization, its employees, and customers can be beneficial when managed with appropriate sensitivity. I would even suggest that taking a firm stand because its the RIGHT THING to do (even if there is risk involved) might even be MORE important.

The dynamics involved in the current NFL #TakeAKnee controversy make for an interesting roller coaster of a case study. I wonder how you would score the value/benefit of taking a stand for the NFL, the players, & the President?

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Felt fitting to post this sneak peek of the Happy Hour Hustle episode with @meredith.and.the.media. You can’t allow other people to decide your path, if you’re afraid they’re gonna judge you; they will.

Get over it.

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Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18127940368651823
Felt fitting to post this sneak peek of the Happy Hour Hustle episode with @meredith.and.the.media. You can’t allow other people to decide your path, if you’re afraid they’re gonna judge you; they will. Get over it.

What’s it like having 6 dogs sleep with you? Exhibit A.

🐕no room for your legs.
🦮king size bed; single for the humans.
🐩bed on a bed.
🐾wake with a crick in your neck.
🦴it’s their world, we’re just living in it

15 0
Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18174154756423008
What’s it like having 6 dogs sleep with you? Exhibit A. 🐕no room for your legs. 🦮king size bed; single for the humans. 🐩bed on a bed. 🐾wake with a crick in your neck. 🦴it’s their world, we’re just living in it

The power of the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is best described by the second-stage WOSBs in it. Ashley Connelly, 25-26 grad, sums it up:

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Apply for the next cohort, launching in October. Deadline is mid-September.

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WEF is a program built by business owners for business owners, which is what makes it so incredible. The women chosen for the program have access to resources, mentorship, peer support, and 9 months of learning focused on the emotional and practical.

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Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18113635111928988
The power of the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is best described by the second-stage WOSBs in it. Ashley Connelly, 25-26 grad, sums it up: “If you’re a second stage woman business owner seeking an fellowship program that allows for the participants to be FULLY authentic 💃 , network with peers for advice, celebrate each other’s successes and failures all while being exposed to amazing speakers who are also practitioners - SIGN UP! ✅ People involved in this program GET IT... they understand what is means to be and think like an entrepreneur.” Apply for the next cohort, launching in October. Deadline is mid-September. Apply now: https://sbamwef.org/apply/ WEF is a program built by business owners for business owners, which is what makes it so incredible. The women chosen for the program have access to resources, mentorship, peer support, and 9 months of learning focused on the emotional and practical.