Weekly Website Wednesday – Week #13
It’s unlucky week number thirteen, let’s see if I can ruffle some feathers by talking about politics this week … that sounds like a good idea, right? Moreover, as a “Business”, my advice this week would be, maybe don’t talk about politics, at least not while representing your kennel. We’ve seen it over and over the past few years where a company takes a stance on an issue, only to face backlash from one side or the other. I’m not saying you shouldn’t have your own opinions, or that you shouldn’t share them, talk about them or be proud of them … just that you might try to delineate your personal comments from your business comments when posting to your Kennel website or social media. The last time our country was this politically charged was prior to the civil war. Everybody is super sensitive about politics right now and your political comments could cost you customers.
We all remember when Bud Light partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, creating custom cans to celebrate her transition ("365 Days of Girlhood"). They ended up facing a conservative-led boycott and a sharp drop in U.S. sales, a loss of market share and criticism from political figures.
Target released “Pride Month” merchandise supporting the LGBTQ community in advertising only to face backlash from conservative groups, threats and accusations of pushing an agenda.
Disney another “Woke” rebranding, lost customers, saw a drop in traffic along with a financial impact. They faced political pushback from state lawmakers, criticism from conservative media, as well as policy and legislative retaliation.
Ben & Jerry’s made statements regarding Palestinian territories and social justice issues. For which they faced criticism from multiple sides and internal tension with parent company Unilever over how outspoken to be.
Recently Cracker Barrel redesigned their logo, removing nostalgic branding elements (e.g. “Uncle Herschel,” “Old Country Store”). They also faced accusations of “woke” rebranding, a loss of customers, a drop in traffic and financial impact.
Even outdoor brands like REI, Patagonia, Orvis, Dick’s Sporting Goods, The North Face, American Eagle Outfitters, Vista Outdoors and Yeti have faced backlash for taking a political stance.
Granted your kennel is not one of these giant public facing corporate entities and you’d face relatively little repercussions for taking a stance on any issue, but I’m sure you didn’t start a business to alienate customers. The again, maybe you only want your puppies to go to a Republican home or a Democratic home … I’d just want my puppies to go to a good, hunting home.
