Comments on: Do Religion and Politics Belong in Your Business Social Networking?

By: Lou Bortone

Lou Bortone — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:49:13 +0000

I’ve tried to bite my political tongue a few times on Twitter, because my political views don’t really do anything to build or support my brand. Of course, if part of my “brand” is being a wise-guy, I’ll toss in a couple of jabs here and there!

Still, I have to admit that there are a few people on Twitter I liked better before they voiced their political opinions…

By: Ali

Ali — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:40:38 +0000

I love diversity and reject non-sensical fanatism. I choose intelligence over stupidity; commonality over differences, authenticity over “being right”.

If it is not part of your branding, don’t bring it in. Look at what other successful business people in your field are doing. Do they bring religion and politics into the mix?

Remember, your own core values are your “treasure” – Careful who you show the map to.

By: Mary Motz

Mary Motz — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:06:48 +0000

What a timely post!! I'm a news/politics junkie with "well-defined" views, so it's hard for me sometimes to keep my attitudes from seeping out into my communications, but I try though! It's especially tricky with blogging & SN, as their value as marketing tools is tied in with fleshing you out as a three-dimensional human. That may include "letting it slip" now & then with regard to political views, or less tricky topics such as TV, sports or recipes. I have clients that are very liberal (like me) and others that are very conservative. As long as it's kept positive, light (and infrequent), I think politics and business SN mix just fine! Mary Motzs last blog post..Skype Now Supports Caller ID in USA

By: Marnie Pehrson

Marnie Pehrson — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:04:19 +0000

I’ve been thinking about this question and there is a point where I wouldn’t choose to follow someone on twitter. If I see someone who is very negative and slamming other people I usually won’t follow them (I don’t care if it’s someone of my own denomination, etc). When I first opened SheLovesGod.com back in 2000 I got a lot of people who said I would kill my business by getting religious. The opposite happened, it grew by leaps and bounds. I get religious all the time. I even get political on occasion, but I try to come at it from principles, common ground and respect. I don’t resonate well with people who curse, name-call or bash other people’s beliefs. I even made a policy about that early-on at SheLovesGod.com that I’d pull anything like that. Since then it’s been a great forum for people of all faiths to share their love of God.

So I’d likely tolerate negativity/bashing for a political season from a friend, but I would probably avoid a stranger’s twitter if they seemed extreme and negative.

By: Joan Schramm

Joan Schramm — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:26:07 +0000

An interesting discussion.

I don’t hide my politics in business, nor do I flaunt it. I do enjoy having reasoned discussions with intelligent, well-informed people who have different viewpoints. I dislike overly partisan, obnoxious, foaming-at-the-mouth people of any political persuasion.

Would I use political leanings as the basis of a relationship? Maybe. Everything being equal (that’s the important part), I woud tend to choose a business that supported the things I believe in rather than one that didn’t.

If I already had a relationship with someone and then found out their politics were different, then I would go ahead — assuming they weren’t trying to force their beliefs down my throat. (Although, when I was dating, back in the day, I always tried to find out potential dates’ views on abortion ahead of time — no point in asking for trouble.)

We all choose who we associate with on the basis of compatability. Why wouldn’t political views be one of those points? For example, I almost invariably choose female doctors. And given the choice between patronizing a women-owned business or not, I usually go with the women. Is that wrong, to choose to do business with someone I feel more comfortable with?

Just asking…

Joan Schramms last blog post..Belief in the Perfect Parking Spot