How Sharing Personal Beliefs Through Your Business Can Sway Opinion

I was out driving the other day when I saw a branded vehicle, nothing out of the ordinary. Scrolling down the back of the car, I spotted a Donald Trump bumper sticker. Now we all know how controversial Mr. Trumps presidency has been and it has most definitely split opinion. I’m not one to judge someone based on political and religious beliefs but it did get me thinking about how such personal statements on a branded vehicle could sway opinion.

Wendy Russell is one of my clients who is a great example of sharing her personal story and beliefs. For Wendy, this helps people to understand her, build connection and create a message that people can relate to.

First impressions are everything in business and it only takes something small for someone to say yay or nay. This could come down to the branding or a particular advertisement. Whether someone goes with your business or not can sometimes rest on a knifes edge and a persons personal beliefs can definitely sway it one way or the other. Political and religious beliefs in particular are incredibly divisive, as much as they shouldn’t be. Now you may think displaying personal preferences on a branded vehicle will only have a negative effect but it can also have a positive one. As easy as it can push people away, it can make people relate to your brand and be that small thing that draws them in. People like to relate to a business on a personal level and giving them a bit of an insight into your own life can make you seem more human.

So is displaying your beliefs on a branded vehicle good or bad for business? In my opinion if you have gone through the trouble of branding your car you should probably keep it clear of ALL bumper stickers and novelty accessories. Keep it clean and professional and let your branding do the talking. As for your business as a whole, it is fine to give people an insight into your personal life now and then but don’t let it control how the business is presented. As I said it can go either way so definitely have a good think about what you say to your audience before you say it.