"If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. … We need not wait to see what others do." - by Ghandi
I recently had taken a 24 hour hiatus from social media and although that doesn't seem like much to some, it is for me because of my business. My entire life revolves around it. I do, however, strongly advise everyone to take a step back from it because it is an entirely different venue once you return. Someday I will break longer than 24 hours.
When I did come back to it this morning the first post I saw was a very controversial type post with a flurry of comments under it. The post definitely raised strong emotions within people and myself included, but I decided to push it aside and go on with my morning routine.
The question which came back to me several times throughout the morning was should I leave my opinion on this post? Awhile ago, I would have done just that and wouldn't have stood back and questioned or even gone on with my morning. I would have typed out some very emotional retort, BUT a new day was dawning because here's what consequences followed because in the past I had reacted so quickly -
I Had Lost Prospective Business Clients
This is because when one expresses an opinion there is always another side with an opposing opinion. We all know there are areas in life we are not supposed to discuss at the table, at a party and frankly, on social media and they are politics, religion or race.
I once mentioned this before and a person came back and said "Well, I don't want to do business with someone who is a 'political affiliation' or voted for that 'exploitative politician.' Also, I want to know this beforehand."
Even though I disagreed with this person I felt this further solidified why we should really think twice in expressing our personal opinions on these subjects. Oh believe me when I say I'm not perfect and have done it, but I see it and I'm working on it.
The funny thing is I have many friends who are liberal, conservative and whatever other label one wants to place on them and I LOVE them ALL, except when the name calling starts and the tempers flare so high that they cannot express themselves without trashing the 'other' side by name calling, swearing or some other form of mockery.
My beautiful mom always said when I was growing up:
"What a boring world it would be if we all thought the same, looked the same and were the same."
I Was Being Hidden From People
Some people use this option when offended by others and for many other reasons. It's a little less dramatic then unfriending someone and actually, once we cool off we might allow them back into our newsfeed. I've done it myself and so karma would indicate . . . Anyway, do I really want to offend someone to the near point of hiding me? Also, do I really want to unfriend someone, as that is definitely coming from the space of reacting?
I Had Been Unfriended
Well, not all unfriending is because one expresses a personal opinion. Some are just because of a bad day or they have decided to use a different approach with their personal profile, BUT some are definitely because of the way one has expressed themselves, myself included.
All of these directly affect my business success and I can definitely change the outcome by becoming more thoughtful and staying away from opinions which polarize others. I also will hear the argument -
"If you don't stand for something you will fall for everything." - by Malcolm X
You can still stand for your beliefs, but simply check the location of the podium, the sound system and the heart of the speaker. Then you may express yourself or that's the road I will be attempting to journey on this year. Cheers!
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