How often do you feel stressed while on social media and sign out of the platform? What is it that stresses you out? Is it the comments and opinions of other users?
Personally, I use social media to get news and sports updates and to find out what’s going on in the community. I also follow our clients, connect with family members, and look at fun things like recipes. I have zero tolerance for haters and political views on my feed. When I see this, I hit the unfriend or unfollow button – I have been doing this quite often lately.
I recently noticed that some of my Facebook friends, who happen to be local small business owners, were posting about the Ottawa protest. Some were making comparisons to not so nice historical figures. Okay, so you are a business owner that relies on the public for your business, and you are picking one side over another, knowing that half (or more) of your customers don’t agree with you? Let that soak in.
As a business owner, you really have to keep a lid on controversial opinions even if they are on your personal social media account. Even though the account is personal, in many cases, clients are also Facebook friends. Can your business afford to upset people which could result in them not shopping at your business? That’s what is going to happen if you express your view on controversial subjects too often.
Of course, we live in a country where you are entitled to your opinion without consequences. However, it’s important to look before you leap, nothing is private anymore. As a business owner, you have to think of the big picture and what your clients think about what you post on social media.