Can Public Relations Professionals Have Strong, Public Opinions?

Serendipity occurred this week in a way that rarely does. A week ago, one of my best buddies, Josh Fleming, asked me if I thought that my strong political beliefs were affecting my brand and my business. He sounded like a concerned older brother. Probably because of my strong stance on the healthcare reform bill, which I have not been shy about defending in this blog post, on Twitter and on Facebook.

Yesterday, another friend, Jarad Bernstein from Des Moines' Catchfire Media, asked me to weigh in on a post about mixing a PR career and strong political opinions. The author of that blog took a familiar, safe stand. I don't blame her. But she's not me. By the way, I was Jarad's very first friend in Iowa. How did he find me? Google. What was the subject of the article he read that I was quoted in? Politics.

Then, yesterday, I spoke with an old friend that, like me, started out in politics, and now has his own business. Eric Woolson is the polar opposite of me, politically. He runs brilliant political campaigns for people whom I fundamentally disagree with. So, I asked my old friend the same question that Josh had asked me last week. He knew exactly what I was getting at. "You mean do people hire me because I'm a republican?" he replied behind his grin. He runs campaigns and does issue-related consulting. Not many liberals or democratic politicians come knocking on his door.

But for regular corporate clients, Eric said, there is hardly ever a discussion about politics. He can't even guess whether some of his clients are republicans or democrats.                                               

I have clients (and friends) from all over the political spectrum. Have I ever brought up a sensitive political issue in a client meeting? No way. I have common sense. If someone asked me a direct question about a contentious issue, I would reply, but not elaborate. I would immediately try to find common ground, or agree to disagree. That's what happens when I'm on the clock.

When I'm off the clock, I do express my opinion. Twenty+ years of papertrail and photographs document my journey. My resume contains the political jobs I've held. I belong to a Gore 2000 staff Facebook page. For months, my Twitter avatar has been of me and Barack Obama. I can't hide from my political leanings, nor my strong dedication to talking about issues that deeply matter to me.

What have I learned? Here is just a partial list:

1. If you have an opinion, be prepared to back it up with facts. People who don't agree with you will still respect you if you have a well-grounded argument.
2. Don't label and categorize people. Even though I'm a fairly liberal democrat, I still have differences in opinion occasionally with the party and elected officials. I don't appreciate being called a socialist or a "commie pinko" or a "feminazi."
3. Be respectful. This should be self-explanatory.
4. Know people for who they are and what they do, not what bumper sticker is on their car.
5. A little humor goes a long way. Ask Isaiah McGee or Wade den Hartog  how many good-natured jabs we've thrown at each other, while still retaining respect for one another.

My bottom line: maintaining good client relationships and friendships should have nothing to do with your political leanings. Respect, common sense, and tolerance for opinions and free speech are all American values that I cherish. Chime in, I'd love you hear YOUR stories and opinions!

Comments

[Josh Fleming]

Claire, I'm just glad you weren't inspired to write a blog post when I asked you about your review of the Sarah Palin, book, Going Rogue.

In all seriousness, great post. It really puts validation behind all aspects of your personal brand. How, where and when you choose to discuss politics is the real key here.

Lastly, on a day when we are crying about our lack of awards from the find folks at Des Moines Ad Pros you go and lift me up by writing a blog post with my name in it. Maybe I can start showing up in your tag cloud?

[Denika Almburg]

I look at it like this. If you are wearing a pair of pants that you just aren't too sure of, what do you do? You turn to your best friend and you say, "Do these pants make my butt look big?" Your best friend might say, "Yes, your arse looks about the size of Texas in those pants." If you ask a PR Professional the same question, you will get an answer like, "I think large-pocket pants are flattering on a lot of body types." Now, which would you rather hear?

I know I would rather hear my friend's opinion over a bunch of pretty words, woven together to sound like an answer I wanted to hear. So, in the end, I think you have to be true to yourself no matter what. Your friends will respect your honest opinion. And, your clients will know what to expect from Day 1.

You once called some of my peeps "right-wing-nut-jobs" in a post. It didn't make me think any less of you or your social media skills, that's for sure! I later poked fun at a social cause you support and because of your reaction, I have really dug into where my opinion comes from. I think that's the key to all public relations. You have to see all angles, opinions & attitudes in order to be good at it. However, that doesn't mean you have to sit on the fence.

[JaradB]

Claire, when I saw the blog post about mixing personal politics and the public relations profession, I knew you would come up with a great comment - and you did not fail. There are people like you who can pull it off. This is who you are and there is no hiding it. There are some people, however, even those trained in the art of public relations, that may not be as adept at melding their professional life with their political views. I appreciate your viewpoint. Oh, and thank you for that lunch at Palmer's a few years back. I could not have asked for a better introduction to this wonderful state and its politics.

[Chad Rohlfsen DC]

So you wouldn't mind if I charge those of a known and out spoken liberal mind set an extra toleration fee? I know I for one will not participate in Mr. Obama's healthcare nightmare. -Chad

[Claire Celsi]

You mean President Obama?

[Chad Rohlfsen DC]

Ok.. Same guy... President Obama's health care nightmare.... I still won't participate. :)

[Chad Rohlfsen DC]

Some good books you may consider Claire to understand us of the conservative mind set would be "Atlas Shrugged".. and "The Fountain Head". Both will give you great insights into your conservative friend's minds and both Authored by Rand, Enjoy... and yes, I Miss Mr. Bush Considerably. However he was no conservative, but he was an honorable man. Something PRESIDENT Obama has yet to prove. Just my two cents...
Chad

[Rachel Kay]

Claire,

Thank you for continuing the conversation I started on my blog, CommuniKaytrix. I think the most important point you make is that everyone has a different comfort level in how they vocalize opinions on the social Web, which is why those conversations are so powerful and interesting.

Although I'm not a fan of the term "safe," which you used to describe my stance, I guess you could say that is relatively accurate. But taken in the context I intended, I'm not just trying to remain safe, I simply reserve the right to keep my personal views personal, and I do this for a couple of reasons. First, I'm trying to establish myself as a talented consumer products PR practitioner, so those are the conversations I want to nurture. Second, I have a variety of clients with different religions, political views and beliefs, and I'm not looking to alienate them. Third, I have employees and part of a comfortable and safe work environment is that some things need to stay out of the workplace. That's the nature of my business.

In response to Denika's comment, I think you are confusing so-called PR spin with my post. The two are not related. I'm talking about keeping my views private. I'm very honest and true to myself as well, I just choose to keep my opinions off of my social networks for the most part.

Rachel Kay
@rachelakay