So I had dinner tonight with a client and a good friend who happens to be a campaign manager for an Oklahoma politician. We had a great discussion about ideas and participating in the social or political marketplace. I personally carry only one brand and that is one of a Christian. I try very hard not to segment the different pieces of my life and wear them as a brand or identifier. My observation is that people tend to pigeonhole and create opinions about an individual based on available brands without listening to that persons ideas. It seems like Americans are always sprinting toward a reason to turn off their critical thinking faculties. I would rather have less assumptions made about me so that someone could give my ideas a fair hearing. His point was that at some point if you dont wear brands you begin to loose an amount of integrity. What do you think? What brands are so important that you will wear them no matter what? Republican, Democrat, Baptist, Catholic, New Dealer, Free Marketeer? Let's hear it.
Also for all you business folks If you haven't seen this its a must watch video. Take notes.
Also for all you business folks If you haven't seen this its a must watch video. Take notes.
4:36 PM |
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Do you find the "brand" of Christian problematic? Do you find that people make incorrect assumptions about you because you wear that brand?
Why is the brand of Christian so important to you?
Your friend had a good point about loosing an amount of integrity. Also, if you hide your "brands" does it mean that you are ashamed of who you really are? Wearing the brand of a Christian is important in my book as well. But what about the brands of a Soldier/Marine, a Fire Fighter/Police Officer or as you mentioned the brand of some sort of politician? Should those people hide who they really are and what they do? In my opinion, if people are willing to pre-judge you based on who you are and what brands you wear then who cares if they listen to you or not? They would not be the people I would surround myself with on a day to day basis.
I think wearing the christian brand is important for the purpose of redeeming it. If not for that I think I would toss that as well. However yes it is quite problematic at times. I find myself having to go to great explanation to try and undo the damage that someone else has caused to wearing that name. (not that I haven't done my fair share) "P" I don't surround myself with judgmental people, but it is usually in meeting people that this becomes an issue.
In my line of work I am constantly meeting new people, and trust is a key part of the function I play. So for example someone doesn't want to do business with me because I am a republican, anti-Iraq war or a christian then I would have a problem making a living. They say that those things are just not "polite conversation" but if I don't brand myself more topics are within the bounds of discussion.
Brands and labels are simply tools used to obtain a certain objective. Avoiding labels does not mean that you are hiding who you are and by that same logic, taking on a label does not expose who you are either.
It is more important to look at the purpose of either putting on a label or avoiding it. What would make you a more effective person in obtaining whatever goal you are reaching? How can you reach the most people and share your message the most effectively? If that means putting on a label, then put the label on so long as it serves its purpose. If it means avoiding a label, then so be it.
Ultimately we should all strive to be more transparent regardless of our labels.
Toby, I guess in your line of work it would make a big difference, so I see your point and Lori's point. "Some" people hate me for who I am anyway, so maybe I'm just callused and do not care as much as long as I try to be a good person. I have no lack of customers based on what I brand myself with so a lot of it would depend on the circumstances of your particular situation.