Brand activism is tricky. You care about a cause. Your customers want action. You’re ready to dive in. But hold up.
Even with the best intentions, not all your customers may follow. Some might even feel sidelined.
Brand activism? It’s a minefield—and a true leadership challenge.
Harvard Business Review just gave a shout-out in their printed edition to the piece Kim Whitler and I wrote on how to do it right. Here’s the gist:
- Check your brand alignment: Your stance has to fit your brand’s DNA. If not, you’re wasting time and money.
- Don’t alienate the base (or be ready for the backlash): Stay close to causes that matter to your core audience.
- No solo CEO acts: Get your team involved—diverse voices matter here.
- Team up: Some causes? Too hot to handle solo. Partners help diffuse the heat.
Remember, it’s not about staying quiet—it’s about staying smart.
(Image credit: Alex Eben Meyer, Harvard Business Review)
