Welcome to the August edition of Design Business Blueprint. This month, we delve into a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant in today’s polarized world: discussions of politics with clients. Is it a good thing or something to be avoided? How do you handle it if and when politics comes up? And what are the pros and cons of being publicly political for your brand?
In the wake of the politically charged climate we find ourselves in, I’ve observed some professionals in our industry voicing their opinions publicly on their social media channels, and some pulling back from social media entirely. These actions raise important questions for us all to consider: should interior designers engage in political discourse publicly? Will this affect relationships with clients? Will it make landing new clients easier or more challenging? Let’s explore these complex issues and provide some practical strategies for navigating political discussions with your clients.
The Personal and Professional Intersection
When did politics become so taboo? Democracy is a cornerstone of our society. Politics is something that can come up in conversations everywhere, from the dinner table to the workplace to social media. As interior designers, our work is inherently personal, often reflecting the intimate lives and values of our clients. Therefore, political discussions can arise naturally, but they also carry risks.
Pro: Authenticity and Brand Identity
Taking a stand on political issues can significantly enhance your personal and professional brand, as it allows you to showcase your core values and authenticity. Interior design is where aesthetics and personal expression are deeply intertwined, so aligning your brand with your beliefs can help carve out a distinct identity. This authenticity resonates with clients who share similar values, creating a natural alignment between their personal ideologies and your design philosophy. Because of how deeply personal our work is, clients are often looking for a designer they know they can relate to beyond aesthetics.
It is crucial, however, to strike a balance between being authentic and being polarizing. While your stance can attract a dedicated client base, it’s essential to consider the potential for alienation. Ensure that your messaging remains inclusive and respectful, even when addressing divisive issues. This approach allows you to maintain your integrity while also preserving the professional respect necessary to navigate a diverse clientele.
Con: Risk of Alienation
One of the most significant risks of taking a public political stance is the potential for alienation among clients or potential clients who do not share your views. Client-designer relationships are built on trust and mutual respect, so drastically differing political opinions can create an emotional distance that may be hard to bridge. Clients may feel uncomfortable or even unwelcome if they perceive that their beliefs are in opposition to yours, leading them to seek out a designer whose views are more aligned with their own.
The impact of this alienation can extend beyond just losing individual clients; it can also affect word-of-mouth referrals and your reputation within certain circles. Clients who disagree with your stance will be less likely to recommend you to others, which could limit your business growth, especially if you rely heavily on referrals. Furthermore, in today’s digital age, even a few dissatisfied clients can significantly impact your ability to attract new business.
Pro: Strengthening Client Relationships
Shared political beliefs can significantly deepen the bond and trust between you and your clients. When clients perceive that their designer is not just a service provider but a partner who shares their worldview, it enhances their overall experience. They are more likely to feel understood and valued, leading to greater satisfaction with the final design outcome. This sense of camaraderie can also lead to a more forgiving and flexible relationship, where clients are more patient and understanding when challenges arise.
A strengthened relationship can extend beyond the duration of the project. Clients who feel a strong personal connection are more likely to become long-term patrons, returning for future projects and referring you to others. Additionally, these clients often become your brand ambassadors, promoting your work within their communities, thereby expanding your reach and influence in a highly targeted and effective manner.
Con: Client Conflict
Political discussions with clients can sometimes escalate into conflicts that affect the progress and success of your projects. The highly personal nature of political beliefs means that discussions can quickly become charged, leading to discomfort, misunderstandings, or outright disagreements. This is particularly challenging to avoid given today’s polarized environment.
When a disagreement arises, it can create tension that hinders the creative process, making it difficult for both parties to focus on the design work at hand. Clients who feel that their views are not respected may become less cooperative, more critical, or even withdraw from the project entirely. This can lead to delays, increased costs, and a strained relationship that overshadows the quality of the final design.
Pro: Public Influence and Advocacy
Using your platform to advocate for causes you believe in can elevate you to the status of a thought leader and influencer, not just within the design industry but in broader societal contexts. When you take a stand on significant issues, you position yourself as a designer who cares about more than just aesthetics—you become someone who leverages their creativity and visibility to influence change and drive important conversations. This level of engagement can significantly boost your profile, drawing attention from media, industry leaders, and potential clients who are interested in aligning with a brand that reflects their own social consciousness.
Advocacy can also open doors to new opportunities, such as speaking engagements, collaborations with like-minded brands, and features in publications that focus on the intersection of design and social issues. These opportunities can further differentiate your brand, positioning you as a go-to expert in both design and advocacy.
However, with public influence comes responsibility. It’s important to ensure that your advocacy is well-informed and thoughtful. Engage with the issues you care about in a way that is constructive and positive, providing value to your audience rather than simply taking a stance. This approach not only enhances your credibility but also ensures that your influence is used to foster understanding and progress, rather than division.
Practical Strategies for Navigating Political Discussions
It’s always important to consider your target audience and the core values of your brand before making public statements. If your client base is diverse, it may be wise to keep political discussions more general and focused on universally accepted values, rather than delving into more divisive ones. This approach allows you to express your beliefs without alienating those who might disagree. Given the pros and cons of being publicly vocal about political views, how should you handle one-to-one political discussions with clients? Here are some strategies to consider:
Establish Boundaries Early On: From the first meeting, set clear boundaries about the types of discussions that are appropriate during your interactions. Whether you’ve established an understanding of your client’s political views or not, you can make it clear that your preference is to avoid getting political.
Listen and Respect Differences: If a client does bring up politics, listen respectfully without engaging deeply. Acknowledge their perspective without necessarily sharing your own. This approach maintains professionalism while respecting their views.
Find Shared Values: While you may not agree with your clients on some hot political topics, take the time to explore the beliefs you have in common and focus on that. You have more in common with each other than you think!
Be Prepared and Be Respectful: Always maintain a respectful and professional tone. This helps to mitigate negative feelings that may arise from political disagreements. Being prepared with conflict resolution strategies—such as refocusing on shared values and goals—can be invaluable if a disagreement does occur.
Keep the Focus on Design: Remind your clients that the primary focus of your work together is the design project. If political discussions seem to dominate, subtly redirect the conversation to design-related topics, emphasizing the project’s goals and objectives.
Navigating political discussions with clients is challenging but manageable. By setting clear boundaries, maintaining respect, and focusing on design, you can manage political conversations with clients effectively. When it comes to your public political presence, weigh the pros and cons carefully. Authentic engagement aligned with your core values can strengthen your brand, but always be prepared for the diverse reactions it may elicit. As always, remember that your business is your business. Understanding your goals and aligning your actions with them is key to long-term success. Stay true to your vision, respect diverse perspectives, and let your design work speak volumes about your professionalism and creativity.
For more tips and strategies on managing and growing your interior design business, follow me on Instagram @ykdassociates and stay tuned for next month’s edition of Design Business Blueprint.
About Design Business Blueprint
Design Business Blueprint is a Design News Now exclusive monthly column written by Yudi Kaufman of YKD Associates. Yudi is a multifaceted business strategist, entrepreneur, and creative with years of experience navigating the home furnishings and interior design industry. Yudi holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Interior Environments from New York’s FIT – Fashion Institute of Technology. Check back each month for more business tips and insights! Learn more at www.ykdassociates.com.
