Creating controversy in your business, passions, life, and impact on the world will get you noticed – that’s a certainty. There are advantages and disadvantages but speaking your voice and asking the question “Why?” may offer breakthroughs in your business and thinking mindset.

Looking back at controversial organizations and topics such as Napster, Uber, Facebook, global issues of poverty, standard of living, Anti-American viewpoints, healthcare are a few examples and they all created significant buzz. How about the Starbucks Red Cup this year? The controversy (which was not the original intention) turned into a highly debated topic. One interesting result with all the media discussions, tweeting and posting about the cup – Starbucks starting selling red collector 2015 ceramic mugs (then blue ceramic cups) in all their stores.

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I think back during my travels and remember when visiting large cities, especially London – every single taxi driver and news conversation seemed to be about the controversy of Uber. This controversy opened opportunities on multiple fronts and many taxi drivers were switching over to driving for Uber. How about gay marriage, legalization of marijuana – a few big ones? Keep in mind, controversy does not always mean a political discussion.

How about going completely against the norm with controversy in your business and life and see what happens after 3 months. Do you remember the first time (many years ago) when you walked into a meeting or watched a TV interview with a technology company and everyone was dressed in jeans and tee shirts? It was eye opening to me during a meeting 20 years ago in Boston’s tech corridor with a new publicly traded tech-company. The employees looked like they were dressed in their pajamas and there was not a thought about being groomed and presentable. This controversial attire changed everything and creativity in the comfort-clothing scene moved around the world and started “business casual and working at home”.

5 Results of being controversial:

  1. People will talk about your brand and YOU – good and bad.
  2. It may result in Public Relations you did not expect – all PR is good PR.
  3. When social media gets a hold of the controversy it will spread and will raise visibility.
  4. Opportunities will result and must be ready to seize them.
  5. May lose some friends and clients, but hopefully no death threats!

Have a deep think about controversial topics you may want to make public (will scare you a bit)and it may result in endless opportunities. Once your controversial voice is heard in the social media worldget ready and hold on! Send me an email of your controversial messages this year atwayne@chiefgoalsofficer.com