Get Off The Fence - Why Strong Opinions Win in Today's Business Environment

Imagine you’re on Hinge right now (bear with us here).

You come across someone’s profile. Cute, but they’ve got some pretty generic responses that don’t tell you much about them other than they’re seriously lacking in imagination. Swipe left, please.

The next profile comes up. This time, it’s someone who’s actually taken the time to think about their three questions and show off a bit of personality. Intrigued by their wit and charm, you swipe right.

It’s the same with corporate blog posts and social media strategies these days. We’re absolutely inundated with drivel, too afraid to tarnish the company's reputation actually to take a stance on something.

No more.

It’s time to banish the business BS and let your winning personality shine.

The power of your opinion

Too many companies are relying on their faceless blogs, X’s (don’t get us started) and LinkedIn posts to do the job of driving sales for them. It’s boring AF, and every scroll through LinkedIn is a snoozefest.

Sure, it works sometimes. But they’re not putting to work their most underutilized asset - their employees. You’re telling me that if you’re a partner at a law firm, you don’t know a thing or two about that latest legal update?

Or that, as a tech founder with a Series A funding round under their belt, you don’t have any thoughts or feelings about the rollercoaster of a journey you’ve been on to get where you are today?

Don’t let the press releases and company statements speak for you. Now’s the time to get your voice out there to capture a prospective client. Capitalise on your attention capital, pal.

What the f*ck do I have an opinion on?

Here’s a question. What’s the most controversial opinion you have?

We’ll give you a minute.

Did your mind go blank? It can feel hard to come up with an opinion when we’re not used to expressing it. It’s like a muscle that needs work.

We’re not saying you need to spam everyone with a spicy take every five minutes. Or that you need to go out of your comfort zone. 

Our advice: start with something that’s pissed you off recently in your field. You’ll remember why you were angry about that new TikTok trend you can’t stand or piece of legislation that’s clearly not going to do any good.

We bet someone else agrees with you. Maybe someone else notices your profile for the first time because you’ve dared to show some charisma. Then, perhaps that person recommends your services to a friend because you’ve stuck in their mind.

Don’t forget - you’re an expert in your field. There’s no way a boring company post can compete with raw, unfiltered opinions from one of the business’ specialists.

Scared? Chuck out a mild-on-the-Nando’s-scale opinion and see how it feels. Go on, we dare you.

Taking your spice to new heights

With corporate blogs and social media posts, there’s usually a tone of voice guideline and other stringent rules in place, so every poor social media manager has to spend 30 minutes writing a post that should take five.

You’re not bound by the same rules. Go forth and get a little cheeky if you want. Get personal with the anecdotes if they fit in. The point is to get eyeballs on your piece, not sound like an extension of the biz.

On that note - stick to your lane. There’s a fine line between sharing an opinion or two to bring some life to your expertise versus ranting about the sh*tty service you got for your morning coffee. Keep your views focused on your field and throw some positivity in there so you don’t look like a negative Nancy.

And lively engagement is a good thing, by the way. You want people reacting and commenting on your piece. Fire back any shots as needed.

Strike a balance

Sure, corporate posts and blogs have their advantages - you can communicate critical updates and info quickly.

Just make sure it’s not the whole basis of your social media strategy, or you’ll sound as dry as a brick. Equally, one too many opinionated posts might put off potential customers if they check out your LinkedIn (maybe steer clear of political rants!) 

It varies from industry to industry, so look at some companies whose social media presence you admire to see what kind of balance they’re aiming for (or not, in which case there’s a chance for you to carve out a space in the landscape).

Final thoughts

Experts sharing their actual views is something that’s sorely needed from social media. In a sea of corporate posts, dare to do something a little outside the norm.

The reward? Engagement, notoriety (if that’s what you’re looking for) and potential new clients and networking opportunities. Thank us later.

Need some help? Meet Hedge. We’re less carbon copy and more diamond diction. Get in touch if you’re after finance with finesse and flair.