Love em or hate em, the Academy Awards are rarely without controversy. Learning from the academy awards in regards to controversy should really be given top prize. Or at least a giant gold statue.
Everything from slaps across the face to boycotts to wardrobe malfunctions to politically charged speeches to awards being handed to the wrong people. Besides the slap, one of the most controversy spotlight was on a decade’s old remark from a would-be host. This led to the entire 2019 Oscars having no host at all. Only 3 years later the newly restored host was publicly humiliated in 2022 by being slapped across the face…. and that for making a joke…again!
For most of the world, these shows come and go with barely a notice. And this probably can be said for the millions of small business owners like ourselves. However, learning from the Academy Awards we see a few things about dealing with controversy.
1. Beware the knee jerk reaction 2019:
It’s amazing how fast the Academy Awards decided to ditch a 91-year-old tradition of being hosted by a fellow celebrity in 2019. All it took was a
When controversy arises, we often want to do whatever it takes to calm things down. Yet, we must be careful not to act based on the reactions of others. Most of us realize our customers are key, and we need to respond when there’s a problem. But this can also be said about our employees, reputation, profit margins, brand and a myriad of other components. Here are a few things to remember.
1. Start from within:
Before blaming the customer or product make sure the problem isn’t with you or the way things work within your business.
2. The customer can be wrong:
The rule of thumb is one complaint is an anomaly. Numerous complaints mean there’s something wrong.
3. People lie:
This means spending the time to uncover the evidence before we react. Trying to understand where the complaints are coming from and if action is justified.
4. Don’t take things at face value:
Many issues have deeper roots. Analyzing the process and your product is important to understand what the problem really is.
5. Respond. Don’t React:
This means we need to let everyone involved know we are aware of the problem and working on a solution. However, the solution should come out of our ability to control the situation and make the necessary adjustments.
2. Being politically correct isn’t just for celebrities and politicians.
Yes, the academy awards have their place and are enjoyed by many. However, it seems the entertainment industry is more concerned with being politically and pop-culturally correct than celebrating the individually unique ‘art behind the artist”.
As a small business owner, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be concerned with current trends or standing behind our beliefs. However, our job is to add value for our customers by providing the products and services they need (and things they didn’t know they needed). Here’s a way to stay on track and not start controversy unnecessarily.
1. Don’t talk politics: Nothing will drive your customers away faster than spouting off “what you believe”. Stay on track and provide them the business service they need; not what political opinion you think they should have.
2. Beware of fads: In the business arena, many fads come and go. People hype up the ideas of – emotional intelligence, Six Sigma, core competency, diversity debate, embracing mistakes, authentic leadership, and the ever-present ‘gig economy’. Don’t let these radically change what you do (unless your business needs a radical change).
3. All things to all people: This is a huge mistake. Trying to please everyone means pleasing no one. So, know who your customer base is and serve them first and foremost.
4. Expanding too fast: Trying to expand without knowing what your doing will bring controversy and possibly a lawsuit. Yes, we need to keep up with a changing market, but chasing customers might just leave your current customers behind.
3. Controversy can be good for business 2022
After first seeing the Will Smith slap, I thought the controversy isn’t all staged (pun intended).
Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to various issues. For example which movie really was the best? Was Will Smith really that angry? Do we really need these award shows?
Yet think about how any controversy is now blown up and spread world wide in just one tweet. And when it comes to most award shows, The whole premise is built on controversy since most of those nominated probably believe they deserve to win. And when they don’t, it’s controversial.
Think about it, the academy awards have gotten free publicity. The bigger the controversy the more people talk about it. However, too much can also cause people
In Variety Magazine March 29 2022 – “Will Smith’s Post-Slap Oscars Acceptance Speech Spiked Audience by 600,000 Viewers”.
In the same magazine – Variety– for the 2019 academy a controversy also played well. As stated in the awards show drew a 7.7 rating in adults 18-49 and 29.6 million viewers on Sunday. That is up from a 6.8 rating and 26.5 million in 2018. That is an increase of approximately 12% in total viewers and 13% in the key demo.
Now relating to your product (outside of maybe high profile customers being slapped). a controversy can help strengthen your business. If handled correctly. Here are a few ideas.
Learning from the academy awards – 4 points
1. Respond quickly:
This does not mean we need to make changes it’s. It does mean taking controversy seriously from the start. Don’t let things fester. Many problems may go away after time. Right along with your business.
2. Controversy makes people aware of your existence:
As a business, we depend on people knowing who we are. However, this means we need to define who we are and NOT the controversy. So, do whatever it takes to turn the tide towards you, not against you.
3. Have a game plan:
Every business needs a public relations plan of action. Are you going to get the word out through newspaper, radio, website, blogs, visiting customers direct or a blanket statement over multiple mediums. Controversy will arise, so be ready beforehand.
4. Make your customers happy:
Making your customers happy is the key to turning a negative event positive. Show customers you take them seriously, respect their patronage and, by all means, give things away if need be. A loss today may help turn a profit tomorrow.