The Battle of being BOLD!!

In the present context where new businesses are born every day, the lessons here go far beyond just avoiding social media mishaps. They reflect the need for every entrepreneur and organization to have a well-defined process, a deep understanding of their audience, and the courage to stand by their values.

It’s All About Process

Before making any public statement, the first question should always be: What processes need to be followed? For a new or growing venture, scalable protocols ensure that the brand remains consistent even as it expands. All employees or partners with access to external communication channels should be fully trained and understand the necessary approvals, guidelines, and steps to follow before hitting "send." In the non-profit's case, failure to follow these protocols led to reputational damage that could have been avoided.

Know Your Audience and Context

For new ventures, understanding the ever-blurring lines between different sectors is crucial. Businesses, especially in today's interlinked ecosystem, often find themselves crossing into unexpected territories that may be deemed political, environmental, or social. This is where communication guidelines really show their value, guiding the tone, language, and messaging to ensure it aligns with the brand’s core mission while resonating with the target audience.

Start-ups and small ventures must ask themselves: Who is our audience, and how will they perceive this message? Staying in tune with your market’s cultural and emotional pulse ensures that any public statement—whether bold or neutral—feels aligned with your brand’s ethos and doesn't alienate core supporters.

Stick to Your Message

Boldness has its place in business, but it must be backed by preparation. If your business or brand is going to take a stance, you need to be prepared for the reactions that follow. In a world where everyone is watching—and quick to call out inconsistencies—the key to maintaining control over your narrative is to stick to your message. But don’t be afraid to adapt in tone, if needed, to manage the audience’s reaction.

Even as ventures grow and scale, remaining true to your core values will build credibility. However, be prepared for shifts. When public perception challenges your stance, you should have the tools to adapt without losing sight of the essence of your message.

The New Era of Boldness

We are no longer in an age where off-the-cuff comments or unchecked Tweets are easily overlooked. With consumers more engaged than ever, they are quick to call out both boldness and inconsistency, whether for better or worse. As more people dive into entrepreneurship, knowing how to balance bold moves with authenticity will be key to surviving and thriving in this new era of business communication.

Ultimately, staying true to your core values—while having the room to adapt and pivot with the right tools—is what will allow businesses to scale authentically in a fast-paced world. Brands must be prepared to back their boldness and stay ready to engage in the “wars” that inevitably arise as their voice grows louder.