Sure – I’ve pissed off, offended and managed to get a bunch of people royally off-side.
I’ve had people cancel their course bookings after receiving their first NET:101 newsletter (couple that with plenty of unsubscribes). I’ve had complaints about my text on images quotes (“filthy and offensive”) and admonishing emails about my satirical social media blog (“very unprofessional”). I’ve embarrassed and disappointed people who’ve tried to book one of my mock courses, and I’ve confused countless others who don’t know why I’m holding a snapper by the tail on the homepage of my website (btw, I’m also confused about this).
How far is too far?
While I don’t set out to deliberately offend, it does fill me with minor delight when it happens. I view it as a sign that I’m headed in the right direction because I don’t think any organisation can confidently hold and articulate a clear brand-position without marginalising a few folk. It’s okay to show everybody the door, watch a minority beat an exit and then connect more ably with those left in the room. I’m also doubly-sure that no-one is asking for more of the same bland website, blog, social media wishy-washy, cliché-ridden, me-too rubbish that’s being bandied about. And anyway, try to please everybody with lowest common denominator output and you’ll end up pleasing nobody – better to save your energy.
How far is too far? Not as far as you probably think… but have fun finding out.
NB: No animals were harmed in the production of this post