I had a conference call this morning with a political consulting group based in Washington D.C. While I’m fairly active in politics, I generally try to keep it away from day-to-day work. I love the political process, proudly stand by my views and enjoy conversations with those who have views that differ from mine. At the same, I am well aware that politics is not always a subject that is easy to discuss, and our job at Mustang is to help with your marketing—not your politics.
However, this group might need some help—help we can provide. They were upfront and clear about their political leanings and asked if they were an issue for us. I found the question a bit surprising—and enlightened. While their viewpoints aren’t problematic, I certainly appreciated the thoughtfulness of the question.
It did get me to thinking about agency/client relations and our position with regards to our clients’ products and services. For example, let’s say we do work for a Mexican restaurant in town. Good food, fair prices, no ethical issue representing them. However, I have another Mexican spot that is my favorite. Am I betraying my client if I continue to eat at their competitor’s location? What if it turns out I don’t like Mexican food at all (which is definitely not the problem here)—are any lines being crossed in developing materials for them?
Certainly we would never promote a product or service that we knew was being falsely represented, but today’s call has me thinking about the expectations clients might have with regards to their own product and service and their agencies involvement. It strikes me that while all things being equal, I would prefer to use my clients’ products or services, as long as I am up front about my patronage, it shouldn’t be a problem. I welcome your thoughts.
-Scott Harris
President