This time next year, we’ll know who will be leading the race to be the next president of this country. George Bush will be packing up his stuff ready to head back to Texas after 8 years of running the show the best one person can. Depending on which side of the political party line you lean towards, this will either be reason to hold up a beer and wish him the best of luck, or run into the streets drunk screaming in joy. Whatever floats your pickle I say.

Now since we do have a long year ahead of us with a slew of politicians promising us everything except for unicorn steak and a daily massage from the celebrity of your choice, it’s gonna be easy to start letting your party colors show at work or with family. What can be a friendly debate with co-workers or a boss about politics could also be the deciding factor as to how far you get in the company if the wrong people hear the right things from you.

Oh so you’re one of those people…

For me personally, I feel very strongly about my political point of view and have been known to just fire off at the mouth in front of anyone who I feel is pushing some BS my direction. My wife hates it when I do that, but I just can’t help it. To date it has cost me some friendships, pissed off numerous employers, irked family members and has been the source of many strangers wanting to beat my head in with a big stick. Boo-freaking-hoo.

However, I have been in the unfortunate situation of talking with a client or potential client and somehow the topic would switch to politics and world events as conversations can do. I’ve learned that I should NEVER be the one to come out and even hint at what party affiliation I have because I always end up getting stuck in a small room with someone who’s from the other side of the aisle.

Let me tell you, it is a really crap feeling to get in the pit of your stomach when you realize you just spoiled a potential deal by expressing your point of view when you should have just stopped flapping your pretty little head 5 minutes ago. So after the 3rd time this happened to me, I figured the least I can do is pass on the knowledge on how to not be a head flapping dunce.

Cardinal Rules When Politics Are Brought Up By A Client

* Act stupid or uninterested about politics

* Don’t agree or disagree with their point of view, just acknowledge it

* If asked about who you’re gonna vote for, just tell them you’re not sure yet

* If you got bumper stickers all over your car broadcasting your point of view, park somewhere far away

* Once again, NEVER initiate the topic as tempted as you may be

* Don’t act like you support their opinion/point of view/presidential pick thinking that will get them to change the subject. It does the opposite.

Conclusion

These kinds of things have kept me out of hot water so far and will really get put to the test next year in all kinds of social settings. Hell, I have to practice these things with a client I have right now which fits this blog post to a tee multiple times a month. But the bottom line is that you just have to respect your clients differences in belief and ideologies (as long as their not totally psycho) because no one is really right or wrong. We’re all just different; just the way we should be.