Mastering Risk

Why Talking Politics Online Is Killing Your Business & the Smarter Way to Turn Chaos into Leverage

Dr. Jeff Donaldson, CD Season 17 Episode 4

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In today's hyper-polarized world, politics isn't just background noise, it's a direct threat (and hidden opportunity) to your small or medium-sized business. 

One wrong post, one heated opinion, and you could alienate 40%+ of your customers overnight. But what if you could navigate the chaos, protect your brand, and actually turn political turbulence into competitive advantage?

In this powerful episode of Mastering Risk, Dr. Jeff Donaldson breaks down the minefield of online and global politics for SMB owners. Drawing from real-world evidence, disaster research, and decades of experience, he shares the four essential strategies that put you ahead of your peers:

1.) Map the true power landscape & discover who really holds influence over your business (it's rarely just the mayor or prime minister).
2.) Build strategic relationships & cultivate genuine social capital with decision-makers at every level, because people win the day, not plans.
3.) Claim the high ground, stay professional, neutral, and principle-driven publicly. Why broadcasting your politics is almost always a negative ROI.
4.) Turn politics into leverage, use early warnings, linking relationships, and ethical influence to shape regulations before they hurt you.

Whether you're in Canada, the U.S., Europe, or beyond, these free, time-tested tactics help you hold market share, reduce friction, and thrive amid uncertainty, without ever compromising your personal beliefs.

If you're a solo entrepreneur, growing team leader, or fractional risk pro ready to master disruption, this episode is your roadmap.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Politics as a Business Minefield
02:45 – Step 1: Chart the Real Power Landscape
08:20 – Step 2: Build Strategic Relationships
14:10 – Step 3: The High-Ground Neutral Strategy
19:30 – Step 4: Turn Politics into Leverage
25:00 – Recap & Final Thoughts

Drop a comment: What's your biggest political risk right now? Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more no-BS risk mastery for SMBs.

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DISCLOSURE 
Information shared here is for educational purposes only.  Individuals and business owners should evaluate their own business strategies, and identify any potential risks.  The information shared here is not a guarantee of success. Your results may vary.
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