As you’ve probably seen in the paper and on the news, Bill O’Reilly, host of The O’Reilly Factor on Fox News, has had some pretty serious sexual harassment allegations levied against him as reported by NBC News.
From 2014-2016, The O’Reilly Factor pulled in a reported $446 million in ad revenue.
But since he’s made recent headlines, so far 20 advertisers have jumped ship, and presumably more are on the way.
The reason?
Brand association.
These companies don’t want their brand associated with someone who has repeated sexual harassment allegations, lawsuits, & settlements.
It reflects poorly upon them.
As I write you this morning, I’m sitting at Second Cup Coffee Company up on 79th Ave N after having my ‘first cup’ with one of my trusted friends and vendors, Roy Dunn of Homebridge Financial The Optimal Service Group.
Roy is my “go-to” lender I trust with my clients for a couple different reasons.
At the top of the list:
1. He’s the best at what he does.
2. His values & beliefs are in alignment with mine.
He’s congruent. On and off the professional playing field.
Which means he is someone I want my brand to be associated with.
His brand reflects positively on my brand, and that’s why I love doing business with him, among other reasons as well.
So I suppose the lesson to learn from this all is 2-fold.
1. Be congruent
2. Align yourself with people you trust with your own brand
As Warren Buffett puts it…
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin in”
Wise words from a wise man.
And an important reminder to be congruent with your brand, and align yourself with people and companies that reflect positively on you.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this topic of brand association.
Ciao for now,
Sean Brooks
Editor-in-Chief & Founder, Brooks & Company
843-410-9031
BrooksandCompany.net
