OK, so I admit it. I now live in Arizona after relocating from Canada over five years ago. And yes, I am a legal immigrant. I have an ugly photo green card to prove it. I have done what many business owners do: keep my nose clean, pay my taxes, do good work, and grow my business. I developed an initial marketing plan that included the usual SWOT analysis. But, one thing I could never have accounted for? A political boycott as a threat.
No, I haven’t personally experienced any backlash from this anti-immigration issue, but others have. Local hotels have received many cancellation calls. Conferences have been relocated. It appears that the tourism and meeting industry may take a hit. And this after a terrible 2009.
The sad part is that any boycott of the hospitality sector will affect the very people that are being targeted in this new law. And then, there’s the domino affect for the hospitality sector suppliers and vendors, etc.
I was living in Toronto during the SARS outbreak and saw how devastating that one incident affected the local economy. It took about 18 to 24 months for the city’s businesses to recover. Restaurants, theaters, and hotels were empty – just about any public space had been abandoned.
So, what does any organization do? How can marketers, business owners and managers plan for such a thing? Let me know your thoughts and recommendations.
Tags: Arizona, boycott, business strategy, immigration law, politics
I don’t think you can really plan for such a thing. The best you can do is ensure you have enough resources to carry you through the tough times.
Thanks, Fiona. I suppose you’re right. It’s like any other threat that has economic ramifications.
I’m not sure why no one has commented here yet. Just as an FYI, My intention is not to make a political statement about this law, but to ask what recommendations you would give if your organization were faced with a possible political boycott.
Thanks!