When you’re at a client’s business or residence, understand two things:

1.      It’s truly irrelevant to your work.

Whether or not you agree with the customer’s position, your project should be completely unaffected

2.      It’s about money at the end of the day

Have you heard of being friendly  without being  friends? Well, that applies here. You’re not expected to invite the aggressive, argumentative type to Thanksgiving, but you sure as heck should send them a “thank-you-for-your-business” note at the end of the customer experience. Even if you find the customer's worldview reprehensible.

Here are a few ways to deflect the conversation without sounding like you are just trying to be polite:

CHANGE THE SUBJECT

You’d be surprised at how easy it is to get the point across professionally  that you are more interested in getting the job done than talking about hot-button issues. Try something like, “I hear you. What do you think about [something that pertains to the project]?”  Or, “Speaking of things to get fired up about, check out my progress on this job. (or my website😁)”

ACKNOWLEDGE THE SENSITIVITY

This doesn’t mean you have to nod, stare into their eyes, and hold their hand gently. Don't make it awkward. Just say something like, “Yeah, there’s a pretty intense debate going on. Personally, I’m more into welding than politics.”  Or, “Two things I avoid tackling: galvanizing topics and galvanized steel.”

BE SMART: PLAY DUMB

You can tell them, “I don’t know much about that. Maybe I spend too much time in the shop.” Just remind yourself that they trust you to do a job, and that’s good enough. Sometimes people just want a tool who is good with tools. And that’s fine; let your torch do the talking.

What it boils down to for anyone who runs a small business is being as even-keel as possible, even when someone tries to cajole your stance on a volatile subject. Nowhere is it written that you must indicate whether you agree or disagree with the customer about every topic. 

Remember: Whether your client wants to change laws, religion, or laws about  religion, it should have no bearing on your success as a welder. Know when to keep your thoughts to yourself and let your torch do the talking.

Until next time, keep the sparks flying!