Why it’s OK to Have Enemies: Turning Opposition into Business Growth

When I used to work at the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) in Montrose, my boss used to have all these quotes and sayings taped on the bottom of his computer screens and some on his wall. There was always one quote that caught my eye, though, and that is probably because I felt it applied to me. It was a quote my Winston Churchill. On a long strip, cut-out piece of paper read,

“You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”

This quote hit home for me, as I’ve always been someone who aims to please. But over time, I learned that standing up for what you believe in, even at the risk of making enemies, can be a powerful catalyst for growth—not just personally, but also in business.

In the world of entrepreneurship, taking a stand is often necessary to grow a successful business. Whether it’s defining a brand’s mission, targeting a specific audience, or launching an innovative product, the most effective businesses are built on clear principles. This may alienate some people, but it’s precisely this strong stance that attracts the right customers—those who value your authenticity and vision.

The Connection to Website Design and Organic Ranking

Just like personal growth requires standing firm in your beliefs, achieving high-performing website design demands clarity and consistency. Search engines, like Google, prioritize sites that offer clear, user-friendly experiences and focus on specific keywords. Just as you stand for something in life, your website should stand for something in search results. Here’s how:

1. Define Your Core Message: Your website should clearly communicate your brand’s mission and what makes you unique. Just as taking a stand can attract the right people, a well-defined core message can attract the right visitors. For example, focusing on specific service areas or specialties, like “Colorado website design” or “Gilbert, AZ business websites,” ensures your site ranks for what you’re best known for.
2. Consistent Content Creation: Just as standing firm in your beliefs requires regular reinforcement, maintaining a strong online presence requires consistent content. Publishing blog posts, case studies, and service updates that reflect your brand’s values not only keeps visitors engaged but also signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant.
3. Optimize for User Experience: A high-performing website not only ranks well but also converts visitors into clients. Just as people respect you for standing up for something, they’ll respect a site that stands out for its design and ease of use. Think fast load times, mobile responsiveness, and simple navigation.
4. Embrace Criticism and Adjust: In both personal growth and business, criticism can be a catalyst for improvement. Use website analytics and feedback to make adjustments that improve performance and rankings. Just as you filter out negativity to focus on growth, filter site data to focus on areas that need refinement—whether it’s keyword strategy, content length, or user flow.

Moving Forward

Having enemies doesn’t mean failure; it means you’ve dared to stand out. In the same way, having competitors in your niche is a good sign—it means you’re part of a market worth standing up for. So, if you’re looking to boost your business growth, let your website take a clear stand too. Optimize it for performance, refine your message, and build an online presence that’s as resilient as you are.