How McDonald’s is teaching about business transparency

Have you seen this McDonald’s commercial? Link to the video

Why would the company that invented the special sauce – also known as the “secret sauce” on their Big Mac sandwiches – want to answer their customers’ questions online? Aren’t they worried about other restaurants stealing their ideas? Aren’t they concerned that competitors will use this information against them? This article will discuss how McDonald’s is teaching about business transparency.

McDonald’s is controlling the rumors

Here are some rumors about McDonald’s –

• They use horse meat in their burgers
• Pink slime is in their meat products
• Their milkshakes contain no dairy products whatsoever

McDonald’s is aware of these rumors, and instead of ignoring them, they’re approaching them head-on. Why does this make sense? Instead of allowing the rumors to circulate through outlets over which they have no control, they’re facilitating these conversations on their website. They’re inviting everyone into their virtual living room, and allowing any and all questions to be answered directly in their house, so to speak. As a result…

McDonald’s is answering questions on their terms

McDonald’s has launched a campaign called Our Food, Your Questions. As you’ve probably read on other articles on our blog, McDonald’s realizes this information is all publicly available, and what they’re competing for – with everyone else – is the attention of their customers. Once a visitor goes to the Our Food, Your Questions website, McDonald’s then controls the conversation. On the site, you won’t just find answers to questions about the food. McDonald’s has the opportunity to show you their history & the accompanying story. You’ll find links to promotions, careers, and the Ronald McDonald House Charities. By way of drawing you in through education, McDonald’s has your permission to show you other things they’d like you to know. So what does this have to do with us and our businesses?

When you’re transparent, you win

Customers and competitors are going to be talking about your company online. The more quickly we all can embrace this fact, the more quickly we too can control these conversations. When the inevitable news about your company is circulated, you’ll be ready to answer these questions. By adopting a culture of transparency, you and your company will be prepared to face these challenges immediately.

Are you ready to let the world know how you do business?