By Steve Sanduski, CFP®

Huh? Shouldn't you try to avoid controversy and not ruffle any feathers? No. In fact, you need to have a strong opinion and have people disagree with you in order to grow your business.

American Idol’s season one winner, Kelly Clarkson is the latest example of somebody who shared her opinion, ruffled a bunch of feathers, but laughed all the way to the bank as her CD sales soared. On December 28, Clarkson tweeted that she loved Ron Paul and would vote for him if he's the Republican nominee. Whoa! Clarkson was attacked on Twitter and the blogosphere for her stand.

But, guess what happened next? Sales of her latest CD soared as she picked up new fans. In fact, sales for the CD jumped more than 400 percent in a 24-hour period on Amazon.

What does this mean for you? As an advisor, don't be wishy-washy. Take a stand on important issues such as the budget deficit, the euro crisis, Washington politics, and how to grow our economy. Sure, you may "ruffle a few feathers," but you'll get attention and gain new clients and referrals who agree with your stand and want to work with someone who thinks the same way they do.