In one respect, and one respect only, entrepreneurs can learn a lot from politicians: when it comes to writing advertising copy and press releases, politicos really are the masters of putting a “positive spin” on the negative.

Contrary to popular belief, politicians rarely lie.

That is why they turn so viciously on any of their number caught fibbing – it is worse than dishonest: it is a lack of professional skill.

It is probably one of those internet myths, but a story has been doing the rounds that provides a useful example for any innocent businessman who finds himself having to deal with the media. Apologies to those who have seen it before, but it shows how we need to think.

It seems that a genealogist uncovered that the great-great-uncle of a well-known politician was a notorious rustler and horse thief in the Wild West. He was caught and sentenced to a long prison term at hard labour. Eventually, he escaped and robbed the Montana Railroad a record six times, but was tracked down by Pinkerton detectives and hanged in front of a large crowd outside the Territorial Prison.

The genealogist sent these findings to the politician, who issued the following press release.

“I was delighted to learn that researchers have discovered that my great-great-uncle was a famous cowboy in the Old West. Having built a business empire based on the acquisition of valuable equine assets, he then devoted several years of his life to public service. Returning to the private sector, he developed a substantial interest in the Montana Railroad, and subsequently played an important role in a major investigation by the celebrated Pinkerton Agency. He passed away prematurely after a platform collapsed at a well-attended civic function that was being held in his honour. “