Four for Friday - “Wait, AITA??
Wait, is it me? Am I being the asshole?
On Fridays I give you the best small biz, workflow and website tips and tricks I’ve found from around the web. And we call it Four for Friday. Welcome!
There’s Good News and Bad News
Like I said on Wednesday, I put together a presentation about creating an inclusive business, one where you’re not only accepting diversity but encouraging it. That’s an easier thing to do these days, since people are more open about who they are and where they stand.
But, we all have biases and blindspots that can create awkward situations. Assuming your groom has a bride, for instance, or that your newborn mom is showing up to the shoot with a dad. Pro-activity is the best policy - set up your inquiry system so that your client can tell you who they are so you don’t have to guess. Ask for pronouns (display yours, too), gender neutralize your contact form and your website language, and ask for names and relationship, not titles.
2. Why Getting Someone’s Name Right Matters
I saw a meme on Facebook about butchering Non-Anglo names in business situations, and of course I can’t find it, but I did find a great article that explains the ins and outs of not doing it. As a woman who grew up with a last name that had too many vowels, I beg you - don’t do it.
3. Find the Balance.
How you treat your clients, your colleagues and your employees has a huge effect on your business, it’s not just about being “woke” or politically correct. It can - and will - get in your way. On the flip side, this article on Mailchimp’s blog, by business Coach Nic Haralambous (definitely need the pronunciation of that) points out that constantly needing be liked can get in the way , too. Being a strong leader doesn’t mean you have to be an asshole. But being an asshole doesn’t make you a strong leader, either.
4. Learn how to use your resources
Social Media. Your Website. Your CRM. You have a ton of places where you can position yourself to meet your clients where they are. Come to my webinar on Thursday August 11 to find out how to use Honeybook and it’s newest feature, Smart Files, to reach all of your business goals. Click here to register for the webinar.
I’ll talk to you soon,
Elizabeth
