Inclusivity Matters: Are You Alienating Potential Clients?
Each year, I pick a word as my anchor for the year. For 2021, it is “empathy”. As a person who deeply wants to see the success of others, I am constantly challenging myself to see past the social circles I grew up in and learn more about people who have had different life experiences, desires, religious perspectives and cultural upbringings than me.
But please note, the suggestions recommended in the blog post below will never take the place of real activism, and while we celebrate honoring all people, we still acknowledge the action-based laws that need to come into effect before true equality is reached.
Jenny (she/her), my assistant and Community Manager for my membership (Brand Magic Society) and I have been discussing some key takeaways and as someone who identifies as bisexual, I wanted her to share some actionalable steps we all can be taking right now to help the people in our communities be seen.
XX, Kaleigh
Happy June, everyone! Jenny, here.
June is Pride month and holds dates such as Juneteenth.
This month has a lot to celebrate and as someone who identifies as bisexual, there’s nothing I want to see more than a world that’s accepting and inclusive to all. This week, I gathered some ways we can be more inclusive in our branding and when interacting with customers. This topic has been top of mind for me on an ongoing basis and there’s no better time than the present to reevaluate our processes and understand how they affect people of all walks of life.
First, Kaleigh and I believe true business brand magic and real growth comes through the intersection of sharing your passion, acknowledging your clients desires, and acting with inclusivity front of mind.
HERE ARE SOME ACTIONABLE STEPS WE ALL CAN TAKE RIGHT NOW TO MAKE ALL PEOPLE FEEL SEEN:
#1 Stop Assuming
Human nature is to make assumptions about people without actively working to connect with someone. We live in a world of gender neutral names, multicultural nationalities and a wide variety of beautiful diverse people. Empathy is the ability to understand and share feelings of another. Being inclusive is the act of making ALL feel welcome. In your inquiry forms and in your client interactions, make people feel seen by asking how they prefer to be addressed, like preferred gender pronouns (covered in #4). This also goes for traditional wedding norms; there is no normal — be a part of crafting your couples’ day without assumptions that society norms apply in every scenario. And when it comes to new opportunities or career growth for employees, clear communication is essential. As a leader, you cannot assume you know your employees career aspirations or that they won’t change over time.
#2 Representation Matters
If people don’t see themselves represented in your company and in your branding, they will skip over yours and interact with one where they do see themselves. Look through your website and social media. Evaluate if the imagery you post is representative of everyone you want to attract to your brand, including folks of different races, sizes, ages, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ people and beyond.
#3 Use Inclusive Language
Keep the language you use across the board gender inclusive. Refrain from using he/she when speaking generally and make phrases and job titles gender neutral (ex. Instead of salesman, use salesperson).
Always capitalize racial terms correctly (ex. use “Black”, not “black”). Avoid using POC (people of color) if referencing a specific race or ethnicity generically if you know their identified race.
Look at the language used on your website, social media platforms, contracts and forms etc. and make necessary adjustments so everyone can feel seen when looking at your branding.
#4 Normalize the Use of People’s Pronouns
Examples of gender pronouns include but are not limited to, he/him, she/her, they/them, ze/hir, ey/em or other. We need to normalize asking for people’s pronouns to everyone, especially cisgendered people, (cisgender means a person whose gender identity corresponds to their birth sex) so all people feel welcomed to share. Look for opportunities to make using pronouns more common like in screen name descriptors during Zoom meetings or adding pronouns to your personal email signatures or in your Instagram profile. Showing solidarity means everyone uses pronouns.
#5 Have Authentic, Open & Empathetic Conversations
Take 2021 as an opportunity to dive deeper with your employees, customers and communities. Lean into vulnerability and make it a priority to listen to each other, learn and then take action to better your industry and community. Create a safe space for open conversations to grow together.
#6 Share More of What You Stand For
According to Pew Research Center & Forbes, 40% of millennials don’t buy from brands that stand against their beliefs. Opening up about your values as a company and what you will or won’t stand for brings brand loyalty and ensures you aren’t missing out on potential sales with certain generations.
#7 Celebrate All Religions and Holidays
Incorporate themed celebration months to foster inclusion — examples include: Black History Month (February), Women’s History Month (March), LGBTQIA+ Month (June), Hispanic Heritage Month (September), etc.
TWO QUESTIONS I CHALLENGE YOU TO SIT WITH THIS WEEK:
1 • How can I do a better job communicating the options of what I sell and who I serve with inclusivity in mind? Making all feel welcome.
2 • Who am I currently representing (and in turn, not representing)? How can I use photos on my social media, website, etc to help others feel seen and connected?
Now let me say, it’s okay if you don’t know everything, it’s okay to start where you are and learn, it’s okay to have difficult conversations. I choose to believe most people just want to love and feel welcomed. I hope there’s something in here that can offer a little more love and light to the world.
Cheers!
Jenny
Additional Event Industry Resources:
To understand more of the full scope of inclusivity that goes beyond standing against racism, sexism and homophobia, please visit:
http://www.jovemeyerevents.com/ally-pledge
“Black weddings have garnered a robust collection of traditions and themes that have evolved along with the journey to freedom” - Read about the history of Black Weddings here:
https://perfete.com/2020/06/juneteenth-ode-to-black-weddings.html
For our wedding pros, consider listing your business on an equally minded platform like Equally Wed here:
https://equallywed.com/join-equally-wed-preferred-vendor-directory/