3 Ways Small Business Owners Can Be a Positive Voice for Change
Years ago, when I owned my law firm, one of the many lessons I learned is how much of a platform I really had. As I learned more about business development, marketing, and team building, I came to realize that I could use that platform for more than just building brand awareness and sales – I could also use it to be a positive voice for change.
Now, each of us has different causes and organizations that we are passionate about, and that’s a good thing. No one can singlehandedly take on everything that needs to be improved in our world and our society, but each of us can step up and help to effect change in our own way. Together, we can make a real difference.
Something that I’m passionate about is finding ways to break down barriers and create ways for everyone to take hold of opportunities that otherwise might not be open to them, and this month is special to me for several reasons.
June is a month filled with Pride, Juneteenth, and many other celebrations that create the space for us to appreciate people and the changes in our society. There are many ways that business owners can start conversations about what is important to them, but it also can be a bit overwhelming for those who are not sure where to start. My suggestion? Just start. Don’t aim for perfection in whatever you do. Instead, acknowledge that taking a few steps forward is better than standing still.
Here are a few “biz nuggets” that I’ve found useful on how you can use your voice as a business owner to start conversations.
Juneteenth
This holiday has been recognized regionally for many years, but was officially made a federal holiday in the United States on June 19th since 2021 to honor the end of slavery in the United States.
Many do not understand the history or importance of Juneteenth, and this is a great chance to let your team share their perspectives and help educate one another. You may want to bring your team together and ask for 2-3 volunteers to help plan a celebration for the team in advance of the official holiday.
For team members whose learning style is writing, perhaps they can write up a few paragraphs to share with the team in advance. For your visual learners, perhaps they can create a visual diagram or video that shares some information. Meanwhile, your kinesthetic learners might want to create some action items or suggestions on how the team might want to celebrate the day. (e.g. Research and share links to local activities, free virtual museums, fun recipes, etc.)
- For instance, the Smithsonian is offering free virtual programs. Check them out here!
- Traditionally, picnics or cookouts are part of a Juneteenth celebration, often featuring red foods like Red Velvet Cake, strawberries, or watermelon, among others. Having a cookout with your team or sharing some fun recipes (especially if your team is virtual) can be a fun way to encourage them to learn more about this holiday and the history behind it!
Juneteenth: Practical Inclusivity Tips for Small Businesses
Pride Month is all about creating inclusivity and this is a great time to connect with your team and your audience about what that means to you. Not sure how to frame this? Talk to a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coach on what you can do to be genuine and start your journey.
Don’t make this the only time in the year you talk about being a more inclusive business, but if this is an area you genuinely want to support, this is a great time to start the journey. Here are some ideas you may want to start with.
- Voice your intentions.
- Educate your team.
- Review your hiring and onboarding processes and refine to be more inclusive.
- Show support visibly by sharing the rainbow flag.
- Show support by supporting groups behind the scenes too!
- Ask guests speakers to join you in livestreams or trainings for your team or clients.
There are so many ways you can recognize the struggles of the LGBTIQ+ communities and bolster others! The month is just getting started but the activities can run all year so make this a time to start the journey!
Immigrant Heritage Month
June is also Immigrant Awareness Month. This is a great time to recognize that as an immigrant nation, there are such incredible contributions from so many who have come to start fresh and make the world a better place. If you would like to learn more about some amazing stories and share them with your team or audience, you can check them out here.
There are many other ways you can celebrate and amplify the causes and values that are important to you. As a business owner, you can support other business owners. I also encourage you to ask your team for how they would like to celebrate and let your team share ideas!
Think outside the box and have fun being a VOICE OF CHANGE.
Want to know more about how we implement inclusion at Upleveling Your Business? Check out our DEI Statement!