Solopreneurship and the Case for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI)
There’s a common belief amongst many solo and entrepreneurs with less than 10 employees that they are too small to embrace or practice DEI. By virtue of their position, they enjoy a status that many only dream about. Their independence provides the:
freedom to select the clients they prefer to work with rather than be mismatched and forced to make the best of a bad situation
latitude to make 100% of the decisions 100% of the time – diverse perspectives are optional
ability to choose their hours, work from anywhere at any time for as long as they choose so work aligns with lifestyle
avoidance of discriminatory acts or comments at the hands of bosses and colleagues
They are empowered to live life and define success on their terms while working in their truth and authenticity. Organizations spend big money on diversity efforts to provide staff the same opportunity – to be their authentic selves whether working remotely or a physical office space in hopes of reaping the benefits of more engaged and productive employees. So why focus on DEI when you are already a team of one (or a few) that’s highly engaged and productive? Before we jump in, let’s be clear on the terms:
Diversity = the presence of difference
Equity = impartial processes resulting in equal access and outcomes for all – regardless of difference
Inclusion = the practice of ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued and has a sense of belonging
Evolving a microbusiness to be more diverse, equitable and inclusive requires a shift in thinking. Solo and entrepreneurs are already possibility thinkers and when one stops to consider what their business looks like to people who are different from them, therein lies the business case. You can begin to see the possibilities or lack thereof from a new point of view. Appealing to a diverse clientele is good for business and provides a means for continued growth. Demonstrating that your company values diversity is also good for business. Why? The marketplace is increasingly more diverse, and individuals prefer to work with providers who share their values. Imagining the experience of a potential client when they engage with your content is critical. Consider accessibility for individuals with disabilities, whether folks see themselves represented in images and find the language to be inclusive. It’s one thing to market to clients of other races, cultures, religions, or genders, and another to convert and maintain them. Connection is key and makes the work more meaningful and enjoyable for all. Getting in touch with personal biases helps to avoid making decisions and driving interactions based on stereotypical beliefs. In addition, building cultural competence (awareness and respect for cultural differences and the ability to adapt to cross cultural situations effectively) helps to maintain or strengthen the bond, develops trusting relationships, and gets referrals. This skill enables you to service them in they way that they want to be serviced – not in the way that you think that they should or according to the status quo.
The key to success is being intentional. Getting started is not as difficult as one may think. However, for efforts to be sustainable, knowing your “why” and understanding the ”why now” behind the decision will keep you forging ahead. Here are a few strategies to get started:
Integrating Diversity Practices into Your Business
Now that you’re in touch with your “why” add a diversity statement to your website
Ensure that branding, collateral, deliverables, etc. demonstrate that commitment - use inclusive language and images that represent the marketplace
Show support for social causes that you’re passionate about
Hire diverse virtual assistants, contractors, caterers, etc.
Building Cultural Competence
Expose yourself to cultures different than your own - expand your network and client base to include people who don't look like you and make it a point to get to know them.
Get in touch with your biases and learn to interrupt them during interactions. Take the Harvard Implicit Association Test on race and explore others to take as well. When awareness has increased , be mindful of how they show up in your day to day.
Integrate cultural experiences into your lifestyle – attend cultural museums, festivals, etc., take an international cooking class, subscribe to magazines that cater to different cultures, when vacationing – make time to visit local hangouts.
Follow people who are different from you on social media to get a sense of what’s important in their realm
Working inclusively is a skill that improves over time and is more impactful when we maintain a curious mindset to keep learning and evolving in this space There is no list of boxes to check and proclaim that DEI work is done. It’s a life-long journey where we empower ourselves each day to create change in business and society.