11. Don’t be afraid to be who you are as a business owner by Cami MacNamara

Posted on ⁠⁠WebCamiCafe.com⁠⁠, June 14th, 2018

In today's episode, I'm revisiting a 2018 blog post discussing the impact and importance of businesses openly supporting LGBTQ+ rights. From GoDaddy's inspiring move to incorporate the pride flag in its branding to the importance of standing up for what you believe in, I explore the crucial role of inclusivity and shared values in today's business landscape.

About the author:

Cami MacNamara, otherwise known as WebCami, has 21 years of experience running a small, profitable, one-person web design business, so she can walk her dog whenever she likes. She has co-hosted a beginner WordPress Meetup in Seattle since 2018 and has been an active member of the Seattle WordPress community since 2013. Cami has designed nearly 600 websites, provides services to 350 active clients, and manages over 200 websites monthly as a solopreneur.

The original post can be found here: https://webcamicafe.com/dont-be-afraid-to-be-who-you-are-as-a-business-owner/

Transcript of Cami's Commentary:

Looking back on the blog post I wrote in 2018, it's surprising to see how much more intense the conversation about LGBTQ+ rights has gotten in the past five years. Back then, I was talking about GoDaddy showing support for the LGBTQ+ community by using the rainbow flag in their profile picture. Some people loved it, others didn't. But what mattered most was that GoDaddy wasn't afraid to stand up for what they believed in. They showed that businesses can and should speak up, especially when it comes to their own values and those of the people they work with.

Today, that message is even more important. As a business owner, I'm convinced that being inclusive isn't just a nice idea, it's something that should be at the heart of everything we do. With so many heated debates going on right now, standing up for what we believe in is more important than ever. For me, this means standing with the LGBTQ+ community, making sure they know they're appreciated and respected. It's about more than just saying the words; it's about taking real action to spread love and equality in a world that sometimes feels too full of division and fear.

Being open to everyone in business isn't just good for attracting customers; it also helps create a work environment that reflects the real world in all its variety. It helps build connections with clients, partners, and employees who share our values and goals. What I said in 2018 is still true today: if someone doesn't want to do business with me just because I support the LGBTQ+ community, they're probably not the right fit for me anyway. At the end of the day, we all want to work with people who get us, and that usually leads to better, more satisfying work. I truly believe that when #LoveWins, everyone benefits - and that includes businesses, too.