One of the things that I ask my clients to do is become aware of their relationship with the business community and government. Knowing who their Senators and Representatives are is a minimum. Why? Because we small business owners can affect government, just as much as government affects us.
Now, Lilly Ledbetter didn’t work for a small firm, she worked for a large corporation. But discrimination doesn’t only exist in big companies. It exists everywhere. When we treat others as “less than” an equal human being, we are making the world, and our business, a lesser place.
For those business owners who worry about lawsuits and lawyers’ fees, the answer is simple. Pay equally. Treat each person equally in terms of opportunities and compensation. As women entrepreneurs, we have a chance to remake the world. That’s my vision — a world where people understand that we are all in this together. Relationships are usually women’s strong suit. Now, more than ever we need to work to develop relationships and practice compassionate listening.
What can you do to make your business a better place for everyone to work? And that includes everyone…women, people of color, large people, and people who are challenged in all kinds of ways.
If you want some inspiration, check out this video that one of my clients just sent me. Hint, a box of tissues would be handy.
