The Exact Wrong Way to Communicate with Prospective Gay Clients.
A quick note from Jenn – When my dear friend and colleague Diane reached out to me upset with what she had just read I was empathetic. However, rather than voice my thoughts on the matter I invited her to share her thoughts and opinion here on my blog. It …
Read MoreRemind me again what a DINK is…
One of the early terms I remember very clearly when I took my first marketing class in college was DINK. If you are a marketing person and you are reading this chances are you are very familiar with what a DINK is. For those of you who don’t know what …
Read MoreIs your target market ‘the ladies across the street?’
I grew up in a small town where diversity was scarce, really scarce. I’m not sure how or when being inclusive of everyone became such a part of who I was but I remember as early as 11 being inclusive regardless of race or religion specifically in my very non-diverse …
Read MoreHow dare you want to teach people to market to the gay community!?
Previously, I shared an email I received with you regarding a crank pot who didn’t really agree or understand what it is that I do. He was responding to a message I sent to him via LinkedIn. I know the response came from a straight man – and someone I …
Read More#85: Jacob Tobia Shares How to Build a Personal Brand Platform with Meaning [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/Epi85-LGBTQ_Interview_with_JACOB_TOBIA.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Download the Transcript here! Jenn T. Grace – Episode 85 – Jacob Tobia Shares How to Build a Personal Brand Platform with Meaning Thank you for tuning into episode #85 of the podcast. In this episode I speak with Jacob Tobia who …
Read More#81: Growing Your LGBT Business with Kimberly Vaughan [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/Epi81-Growing-LGBT-Business-with-Kimberly-Vaughan.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Download the Transcript here! Jenn T. Grace – Episode 81 – Growing Your LGBT Business with Kimberly Vaughan Thank you for tuning in to episode 81 of the podcast! You may have noticed that I’ve rebranded the podcast to ‘Professional Branding for …
Read More#80: Fast Track to Business Growth with Michael Mapes [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/Epi80-Fast-Track-to-Business-Growth-with-Michael-Mapes.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Download the Transcript here! Jenn T Grace – Ep 80 – Fast Track to Business Grown with Michael Mapes Thank you for tuning in to episode 80 of the podcast! In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Mapes …
Read MoreThe #1 Step You Must Take Before Starting to Write Your Book
You have the courage to write a book. Check. You know what your end goal is. Check. You’ve seen how your book can change lives. Check. So, now what? It’s probably time to start writing. Wrong. Before you begin to put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard, you …
Read More#77: The Top 5 Fears New LGBT Authors Have and How to Conquer Them! [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi_77_top-5-fears-of-new-LGBT-authors.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Download the Transcript here! Jenn T Grace – Ep 77 – The Top 5 Fears New LGBT Authors Have and How to Conquer Them! Thank you for tuning in to episode 77 of the podcast. In this episode I’m tackling the top …
Read More#76: Standing Out and Reinventing Yourself with Guest Dorie Clark [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi_76_StandingOut-and-ReinventingYourself-with-DorieClark.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Download the Transcript here! Jenn T Grace – Ep 76 – Standing Out and Reinventing Yourself with Guest Dorie Clark Thank you for listening to episode 76 of the podcast. In this episode I had the privilege of speaking to Dorie Clark, …
Read More#75: Planning for 2016 – Will you Become an Author This Year? [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi_75_Planning-for-2016-will-you-become-an-author-this-year.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Download the Transcript here! Jenn T Grace – Ep 75 – Planning for 2016 – Will you become an author this year_ Thank you for tuning into episode 75 of my podcast – and the first episode of 2016! In this episode …
Read More#74: The LGBT Events in 2015 that have Changed History w/ Sam McClure [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/episode-74-The-LGBT-Events-in-2015-that-have-Changed-History-with-Sam-McClure.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Thank you for listening to episode 74 of the podcast, my final episode of the year. In this episode I speak to Sam McClure, Senior Vice President of NGLCC. Some of you may recognize Sam’s name, as I also had the opportunity …
Read MoreThe hidden implications of using the wrong LGBT terms
Here we are on part 6 of the “The 7 Deadly Sins of Ineffective LGBT Communications.” We are almost to the end of this series. I hope you’ve enjoyed it up until this point. The whole series came up because I believe 98% of miscommunication blunders occur for one of 7 …
Read More#73: What you need to know about the Human Rights Campaign, Corporate Equality Index
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi-73-gay-business-marketing-hrc-corporate-equality-index-replay-of-episode-53.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Hey all – this episode is a re-airing of episode 53, so if you already heard episode 53, come back for a new episode in episode 74! In today’s episode I cover a few topics. The first is I answer a listener …
Read MoreIs your LGBT marketing non-verbally stereotyping?
Welcome to part 4 of 7 of the “The 7 Deadly Sins of Ineffective LGBT Communications.” This entire series is based around the idea that I believe 98% of miscommunication blunders occur for one of 7 reasons, which I’ve dubbed the 7 deadly sins. We’ve already covered 1. Assumptions 2. Stereotypes …
Read More#72: How Does Confidence Impact Your LGBT Marketing Approach? [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/episode_72_How-Does-Confidence-Impact-Your-LGBT-Marketing-Approach.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Today we are talking about how confidence impact your LGBT marketing approach. I’m bringing this question to you because I’ve had two conversations with prospective clients in the last couple of weeks, and both of them – with two very different businesses …
Read MoreAre you asking your LGBT customers touchy things?
So here is part 3 of 7 in the 7 part series titled: “The 7 Deadly Sins of Ineffective LGBT Communications.” I first introduced to you the idea that I believe 98% of miscommunication blunders occur for one of 7 reasons, which I’ve dubbed the 7 deadly sins. As a …
Read MoreAmerica’s 2014 LGBT Buying Power
In 2014 we received word that the LGBT buying power in the United States has grown, again. This was no surprise as it continues to grow year after year. I’m happy to report to you that the buying power of America’s LGBT adult population was approximately $884 billion in 2014. That was up from the …
Read MoreAre you stereotyping your LGBT customers?
This is part 2 of the 7 part series titled: “The 7 Deadly Sins of Ineffective LGBT Communications.” In part 1 I introduced you to the concept that I believe 98% of miscommunication blunders occur for one of 7 reasons, which I’ve dubbed the 7 deadly sins. I will continue …
Read More#70: An Open Letter from a Self Admitted Homophobe [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/Episode_70_An-open-letter-from-a-self-admitted-homophobe.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Thanks for listening to episode #70 of the podcast. Today’s episode of the podcast isn’t an interview, it’s a response to an email I received from a reader. It’s been a few months since I’ve spent a podcast just talking to you, …
Read MoreMaking LGBT assumptions will cost you the sale
Welcome to part 1 of the 7 part series titled: “The 7 Deadly Sins of Ineffective LGBT Communications.” Previously I introduced you to the concept that I believe 98% of miscommunication blunders occur for one of 7 reasons, which I’ve dubbed the 7 deadly sins. I truly believe that most …
Read More#69: Melissa Ferrick | Singer-Songwriter [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/episode_69_Melissa-Ferrick-Rock-Folk-Singer.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Thanks for listening to episode #69 of the podcast. Today’s guest, Melissa Ferrick, is a master of many trades – an acclaimed performing artist (currently listed as #20 of the top 50 women in indie music), a record label owner as well …
Read MoreWelcome to the 7 Deadly Sins of Ineffective Communications
This series is what I call the 7 Deadly Sins of Ineffective LGBT Communications. During the time I have been writing this blog and during my many years in the field of LGBT marketing, I have noticed a pattern, 7 of them to be exact, that make up what I predict to …
Read More#68: Michele Wierzgac | Keynote speaker, leadership guru, and author of “The Talking Stick According To Michele: A Guide For Reflecting On Your Personal Brand” [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/episode_68_michele_wierzgac.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Thanks for joining me for episode #68 of the podcast. My guest today is Michele Wierzgac, who I’m so glad shared her story with me and now you. Michele’s journey is an interesting one; from the volleyball court to the main stage …
Read MoreStorytelling with Kevin Letourneau for "30 Days – 30 Voices – Stories from America’s LGBT Business Leaders" [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/GBM_062913_KevinLetourneau.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Storytelling with Kevin Letourneau of Go Out Loud Salem, Massachusetts Links mentioned: Go Out Loud Northshore Pride City of Salem, Massachusetts Google Reader Salem State University You can get in touch with Kevin here: Go Out Loud website Facebook.com/GoOutLoud Twitter.com/GoOutLoud Listen to the episode …
Read MoreInternally Communicating LGBT Marketing Strategies to your Employees
In the blog post titled “Marketing to the LGBT Community” I pointed out two critical components for effectively targeting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Authenticity and transparency. These two core principles are paramount when targeting the LGBT community because many LGBT consumers are more aware of LGBT …
Read More#58: Is Authenticity in the Workplace Dead? [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi-58-gay-business-marketing-is-authenticity-dead.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Welcome to the podcast! Today’s podcast episode is going to be a dive into the archives going back to episode #19. I’ve been very busy and haven’t had a chance to record a brand new podcast, however I do talk about my …
Read More4 lessons I learned while being a juror on a murder trial
In early 2015, I spent time away from my business to fulfill my civic duty as a juror on a murder trial. This experience was a first for me. During the jury selection process I had a sneaking suspicion I would end up on a case. I wasn’t prepared for it …
Read More#53: Love em’ or Hate em’ – Why you need to know about the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi-53-gay-business-marketing-hrc-corporate-equality-index.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS In today’s episode I cover a few topics. The first is I answer a listener question about what to do when you don’t feel comfortable networking in an LGBT environment. The second is I do a deep dive into what the Human …
Read MoreWhat you can do to productively laugh in the face of an anti-LGBT company
I live minutes from a shopping mecca in the suburbs. As I passed in and out daily I noticed a new building emerging. The only sign for months was the name of the construction company. So I was excited when I saw a ‘Coming Soon’ sign. I am not exaggerating in any …
Read More#52: Learn how to achieve Peak Performance in your Business & Marketing! [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi-52-learn-how-to-be-a-peak-performer-in-your-business-and-marketing_1.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS In today’s episode of the podcast you will hear an interview I did with my friends over at the Peak Performance Podcast, Mike & Maria Keiser. Their show is “about everything having to do with being a Peak Performer. We discuss high …
Read MoreJust because you see two lesbians – it doesn’t mean they’re a couple
I feel it is very well documented that I have a wife whom I love more than words can describe. When it comes to spouses I seriously got lucky. However, she can be somewhat of a unicorn, a mythical creature if you will. Very few people have met her because …
Read More#51: Who is the Human Rights Campaign and How Does this Help your Business? [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi-51-gay-business-marketing-human-rights-campaign-interview-with-liz-cooper.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Today’s podcast episode is meant as a pre-cursor to the next episode! Each year the Human Rights Campaign puts out their Corporate Equality Index (CEI) which is something I absolutely swear by. This index helps me understand what companies are doing good …
Read MoreLesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender visibility for ALL at the Golden Globes.
In January 2013 I wrote a blog post about Jodie Foster coming out in her acceptance speech honoring her for lifetime achievement at the Golden Globes (read that post here). At the 2013 Golden Globes there very well may have been other important milestones for LGBT people but my central …
Read More#50: Know, Like & Trust: Why this matters more in the LGBT Community [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi-50-gay-business-marketing-why-know-like-trust-is-important-for-lgbt-people.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Today’s episode of the Gay Business & Marketing Made Easy Podcast covers the topic of knowing, liking and trusting someone. A recent plumbing snafu in my house made me realize how important this and even further how important it is for someone …
Read More5 Tips for Entering the New Year on a Positive Note!
5 Tips for Entering the New Year on a Positive Note! Each year I write my top takeaways and key lessons from the previous year. But each year as I write about my top takeaways, it occurred to me that 5 of them are good foundational building blocks for how to make the new …
Read More“What should I call my family?” Should you define your LGBT family differently?
Previously I had a chance to speak at an LGBT Business Equality Conference. It was a wonderful experience that spawned many conversations about how to communicate properly with the LGBT community. I fielded many questions during my presentation but I had one stick out in my mind. There was a …
Read MoreCan I ask my lesbian neighbor about her pregnancy?
Quite sometime ago I wrote a blog post titled How Intimate is too Intimate in a Business Setting and in it I discussed how it can be awkward when you are being asked ‘Who gave birth?’ by someone you don’t know, who is trying to do business with you. I encourage you to read the …
Read MoreWhen to (or not to) use the word Queer? That is the question. [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/episode-47-gay-business-and-marketing-made-easy-a-queer-question.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today I’m pleased to share episode #47 of the podcast. In this episode I discuss what I am thankful for this year as well as tackling a listener question about the usage of the word Queer. It’s an interesting topic and one …
Read MoreCan I ask a transgender person what their ‘other name’ was?
Listen up. You know I love you. I appreciate you. I enjoy that you frequently read my blog and follow what I am doing. But sometimes I feel the need to pull a tough love moment with you. This is one of those occasions. A few months ago I was …
Read More#46: What is coming in 2015 and answering listener questions [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/episode_46_gay-business-marketing-listener-questions.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Hi there podcast listener! Thank you for being here. I am delighted to share with you my plans for this podcast as I enter year 3 of doing so. I also discuss ways in which I will be improving my blog and …
Read MoreHave you ever thought about how ignorant you may sound to a potential customer?
No matter what part of the country you are in – even in really progressive areas – there will still always be someone who says something that will instantly make you think he or she is an insensitive jerk. I was having a conversation with a really close friend of …
Read MoreCan we no longer say ‘My Partner’? The differences between a romantic partner and business partner.
This topic comes from a direct conversation I was having with two women business owners. These two women are active allies and members of the local LGBT chamber of commerce. I’ve had a chance to sit down with them in their business, on multiple occasions to talk about how they …
Read MoreCan saying ‘Sissy Boy’ get you in trouble?
Yes. I was in a meeting with my marketing mastermind group. I love this group. We meet in person once a month to discuss what we are doing for our business in terms of marketing. We share strategies, tips and offer feedback to one another. It is a wonderful thing to …
Read More#44: Expert Interview with Re Perez [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/episode-44-gay-business-and-marketing-made-easy-re-perez.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS I had a chance to recently sit down with Re Perez of BRANDING FOR THE PEOPLE. I’ve known of Re for a couple of years through our mutual relationship with the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. At this past conference …
Read MoreHow to Reset your LGBT Customers Expectation of your Business
Every time I travel I witness something that sparks a new blog post. My trip to Kansas City to speak at the Mid-America Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s Business Equality Conference was no different. What an experience! I’ve heard that this chamber was doing some great things so it …
Read MoreDo your forms say ‘Mother’ & ‘Father’? If yes, change them!
Does your business have any kind of form(s) that you require your customers to fill out? Maybe your products or services serve both children and adults? Maybe you own a medical practice? Or the local martial arts studio? Regardless of what kind of business you own or where you work, …
Read MoreHow do I know what pronoun to use? Just ask!
I was meeting with a colleague and we were talking about a challenge her wife had just recently faced as it related to a new LGBT person working for her. Her wife recently hired a young woman who was very masculine in appearance – what you might call a ‘butch …
Read MoreCan you always keep track of your employees?
A couple of years ago in Portland, Oregon an LGBT customer received his receipt from the local Apple store with the email address input as “fag.com.” As a business owner, professional, someone with employees – what is your reaction to this? If you are marketing to the LGBT community I …
Read MoreThere will always be a crank pot in the crowd…
I have two kids so the phrase crank pot comes up often in my house. A crank pot meaning someone who’s just cranky about something in general. In this post I want to point out a crank pot who reached out during my book launch. I have a very large …
Read More#40: Are we going to get to #1 on the Amazon Best Seller List? It’s book launch time! [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/GBM-epi-40-book-launch-of-no-wait-you-do-look-gay.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS This week’s podcast is all about my virtual book launch. A much shorter episode than usual, that is filled with so much love and gratitude to you the listener and reader. I really appreciate you! 🙂 Now through Friday is the virtual launch of my …
Read MoreWhat is so symbolic about the rainbow within the LGBT community?
During a meeting I was talking about pride parades and made a comment about rainbows. One of the people I was sitting with said “I had no idea rainbows are a sign of gay pride.” It never occurred to me that people wouldn’t know that rainbows were a symbol of lesbian, …
Read More#39: The Burger King ‘Proud Whopper’ Case Study [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/gbm_ep39-NGLCC-recap-and-Burger-King-Case-Study-8-7-2014.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Below are the items mentioned in this episode of the podcast. Where’s the Beef in Burger King’s ‘Proud Whopper’ Campaign? How Burger King Recently Brought Out The Intolerance Of Facebook Christians (Video) Three (3) critical mistakes you don’t want to say in …
Read MoreThree (3) critical mistakes you don’t want to say in a crowd of LGBT people…
At this point you’ve heard me talk about my 2nd book (available on Amazon), “No, wait… You do look gay! The 7 Mistakes Preventing You from Selling to the LGBT Market.” During my book launch I had the wonderful opportunity to provide copies of the book to many loyal followers at the National Gay …
Read More#37: The 7 Mistakes Preventing you from Selling to the $830 Billion LGBT Market [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/gbm-ep-37-no-wait-you-do-look-gay-7-4-2014.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS In this podcast I proudly discuss my newest project, which is my 2nd book. I give insider info on the book and share how you can buy books in bulk and get some amazing bonuses! Listen to learn more! Play the …
Read MoreDeconstructing a Monolithic Myth from a Marketing Perspective
This is a guest post from Melanie McMillan, the Public Relations Director for Keiler (www.Keiler.com) Guilty as charged. I, a straight woman who works as a public relations professional, bought into the common assumption that gay Americans have a greater disposable income than the rest of the populace. In my …
Read MoreWhen is ok to “come out” to your doctor?
This blog stems from a question from a friend who is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and has encountered a similar situation a couple of times when treating her lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients. To best understand the situation she provided me with a document from the Rhode Island Department …
Read MoreTax day is here. Thank you Edie Windsor!
Today is April 15th. It is the dreaded tax day for many. Fortunately I am not scrambling and did my taxes months ago but I know this is top of mind for many people. It is likely top of mind for many LGBT couples, as it is the first time …
Read MoreHow intimate is too intimate in a business setting? What questions are off limits?
This question from a friend comes from a lively discussion I was having with a handful of colleagues. As you may know by now I often dedicate blogs to answering questions that some may find uncomfortable to ask for fear of being judged or afraid they may offend someone if they do …
Read MoreLGBT customers do not respond to assertiveness
Here we are in the final installment of the “The 7 Deadly Sins of Ineffective LGBT Communications.” I hope you’ve enjoyed this series and it proved to be valuable to you. By now you probably know this entire series came up because of my belief that 98% of miscommunication blunders …
Read MoreWhich lesbian is the ‘man’ in the relationship?
This blog post comes from a conversation I was having with a fellow lesbian. I was interviewing her for my 30 days – 30 voices – stories from America’s LGBT business leaders podcast project. I was telling her about my first book called “But You Don’t Look Gay…”, and explaining how I came up …
Read MorePeacemaking in the Gay Dog Wars…
This blog post is from a colleague of mine, Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton. She is a mediator who works with LGBT couples and their pets. She shares her perspective of what happens when married LGBT couples divorce and how that impacts the couple’s pets. She’s a wealth of knowledge so I …
Read MoreAre you insulting potential LGBT customers?
Welcome to part 5 of 7 of the “The 7 Deadly Sins of Ineffective LGBT Communications.” We are moving right along on all of the ways that you can improve your communication skills within the LGBT community. This whole series has been based on what simple idea – that I believe …
Read MoreWhat is Inclusion Based Marketing?
I want to discuss inclusion based marketing. The idea of inclusion based marketing comes up often in this blog and podcast. I first talked about it in episode 11. In this podcast I addressed diversity and inclusion and how those two play together in marketing efforts. Diversity and inclusion are very …
Read More#29: The Top 8 LGBT News Stories of February and Why They Matter [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/GBM_Epi_029-8-great-things-in-3-weeks.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS In the last episode of the podcast I made mention that the media is the gift that keeps on giving these days. There is so much going on for LGBT equality its hard to keep up with. Today I am going to …
Read MoreThe 3 Key Ways Coke Scored a Touch Down with their LGBT Marketing
Were you one of the 111.3 million viewers who watched the 2014 Super Bowl? According to Nielsen this was the most-watched U.S. TV telecast of all time. I watched it, like many, just for the commercials. Did you see the gay couple in the Coca-Cola “America the Beautiful” Super Bowl …
Read MoreIs asking someone “So, what’s your disability?” similar to asking “So, are you a lesbian?”
For the few years I have written blog posts that are related to effective communications with the LGBT community (and it’s turned into so much more! I’m not sure all of you are aware that this blog actually started off called “LGBT Questions from a Friend,” and I was answering questions from friends and …
Read MoreProud Offering: Get Your LGBT Marketing Critique Today!
I often take time at the beginning of the year to reflect on the previous year. In 2014 I found myself ringing in the new year 30,000 feet in the air en route to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend the New Media Expo. New Media Expo is a large conference where …
Read MoreNot all LGBT people have a safe place to go for the holidays…
Tis’ the holiday season for many of us! I understand that not everyone celebrates Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or any other holiday pertinent to your specific culture, but I think it is generally safe to assume that this time of year, we are all in the holiday season – whatever that …
Read MoreFacebook Went Red for Marriage Equality: Here are the Results
This is another post where I get my ‘geek on’. I have a love hate relationship with numbers. I am notorious for transposing numbers when I am trying to dial a phone, seriously it’s painful to watch. However, I have a love for numbers and statistics especially when they are so …
Read MoreHow can I shop with LGBT-friendly businesses? Use the Buying for Workplace Equality guide
If you are a long time reader of this blog, or perhaps you’ve just found my site, either way you’ll understand real quick that I am a Dork – with a capital D. So each year when the Human Rights Campaign releases their Corporate Equality Index scores I am like a …
Read MoreHow to be more inclusive in your LGBT marketing… one small change (Part 2 of 2)
This is part 2 of a 2 part series. Previously I talked about one small change you can make in your LGBT marketing to be more inclusive of LGBT clients and potential LGBT clients. The one small change was to add LGBT imagery to your existing website or marketing materials. …
Read MoreHow to be more inclusive in your LGBT marketing… one small change (Part 1 of 2)
This is part 1 of a 2 part series. I previously had a meeting with a small business owner in my area. We’ve known of each other for a while but we were gathering to understand more about each others business. This particular business owner has had a catering business …
Read MoreHow not to advise same-sex couples…
A quick note from Jenn – When my dear friend and colleague Diane reached out to me upset with what she had just read I was empathetic. However, rather than voice my thoughts on the matter I invited her to share her thoughts and opinion here on my blog. It …
Read MoreA tale of "the ladies across the street…"
I grew up in a small town where diversity was scarce, really scarce. I’m not sure how or when being inclusive of everyone became such a part of who I was but I remember as early as 11 being inclusive regardless of race or religion specifically in my very non-diverse …
Read MoreHow do you recover from sticking your foot in your mouth?
I had the pleasure of previously speaking at the Travel Gay Canada conference in Niagara, Ontario. I had a great time presenting to a crowd of travel professionals who were eager to know how to communicate more effectively with their current and potential LGBT clients. Towards the tail end of …
Read MoreShould you ever say "those people" when talking about the LGBT community?
I’m a firm believer that the phrase “those people” should be banned from your vocabulary regardless of what group of people you are talking about. But since my blog is focused on the LGBT community we will talk about “those people” today. Did you see what I did there? All …
Read MoreDealing with opposition when preparing an LGBT outreach plan
This post was prompted by a question I received from an Australian reader of this blog. After reading my book he reached out to me with the following statement – Thanks for creating this – lots of hard work have produced a great result. One thing I am curious about – …
Read MoreWhere can I find good LGBT stock photography?
This post comes from a phone call I received – a Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) from a Fortune 500 that I have worked with in the past gave me a call and asked me, “Do you know of any good places to purchase LGBT stock photography?” I sighed and said “Unfortunately there …
Read MoreWhat do you do when there is no LGBT media in your area?
A while back I was having lunch with a friend and colleague and we were talking about LGBT media; things like newspapers, websites and magazines. We were discussing how there are pockets across the country that are just blatantly lacking access to LGBT media outlets. In several of my prior marketing related …
Read MoreQueer: What does it mean?
This is a guest post written by Patrick Carland If you’ve been paying even a bit of attention to current LGBT politics, you may have seen the word “queer” thrown around more than once. And if you’re someone from my generation, IE born at any point before the ‘90s, you …
Read MoreMarketing yourself in 60 seconds – 5 tips for a killer elevator pitch
A couple of years ago I had a chance to network with the local LGBT chamber of commerce here in Connecticut for the first time as just a member. For many years I’ve been running the organization and always actively promoted what the chamber did but never my business. It was my …
Read MoreMarriage Equality is Coming: Get your marketing plan ready!
Years ago the hot topic of the moment was the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments in the Proposition 8 case which challenged California’s ban on same-sex marriage and the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) case. I was personally hooked on MSNBC specifically watching Rachel Maddow. There was plenty of talk around moral …
Read MoreAre you saying "That’s so gay?" Stop.
There are always those expressions that can get under your skin. For me, one of those phrases is “That’s so gay.” It definitely seems to be more of a young adult and adolescent phrase but I’ve caught an adult or two or three saying it as well. I would equate …
Read More#003: LGBT Marketing Basics [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/GBM_003_LGBT_Marketing_Basics.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS On this episode of the Gay Business & Marketing Made Easy podcast we are talking about the basics of marketing and how to leverage your status as an LGBT business owner. I’d like to first say thank you so much for listening …
Read MoreWhy Are Rainbows a Symbol of the LGBT Community?
In a meeting I was talking about pride parades and made a comment about rainbows. One of the people I was sitting with said “I had no idea rainbows are a sign of gay pride.” It never occurred to me that people wouldn’t know that rainbows were a symbol of …
Read MoreWhat the heck is a Chamber of Commerce?
In day to day interactions with people I’ve come to find that many do not know what a chamber of commerce is or what a chamber of commerce does. I’m noticing that I may just live in a bubble where I make assumptions that everyone just knows what a chamber …
Read More#002: What Exactly is LGBT? Basic Terminology [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/GBM_002_What_is_and_isnt_LGBT.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS What exactly is LGBT? We’re talking the basics today on this episode of the Gay Business & Marketing Made Easy podcast! This podcast is dedicated to teaching you how to do business with and marketing to the LGBT community. There is no …
Read MoreHow does one qualify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender business owner?
I want to share with you a conversation I had on LinkedIn with a connection of mine. He asked a whole host of questions about being a certified LGBT owned business. While I was answering them for him I figured I would answer them for you as well. He asked …
Read More5 Quick Tips for Effective LGBT Advertising
Here are 5 quick tips to make your LGBT advertising the most effective it can be. #1 – Tailor your message. If you are reaching out to the LGBT community you need to know your audience. For example if you are putting an ad in an LGBT specific publication …
Read MoreIn a business setting: is it okay to ask intimate details?
The question I answer in this post comes from a lively discussion I was having with a handful of colleagues. As you may know by now I often take time in this blog to answer questions that some may find uncomfortable to ask for fear of being judged or afraid they …
Read MoreGay or LGBT… which do you use?
Back in 2012, when I met with my mastermind group to discuss the release of my podcast (a.k.a. an online radio show), the primary topic of discussion was around what should I name my show. Out of the 4 people in the group, 3 are allies and 1 is LGBT …
Read MoreDo you need to "Come out" to your Doctor?
This question comes from a friend who is a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and has encountered a similar situation a couple of times when treating her lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) patients. To best understand the situation she provided me with a document from the Rhode Island Department of …
Read MoreLGBT Questions from a Friend…
I have a friend who has inspired me to start this blog based on questions she brought to me. She asked me LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) related questions on a fairly regular basis. She knew that she can ask the sensitive questions she needed to ask without fear …
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