How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan (A 5 Part Series)
Marketing to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community requires a plan. Positioning yourself as the go-to person for the community in regards to business transactions requires a strategy and a plan as well. You have to be logical in your approach. You can’t just put a rainbow sticker …
Read MoreAre there small business resources for LGBT business owners?
As part of this blog I get the great pleasure of answering a question from a blog reader like you. This question comes from an exchange I had with a follower on Twitter. This person was looking for ideas and topics that would be helpful for small business owners, “Are there small business …
Read MoreAre you on Twitter? Knock it off with the Auto Direct Messages already
Are you on Twitter? Do you enjoy your time on Twitter? Are you annoyed by the barrage of spam coming your way from auto Direct Message’s (aka DM’s)? Yeah, me too. In this post I want to talk about why your auto DMing people is damaging your social reputation. I …
Read MoreThe difference between an Advocate and an Activist
I previously posted about the difference between an Ally and Advocate because it became apparent that not everyone knew what the difference was. In this post, I’d like to address two more similar words, Advocate and Activist. While researching my previous topic of ally and advocate I had troubles locating any …
Read More4 ways an RSS feed can help you become an industry expert
Part of what I try to accomplish within this blog is to share with you things that I feel can help improve your marketing efforts towards the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. In this post I’d like to introduce you to RSS feeds. A few years ago I made the decision …
Read MoreThe benefits of a strong "Call-to-Action"
In this post I’d like to talk about calls-to-action. This has come up in a myriad of conversations lately and it seems appropriate to talk about it here. I previously recorded a podcast episode that you can click here to listen to where I talked a great deal about calls to action and …
Read MoreThe rule of thirds for your social media strategy
Have you heard of the rule of thirds before? Perhaps you’ve heard of it from a photographers perspective? That’s where I first learned the term. In photography terms the rule of thirds helps you frame out your shot in the most interesting way. Rather than having your subject portrayed in …
Read MoreWhy is brand loyalty so important in the LGBT community?
So this topic is about brand loyalty within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. At a networking event I participated in an exercise where we had to teach our groups something interesting about our business. I threw out some jarring statistics about the LGBT community to get the conversation …
Read MoreWhat exactly is an LGBT 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 MoreThe 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 MoreHow I Made the Business Case for LGBT
My personal mission and goal is to educate you on how to properly market to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) market. As cliche as the old School House Rocks expression is “Knowledge is Power.” (Who didn’t love that show?) The purpose of my postings is to fully engage and …
Read More#84: Build Your Personal Brand by Learning from the Experts [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/Epi84-Build_your_personal_brand_by_learning_from_the_experts.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Download the Transcript here! Jenn T. Grace – Episode 84 – Build Your Personal Brand by Learning from the Experts Thank you for tuning in to episode 84 of the podcast! We are gearing up for some great things coming soon so …
Read MoreMarketing to the LGBT community is not for everyone
In this post I will elaborate on something I’ve touched upon in the past. Previously I wrote a blog post called “Dealing with opposition when preparing an LGBT outreach.” This post was in response to a reader question I received. In my response to him I stated “For anyone who is considering or …
Read More#82: How to Impact 1 Million LGBT People [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/Epi82-How-to-Impact-1-Million-LGBT-People.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Download the Transcript here! Jenn T. Grace – Episode 82 – How to Impact 1 Million LGBT People Thank you for tuning in to episode 82 of the podcast. In this episode I discuss a small mindset shift that I’ve had over …
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 More#79: Women & LGBT Entrepreneurship Dissected with Guest Jennifer Brown [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi-79_Women__LGBT_Entrepreneurship_Dissected_with_Guest_Jennifer_Brown.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Episode 79 is a rebroadcast of one of the first – and most interesting – podcast interviews I’ve had the pleasure of doing. I had the opportunity to sit down with Jennifer Brown for an honest and thought provoking conversation. We were …
Read More#78: The 6 Steps to using Content Marketing to create your Personal Brand [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi_78_6-content-marketing-tips-to-develop-your-personal-brand.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Download the Transcript here! Jenn T Grace – Ep 78 – The 6 Steps to using Content Marketing to create your Personal Brand Thank you for tuning in to episode 78 of the podcast. In this episode I’m discussing the 6 steps …
Read MoreYour Book has the Power to Change Lives. Learn How to Channel It!
In the last blog post we talked about starting with the end in mind. Understanding why you are writing a book. You can read that here. I asserted that having the end goal in mind is critical and then perhaps getting started is your next step. Getting started is certainly …
Read MoreStarting with the end in mind. Why are you writing a book?
Starting with the end in mind. Why are you writing a book? In the last blog post we talked about how having the courage to commit to sharing your story with the world is the first step. To be brave and to say, “Yes, I am going to do this!” …
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 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 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 More#64: Expert Interview with Bryce Summers, Author of Queer Sense [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/Episode_64_with_Bryce_Summers_author_of_Queer_Sense.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Links mentioned in today’s episode: Sci Fi Horror Books | Gay Fiction Novels Listen to the episode by clicking the play button below. A short bio about Bryce Summers: Bryce Bentley Summers is a psychologist, fiction novelist, and founder of Queer …
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#59: Does your business sell to Corporations? If yes, then listen up! [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/gay-business-marketing_epi-59_Heather_Cox_Certify-My-Company.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Listen to this great (and entertaining) interview with Heather Cox as we discuss – • Supplier Diversity • LGBT Business Certification • Certification as a marketing tool • Buying from each other I had a chance to sit down with Heather Cox …
Read MoreTips and Techniques for Successfully Marketing to the LGBT Community
If you have found this blog post then it means we have at least one thing in common; you are looking into marketing to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and I am the one who can help teach you what you need to know. This blog contains …
Read More#57: Expert Interview – Marketing Tips for Reaching Lesbians [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi-57-ebone-belle-marketing-to-lesbians_1.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS In this episode of the podcast I talk with Ebone Bell – founder and managing editor of Tagg Magazine. If you have been looking to market to the lesbian community but haven’t been certain on where to start, this podcast will point …
Read More2 Simple Ways to Raise the Bar in Your Business
Are you looking to really make an impact on people? Make your business shine? Really show people how much you kick ass? Well… I have great news for you – the bar is set really low and you can make an impact, make your business shine and show the world that …
Read More#56: The fastest way to grow your LGBT (or allied) business that you’ve been overlooking [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/gay-business-epi-56-growth-opportunities-for-your-lgbt-or-allied-business.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS Today’s podcast episode is going to cover the ripple effect that supplier diversity opportunities can have on your business, whether or you are part of the LGBT community or an ally to the LGBT community. It doesn’t matter if you are …
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 MoreGet SMART about your progress: How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan (Part 5 of 5)
This is part 5 of 5 of the 5 part series of How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan. Wow, we are finally at the conclusion of the 5 part series about How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan. I have enjoyed covering the 5 parts of creating an effective …
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 MoreBuild meaningful relationships first: How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan (Part 4 of 5)
This is part 4 of 5 of the 5 part series of How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan. Thanks for checking out part 4 of 5 of the How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan. This has been such a great series of posts to write for you. …
Read MoreHow do I become more involved?: How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan (Part 3 of 5)
This is part 3 of 5 of the 5 part series of How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan. Thanks for stopping by to read part 3 of 5 on How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan. We first discussed the 5 questions to ask yourself to help create a …
Read MoreWhy are you better than your competitors? (Part 2 of 5)
This is part 2 of 5 of the 5 part series of How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan. This is the second post in a 5 part series. The first post was titled “How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan,” if you haven’t checked that one out, go back …
Read MoreWho is your ideal audience?: How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan (Part 1 of 5)
This is part 1 of 5 of the 5 part series of How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan. We are going to do a deep dive into defining your target market. In a post titled “How to build a simple LGBT outreach plan” we discussed 5 questions to ask yourself to …
Read MoreHow would you use an extra 8 hours? Beef up your LGBT efforts, of course!
I don’t know about your schedule but mine can be pretty chaotic – usually trying to fit a lot of meetings and phone calls into one day. For some reason Thursdays always seem to be my busiest days of the week. I’m usually up and out early, attending events, going …
Read More#41: Expert Interview with Jeff Berger [Podcast]
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http://traffic.libsyn.com/jenntgrace/epi_41_interview_jeff_berger_national-association-of-gay-lesbian-real-estate-professionals.mp3 Podcast: Play in new window Subscribe: RSS I had the great pleasure of talking with Jeff Berger on today’s podcast. Jeff is the founder of the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP) and shared some great insights on more effective marketing to the LGBT …
Read MoreDeveloping Partnerships within the LGBT Community
In the blog post titled “Internally Communicating LGBT Marketing Strategies to your Employees” we covered a few critical areas. We touched upon the topics of external perception versus internal perception, we discussed the value of employee resource groups (ERGs) within your organization and I also demonstrated a real life example …
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 MoreAn important letter of LGBT inclusion from a Straight Business Owner
I would like to share with you an incredibly heartfelt letter that I received from a fan of this blog. Don reached out to me after having attended my webinar. Don’s entire letter to me embodies the reasons why I do what I do. In an ideal world there would be …
Read More6 ways using "Google Alerts" in your business can help you beat the competition
We live in a competitive world, right? Sometimes its a downright dog-eat-dog world. Each day as business owners and entrepreneurs we are trying to figure out what is going to make us better than our competition. In my personal experience understanding what is going on in your industry and knowing …
Read MoreComing Out in Business: What we can learn from Jodie Foster
Sometimes as I sit down to write this blog all I can think is ‘wow.’ That is what I thought when I watched and re-watched Jodie Foster’s brilliant acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement at the Golden Globes a few years back and I knew I had …
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