Words matter. When “small business” and “small business owner” are overused, it becomes belittling. Breakthroughs await those with expanded vocabulary.
First, let’s get an elephant in the room. There is a need for categorization between different types of businesses, and size is an obvious differentiator. This determines how government policies, regulated programs, and other environmental resources are distributed.
Unfortunately, broad categorization leads to business owners not thinking of themselves as entrepreneurs.
Whether it’s the size of a company, revenue, or other quantifiable metrics, using “small business” may be required for economic structuring, but it limits how many leaders think about their own potential.
The opportunity to shift this narrative exists within events where the assemblage is comprised of small business owners. In these settings, use small business terms to target the promotional messaging, then find ways to release those technical terms at the event. Emcees, speakers, panelists, and staff can embolden the audience by using “small business owners” when necessary but then intentionally using more alternative titles that add depth to the attendee’s mindset. Instead of everything being focused on small, use synonyms that describe greatness, importance, appreciation, and yes, small business owners:
- Entrepreneur
- Founder
- Leader
- Student
- Innovator
- Heretic
- Dreamer
- Creator
By using these synonyms, we can quietly inspire more inclusivity through fresh assimilation at events. Even if public policies remain rigid, more people will learn to celebrate and identify with more codifications.
Over time, more people who may have kept themselves in a box will start to feel enlisted in all that is an entrepreneurial lifestyle. As more small business owners hear, use, and relate to enlivened vocabulary, the expanding taxonomy exposes new ideas, untapped resources, and unexpected realms to confidently explore within the local communities we love.
Brewed From Within
#36 📖 Leadership
