Designing for the Edges: How Inclusivity Can Revolutionize Your Business

Designing for the edges means creating with accessibility in mind

A resonant theme throughout our conversation was Meg’s principle of “designing for the edges.” This involves catering specifically, intentionally and directly to those who need accessibility features the most, a philosophy that naturally extends benefits to a wider audience.

I had the pleasure of sitting down recently with Meg Brunson, an inspiring female entrepreneur making waves in the world of ethical, accessible, and inclusive marketing. 

Meg shared her journey and the alignment of her business with her evolving personal life and responsibilities. It's a crucial reminder that, as female entrepreneurs, our businesses should reflect our values and work seamlessly with our personal lives, not compete with them.

Meg emphasized personal branding as a invitation to embrace flexibility, especially when our business interests change over time. She recounted her early days immersed in Facebook ads, reflecting on how the evolving needs of her clients nudged her toward broader marketing strategies. Her realization of the limitations inherent in relying solely on Facebook ads underscored the necessity of foundational marketing components like organic marketing and understanding the customer journey. Those initial steps in marketing were invaluable learning experiences, steering her toward a path of more holistic and ethical marketing practices.

In one particularly poignant moment in our discussion, Meg shared a deeply personal experience with building a marketing funnel that felt fundamentally unethical to her.  This revelation prompted her to reassess her approach to marketing, highlighting the importance of aligning business practices with personal values. It was a sobering yet enlightening moment that underscores the power of ethical inclusivity in marketing.

One of the more humorous parts of our discussion was focusing on “Camel Case” in ensuring accessibility and clarity in hashtags, usernames, and URLs. This relatively simple practice can prevent embarrassing misinterpretations and enhance screen reader performance. It's a clear example of how meticulous attention to accessibility can benefit all users. Meg’s explanation, highlighted by the infamous “Susan Album Party” misread as “Sue's Anal Bum Party,” punctuated the importance of such considerations. I have been using Camel Case for several years because it is easier for my ADHD-brain, without even knowing what is was called or why to use it, intentionally.  

Adding another layer to this discussion, we explored screen reader accessibility. Camel case plays a pivotal role here, too, making text more digestible for those employing screen readers and generally enhancing readability. It's a stark reminder of our responsibility as business owners to be intentional about accessibility in our digital communication.

We broadened the conversation to touch on numerous other ethical business practices, with Meg's dedication to responsible marketing shining through. One of the more complex topics we tackled was the hesitancy around translating content into languages we can't support, fearing it might mislead non-English speakers. This highlights the delicate balance between broader accessibility and the potential for miscommunication.

A resonant theme throughout our conversation was Meg’s principle of “designing for the edges.” This involves catering specifically, intentionally and directly to those who need accessibility features the most, a philosophy that naturally extends benefits to a wider audience. We drew parallels with wheelchair ramps, which not only serve those in wheelchairs but also help parents with strollers and travelers with luggage.

Reflecting on the broader business landscape, Meg shared her vision of a world where businesses focus on justice and changing lives, with profitability as a natural byproduct rather than the primary goal. This idea parallels the notion that financial security enables generosity and active community support. Together, we championed the belief that justice and profitability need not be mutually exclusive but can, in fact, coexist harmoniously.

Our dialogue also touched on the importance of expanding one’s envisioned audience beyond current demographics and considering underserved or marginalized groups. Meg’s suggestion of developing an “inclusive ICA” to cater to a diverse audience offered actionable strategies for other female entrepreneurs looking to broaden their reach inclusively.  I reflected on some of my reasons for rebranding the podcast from The Driven Woman Entrepreneur to ADHD-ish and removing my image from the show cover. I want to attract listeners from more diverse backgrounds, including different genders. 

Practical tips, like ensuring large and accurate captions and the use of a color contrast checker, were sprinkled throughout Meg’s advice, reinforcing the importance of digital accessibility. Her past experiences, like working with the deaf community and her advocacy for inclusivity in marketing, painted a vivid picture of the ongoing journey toward a more ethical business landscape.

Meg’s personal journey—from her early enterprise ventures to her stint at Facebook and beyond—provided a rich backdrop to her insights. Her life in an RV, traveling the country, and her deep understanding of connectivity issues enriched our conversation about accessibility. Her entrepreneurial spirit, fueled by her own ADHD, was a testament to the unique insights and creativity that often come with being neurodivergent. 

I am grateful to inclusive marketing pros like Meg Brunson, who share their journeys and expertise, making the world of business a more ethical and accessible space for those who are striving to find balance and build justice-centered ventures.

Feel free to DM me on LinkedIn or send me an email at diann@diannwingertcoaching.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you'd like to hear the full episode on the ADHD-ish Podcast, you can do that here.