001: Learn the secrets to become a successful entrepreneur with Bernadette Smith from The Equality Institute

Written By Rhodes Perry

In 2004, Bernadette Smith, founder and president of the Equality Institute, started 14 Stories, an award winning wedding planning firm with an LGBTQ specialty. She later took this passion for equality and started the Gay Wedding Institute to share her expertise with her peers in the global wedding and travel industry. Her business naturally evolved as she received questions on LGBTQ concerns from the front desk, concierge and other front line staff.

Given the politically charged issues of today, Bernadette expanded her training offerings and now consults with retail, restaurant and other industries with many front line employees.

Bernadette has spoken to thousands of professionals and trained people from more than 20 countries on LGBTQ issues. Bernadette's expertise has been sought after by the Today Show, National Public Radio and the New York Times, among many others.

This Episode is Sponsored By

·      Rhodes Perry Consulting, LLC

·      Register for the HR & Diversity Master Class

·      Learn more about Equity & Inclusion & Get a Free Gift!

Questions Answered in this Episode

·      Who is Bernadette Smith?

·      What does her business do?

·      What is she most inspired about in her business today?

·      How does she leverage her LGBTQ identity to grow her business?

·      What is her best advice to inspire you?

·      How can you get in touch with Bernadette?

Resources Shared in this Episode

·      Contact Bernadette: Bernadette@14stories.com

·      Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies

·      The E-Myth: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It

The Out Entrepreneur Community

·      The Out Entrepreneur Facebook Community

·      Join the #OutEntrepreneurPodcast Revolution!

·      Listen, Download, & Subscribe on iTunes

Rhodes’ Top 3 Recommended Resources

1. Acuity Scheduling is a wonderful system for solopreneur’s and those looking to maximize staff time on the tasks that matter most. Let Acuity take care of the scheduling, and enjoy the first month free when you visit: https://goo.gl/Cduy4a

2. Quickbooks Self-Employed software will take care of everything from tracking trip mileage to managing your quarterly taxes. If you’re considering a simple bookkeeping solution look no further! Try Quickbooks today, and enjoy 50% off of your first 6 months when you visit: http://fbuy.me/excvF.

3. FreshBooks cloud accounting is a great resource if you’re exchanging time for money and you need a simple solution for tracking project hours, invoicing clients, and managing payments. Consider trying FreshBooks for one month of free service when you visit: https://goo.gl/Z6vFBt.

Rhodes Perry

Rhodes Perry, MPA is an award-winning social entrepreneur, best-selling author, and keynote speaker. He helps leaders build belonging at work to achieve industry breakthroughs. His firm offers transformative leadership development, change management, and capacity building solutions for senior executives focused on advancing their organizations’ diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) commitments. Nationally recognized as a LGBTQ+ thought leader, he has two decades of government and nonprofit experience having worked at the White House, PFLAG National, and the City of New York. Media outlets like Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and the Associated Press have featured his powerful work as a (DEI) influencer.

http://www.rhodesperry.com
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