No matter what your views are, 2020 was a rough year. From the Australian brush fires and Prince William and Meghan Markle quitting royalty to the Weinstein verdict, Trump’s impeachment, and the pandemic in full swing, it seems like it could be some sort of cosmic ruse. But for small business owners, mid-sized business owners, and Tampa Bay executives, we live, we learn and we move forward together. Here’s how we gather the pieces and move on after 2020:
2020 Recap: Where to start?
2020 was the year the brought us a burning continent, a rise in populism, and 28 named storms in the Atlantic Basin. This year brought controversy when J. Lo and Shakira shook it in February, and then when ‘Parasite’ won at the Oscars. The year brought political scandal after scandal until the eventual election of Joe Biden and then 2020 brought us the first woman Vice President, Kamala Harris. What’s more, the COVID-19 pandemic made 2020 hard for Tampa Bay businesses, shuttering some permanently.
Building a better future in 2021
In a capitalist society, business owners build the fabric of culture and change. We have a responsibility to pay it forward in 2021. But how? In another article, we talk about the potential for impact investing, so we are going to look for more hands on solutions in this blog:
Advocate for a cause
Regardless of your business alignment, use your voice for good. It’s not that hard. I’m not a words person, but I’m finding a way to make my thoughts known. You can too. Just remember that advocating for a cause doesn’t mean speaking over those you are advocating for. To start, the best thing you can do is listen and learn from those more marginalized than you.
Become a thought-leader
Thought-leaders go beyond being passionate about something, they become subject matter experts. Consider how the experts within your organization contribute to society. If you’re a large enterprise, how does your commitment to technology raise standards for all companies in your industry? Thought-leaders blog about the things they do differently from an expert perspective. Developing thought-leaders within your organization means pairing innovators with content marketers.
Florida swing state anxiety
Florida is a swing state. That means that during election years, being a Floridian can be kind of tense. But all tension aside, we have a real chance to make a difference and to show people that Florida is more than just ‘Florida Man’. We’re better when we come together. Tampa blogger, @AyanaGabrielleLage said of her daughter, Nora, “Just forever weepy thinking about Nora growing up with a VP who looks like her.” Follow her for those feel good mom vibes in 2020.
Kristina Maness Orlando photographer
I’m Kristina Maness, a Central Florida photographer, specializing in Tampa Bay and beyond. I’m ready to learn all about your Orlando brand. When you book a branding session with Kristina Maness Photography, you are the VIP. Rest assured, I’ll learn everything about your brand before and during our session. Follow me on Pinterest to learn how KMP can help you.