After losing some basic human rights, it’s safe to say that we’re all feeling pretty shitty. It’s more than okay to be sad, mad, and confused with everything going on. We have a responsibility to our clients and audience to speak up about topics that are important.

You might feel torn. You have an opinion about what's going on but you don’t want to turn your social media into a political shit show. This is a normal feeling and it's fair.

But the truth of the matter is that certain topics need to be spoken about; no matter how uncomfortable. We are in the midst of a perfect example. This is not business as usual. Staying silent will speak louder [negatively] to your followers. So let me guide you through this sticky situation. You can talk about things that matter to you and your followers while still running a business.

When big situations like Roe Vs. Wade being overturned, it's no longer business as usual. The first step is to pause all your normal posting. Take the time to be sensitive to everyone affected by this. Reflect, research, and recognize any privilege you have in the situation. This will help when speaking about the topic moving forward.

Take the time to do some research. At this point, everyone knows what happened. Allow your profile to be a safe place to seek valuable resources that can help others. For example, we put a Planned Parenthood donations page in our Instagram bio when Roe Vs. Wade was overturned.

Think about how your audience is feeling as well. Let them know you are there for them if they need someone to speak to. Go on stories and voice your feelings about things. People will appreciate your honesty and relate to how you are feeling. Use your brand guide to help you stay within your values when speaking to your audience. If you don’t have a brand guide, check out my blog post on why you should consider having one made for you.

This is still your business and we can’t afford to stop promoting altogether. After analyzing your posts, choose a few that aren’t insensitive to the situation and slowly start posting. Don’t overdo it, don’t overthink it. To an extent, we all need a break from the hard stuff that’s going on and your post might be the exact pick-me-up your audience needs.

Remember, these topics are hard for everyone. But having any form of platform gives us the responsibility to speak up and help. Be sensitive to the topic and don’t be afraid to speak your thoughts. Support the cause by donating, offering valuable resources, and aiding where you can.

How do you handle difficult topics in your biz? Let me know in the comments.