118: Live-ish from FAN EXPO Chicago! On Inclusion, Intentions & The Mandalorian (feat. Iris Goldfeder)

If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed because your current website design is not attracting diverse customers or fostering a sense of connection, then you are not alone! Perhaps you've been relying on generic templates and stock images, failing to capture the unique experiences of your target audience. Instead of cultivating empathy and inclusivity, your website may be leaving potential customers feeling unseen and excluded. What's a heart-centered small business owner to do?

Thankfully, Iris Goldfeder is here to break down the essentials of accessibility, inclusion, and empathic design. (And by here, I mean literally on the floor of FAN EXPO Chicago with Annie!) It's a must-listen for nerds, empaths, and technology haters alike. Then, Iris and Annie share lessons learned from The Mandalorian, and go searching FAN EXPO for Grogu (aka Baby Yoda aka The Child). Trust us, this is the way (to fix your website)!

Resources:
- Connect with Iris through the GasStoveCreative website and her Linkedin.
- Don't forget to check out her podcast, GasStoveCreative presents The Cookbook.

FAN EXPO Acknowledgement and Gallery:
This episode was made possible by the generosity and support of FAN EXPO Chicago's media and PR team. THANK YOU!

To see a gallery of Iris and Annie's favorite Mandalorian finds, visit http://www.anniepruggles.com/grogu

Special thanks to The Legging Lass, Whirl & Twirl, EWAcats, DisParody, The CroChic Shop, Tristan Young, The Pink Yodette, and Drew Blank (who was also featured in last year's episode!) for allowing me to include and share your art with this episode. Again, the link to the gallery is http://www.anniepruggles.com/grogu

ABOUT FAN EXPO HQ:
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively it hosts more than one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada™, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Dallas™, FAN EXPO Boston™, FAN EXPO Denver, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Calgary Comics & Entertainment Expo, FAN EXPO Vancouver™, Toronto Comicon, Dallas FAN FESTIVAL and Edmonton Comics & Entertainment Expo. In 2022, FAN EXPO HQ presents six new shows previously organized by Wizard World: FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, FAN EXPO St. Louis, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, and FAN EXPO Cleveland. The latest schedule of events is available here, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.


What's Inside:
00:03:14 - ADA Compliance and Small Business Owners,
00:05:15 - Future Trends in Website Accessibility,
00:08:40 - Empathy and Inclusivity,
00:11:47 - Websites as Virtual Brick and Mortar,
00:18:11 - Tips for Ensuring Inclusivity and Compliance, 
00:26:56 - The Power of Inclusive Marketing,
00:29:52 - Rejecting Irresponsible Marketing,
00:32:28 - Importance of Accountability,
00:34:02 - Small Mistakes Reflect on Big Ones,
00:40:45 - Entrepreneurship and Choice,
00:46:30 - Creating a Community,
00:47:40 - The Path of the Jedi,
00:50:31 - Intentionality and Choices,
00:53:07 - Babysitting Grogu,
00:55:40 - Hmk: Audit Your Homepage,


Wanna binge? Check out these related episodes:
42: On Impact, Inclusion & Pitch Perfect (feat. Melissa Marcelissen)
43: On Storytelling, Problem-Solving & Star Wars (feat. Seth Erickson)
57: On Intentionality, Instinct & Rogue Agents (feat. Andrea Freeman)
79: On Self-Promotion, Belonging & Pee-wee's Playhouse (feat. Deanna Seymour)
83: The Business of Fandom: Live from FAN EXPO Chicago 2022