Embracing a New Era (With Caution)

We are moving into a world led by creativity, compassion and authenticity rather than the old paradigm of working yourself to the bone for minimal reward and maximum suffering. Can I just say I am thrilled this is finally happening for us?

Gone are the days of sleazy sales tactics and focusing on profit over people. We have finally come around to listening to our communities, empathizing with their needs, and creating from the heart.

And though we are on the right track, unfortunately, there is still a waft of disingenuous intention and manipulation that fills the air in the ‘ethical business space.’

It pains me to see people still behaving this way because, by default, it discredits everything those with loving intentions are trying to do. I realize that business is still business, so we must use discernment when working with others who use a ‘one size fits all’ wellness model to capture our attention and try to rob us of our critical thinking skills.

I’d like to preface this next part by saying that I LOVE the work I do and the clients that I work with as a creative writer/copywriter, but I am noticing some eerie similarities between some ethical business models and the ones we have so desperately been trying to get away from in the last decade (or longer.)

‘Ethical Business’ Red Flags to Look Out For

🚩They guilt you into buying their product or service

🚩They relentlessly promote scarcity tactics

🚩They use the phrase, “If you really cared about your business/ wellbeing/ healing, you WOULD spend every last dollar you have so that I can help you.”

* A brief note for the last example: I’m aware you need to “spend money to make money”, “invest in yourself”, and all the other things we hear that will help us evolve our business and health—however, when you are being bullied into spending the only money you have on something that just doesn’t feel right to you, it’s a sales tactic (and an icky one at that.)

Don’t put yourself into dire circumstances and a financial black hole that you can’t crawl out of just to please someone that doesn’t have your best interests at heart or feel pressured to spend your life savings if you have more immediate and crucial responsibilities. If the offering seems “too good to be true, ” it probably is. When you’re ready, you’ll find the right person to work with and feel much better about it!

**Another note, I am not bagging on the people who truly have a brilliant and life-changing offering that provides so much value—I LIVE for these sorts of people, and I want to see you do well. I want to help you do well and create genuine, inspiring words that connect with your beautiful audience. What I don’t enjoy is those who take advantage of people who try to improve their mental health, financial circumstances, and life in general and are purposely steered in the wrong direction for the benefit of these businesses.

Here are a few things you should be asking yourself when engaging with any business:

→ Is your potential teacher/ coach/ mentor someone who is teaching from a place of genuine life experience? Have they gone through turmoil to emerge victorious in their efforts to create a beautiful life for themselves? Have they invested in their skillset and proven they can guide others? Or are they regurgitating information they looked up online and stole from others without truly understanding the reality of what you’re seeking relief from?

→ Do they empathize with you and what you have been through, or do they unknowingly (or knowingly) try to invalidate your feelings?

→ Do they put down every other teacher in the industry and make it out like they are the only ones with the answers?

→ Do they force their beliefs upon you and tell you that their way is the only way to lead a successful business/reach optimal health, or heal from your trauma?

→ Are they open to (polite) constructive criticism and feedback on how you feel about their teachings or methods, or do they get defensive and verbally lash out at you?

→ Do they make you feel stupid if you ask questions or afraid to speak up if you are unsure about things?

Any of the above will always result in a deep ‘icky’ reaction within your gut where you don’t feel safe or supported because this is not the way forward for any business.

If you’re unsure about the person you want to work with, it’s essential to research, dig deep, see if any other red flags pop up, and trust your gut. I cannot stress that enough! If it doesn’t feel good for you, DON’T do it—whatever that is.

To those businesses and people that truly want to make a difference in this world and share your light, I thank you, honor you, and respect the way you create in this world.

Here’s to meaningful movements forward.💜

Natalia xo

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If you’re ready to stand out as an ethical wellness brand that’s here to ignite a revolution, I specialize in brand messaging strategy, website copy, social media content, blog writing & email. Check out my services here.