The Doublespeak That Blacks Possess with Regards to Black Owned Businesses

Too often you hear Blacks moan and groan about the lack of Black owned businesses in the community. These same individuals will say that Black owned businesses lack customer service, are overpriced, or do not sell what they want only to watch them walk into an Asian/Arab food market where they are practically chased from aisle to aisle as they select their stale, overpriced goods. At the Sojourner's Passport Khadija Nassif says in a brutally honest article Black business owners must leave Blacks behind (here) because their actions speak louder than their words. She indicates that Black business owners need to maintain a colorless business, and in some cases hide their Blackness in order to be respected by Black customers (here). She raises some good points but just like with all blogs, articles, and books, take what works for you and leave the rest.

On the other hand, let's be honest. We all know the Black owned business(es) that have no credit card machine, has two things on the shelf, and opens at Noon two days a week when the 'Business Hours' sign says it should be open at 9am-6pm Monday through Friday. We do know black businesses whose operations are poorly executed. Again, these are the same business owners who say Blacks will not support their business. Ask Tyler Perry is this true. Ask Oyin Handmade and Bee Mine Hair Products if this applies. Their ethinicity enhances the experience. It does not replace the experience because they also practice SOLID BUSINESS PRACTICES. Even the Black owned businesses in your community that thrive or at least maintain are there because they maintain SOLID, if not marginal, BUSINESS PRACTICES. A lot of black businesses fail because of dumb stuff.

What are SOLID business practices?


-Your customer is whoever may be willing to buy.

-Give the people what they want

-Business is business for the owner and the consumer.  You cannot charge twice as much for your product as another and expect your customers, of any shade, not to consider your competition. Put yourself in the customer's position.

-Get an accountant or use one of the many software programs to help you manage your finances.

-Get a website.

-Get a credit card machine.

-Advertise. Advertise. Advertise.

-Follow all laws and ordinances set forth by your municipalities.

-Change with the customer and do what needs to be done to increase revenue which may mean starting another location (growth is good) in a different neighborhood.

These are basic business principles.
Also, if a good or service is that good, an owner shouldn't have to depend on their genetic gift wrapping to make a sale. The target market should want the product regardless.

Those of you who do not have a business...get one. Start small on the internet and work your way up. The internet is leveraging the playing field for small businesses. The greatest way to increase wealth in this country is through starting one's own venture. I plan to double my income by this time next year. My new venture will be a big part of that.