Can Black People Work Together .... Or Should We Go it Alone?

[Stan Blackman]

I am always intrigued with the vast potential Black people have in America. As a population, we are a significant factor in most things American and have a powerful influence that can shift the balance of power, between success and failure for many consumer goods, fashion trends, sports venues and music & movie hits, as well as affecting any national political elections. This potential can give us a significant advantage in whatever we do, if we ever decide to cash in on it.

But when it comes to us working together in business, it seems that there is never enough interest gathered to get a critical mass moving. It seems to me, that we are more interested in what others have to offer, than when something comparable or even better is offered by one of our own. It seems to me, that we will accept anything anyone else of any race has to say on a subject, but will indignitly question the motives and intentions of people of our own race.

This is true in social situations and seems to carry over into business. There are far fewer of us, here at Black Business Space, that are doing business with other Blacks than I would have expected. There are far fewer Warm Spirits, Dudley Products, and Iman Cosmetics, for example (there are others and feel free to list them), than representatives for everything else under the sun.

A person in the outer reaches of Europe or China, can put up a website with a catchy phrase and offer instant riches and we will jump on it like "forty going north". It amazes me and it angers me. How can we be so blind? Apathetic? Desperate? Or stupid?

Am I wrong? What is your observation and is there any solution that we can come up with or what can we do, if there really is a problem?

[Immanuel Skincare & Boutique]

I've read a few of the comments made to this discussion and like the ones I read I agree.I have posted an event to raise funds for my business where I am giving away service for FREE and the response is very low. The questions were asked in one reponse " Did you ask the people what their needs were before you offered a solution?", " Did you ask wheather or not they wanted your product before you started selling it?" and " Did you ask how much they were willing to pay for your product or service before you established your price point?' These are all very good question but really have very little to do with our people doing business with us. I have researched my market and asked these questiions and got a very positive response yet where are the people? I do facials and body treatments for the whole family. As far as do the people need the service the answer is yes; Read discussion on the purpose of massage. Do they want and are they willing to pay for service I find that black people are willing to pay as much as they have to for the same service I give just because of the name and location of an establishment.I have clients that come back and tell me she went to a spa that cost three times as much as I was charging and the therapist was not half as good as I was, and this was after she had service by me. There something about saying I went ther that makes us feel special. I know it is hard for us to come on one accord but I will continue to do the best I can. I am still trying to reach a goal of 100 sale by the end of today (May 31,2009). The Buy One ... Get One Special. Tell your friend and make a purchase yourself if you do not live in the Miami area that's alright the certificate can be donated to a charity event in your name our organization does a lot of charity work. thanks in advance for your support and keep bring forth these topic of intrest.

Marie Coltrain
www.Immanuelscb.com
[e-mail]

[Haki Ammi]

I'd say that demonstrated compencies is key. For instance, I know that I can do alot more if I had more confident persons onboard my team. We need to develop confidence. Many do not have racial confidence this comes from not having a proper historical connection to ourstory. If we do not know our history and understand all of the dynamics of our history we repeat it. Many of the black overclass as I've heard the term used on this forum have traded in a historic understanding and cultural imperative for diamond and platinum earrings and necklaces.

[Derrick Henry]

You made an extremely powerful statement with very few words which is right on target brother! We can do so much more connecting with likeminded people who are committed to reconnecting with our history and culture and raising our level of consciousness to the realization that we must use black owned businesses and services to recycle our money within the Black community. This concept is cultural wealth building 101.

Likewise, we must end the fragmentation of ourselves in business by coming together as a collective unit to share business knowledge, tools and resources. The business fragmentation must come to an end. So many culturally disconnected so called over classed black folks are finding out the hard way in this economy that the American dream for them was just an illusion. We must learn how to build real long lasting generational wealth.

BlackBusinessSpace.com was never intended to be a place of commerce. The intent was and still is to establish a business place for black business people and black entrepreneurs to make a connection and build relationships with each other but what you generally see is, black folks running around like crabs in a barrel spamming each other and then crying that nobody is doing any business here.

The founder of BBS in his wisdom realized that many Black entrepreneurs lacked proper business building and relationship building skills so he created the Black Business Builders Club and he filled the member’s area with a business library with 1000’s of tools, resources, eBooks, software, video tutorials on effective internet marketing and business building strategy. Video tutorials on all the club tools like list building, webpage design, squeeze and flash page building and the list goes on and on and on. He did this so that those who truly want freedom through business had access to the railroad and a place where they can conduct business with like minded culturally conscious brothers and sisters of African descent.

This is how you empower people and this is how we can break the fragmentation regardless of what other network you own or belong to and regardless of what your business may be. We all have to connect somewhere collectively, why not here in the club. Even if you are one of those people that know everything and don’t need any help, come on in and teach somebody something in one of the “member training” sessions. Give back, lift up and let’s build together. You’re already here so why not get involved with the core people here that are working together for the common good of us all. Its past time for us to stop signifying here and high time to connect with the collective and the collective in my year experience here on this platform is the Black Business Builders Club.

Derrick Henry
TaxPlus

[Financial Svs., Telecom, Solar]

Nice read....much respect

[Kendra C. Harvey]

Yes. I agree.

I think that there is too much focus on what is wrong with us rather than what is right with. You know this fraise "you are a product of your environment.." - add that to what the media shows us, then mix it together in you mind. People are way too stuck in the mind frame that they can't do what the affluent do because they and the people that came before them didn't have the opportunity.

It's going to take the few that are willing to change that outlook, to change others minds about what they can do. It's going to take a lot of coaching, team work and a "we can do it" attitude to make this change.

[Lana Reid]

There was a time when Black folks only dealt with each other in regards to business and as a people we were economically thriving (pre-desegregation). Your banker was Black, your grocer was Black, your car salesman was Black, and so on and we supported each other without question in vast numbers. Maybe we need to go back and re-investigate that time period and develop some sort of hybrid solutions that will apply to today.

~Lana
LanaReidOnline
"For The Connoisseur Of Black Men"
WE'RE COMING YOUR WAY SOON!
Up Close & Personal With Some of the Most Phenomenal Black Men in the Country

[Financial Svs., Telecom, Solar]

Of course there is a problem. Black folk don't believe in one another because we are not in control of our own thoughts. America is a wonderful place for the most part but its is geared to keep our "collective minds" separate and wanting. We can feel our potential all around us but we can't seem to put a finger on why we can't move as one unit like other groups. We have black organizations all across the united states looking for what you and I are looking for but know real solution. Associations, fraternities,unions etc. but no real connection, no central message. The million man march was a great opportunity but we miss the mark....to much talking and no execution. If they would have creates a 'think tank before the march and organized a post central network we would be in better place today. This website could have and possibly could be a central piece in our success as a people. B.E.T. could have given us a platform for thought and execution but apparently no one had the vision to see its true worth and sold it. Even if the ratings could not support it they could have negotiated a segment of the network dedicated and centralized to our economics and education. We are currently pieces of a puzzle scatttered on a table waiting to be put together. We need a central, user-friendly and visible networking platform...I see a lot of good things out there but we are still are missing that one piece that puts it all together. I will continue to search for it...

[Pat Barrow]

This is a subject that will never go away. Why? because no matter how advanced we become as a people in
all aspects there is still that element which causes an individual to validate themselves according to the standards
of those who once held us in bondage as a people.

Self centered and selfish, stuck in a identify that has been placed on oneself rather then revealed from the heart. After seeing the behavior of my own people, especially among the men, in and out the church, I consider my blackness second to my true identy in God, clarify "Jesus Christ" and that by revelation. So when you see me I do not want you to see a Black Woman, I want you to see the living God manifesting in me. No color, outward decoration...Spirit.

We may cooperate together especially given the various levels of education. Yet behind closed doors and even in public, there is no respect, preferance, or honor towards each other. I commend Leaders like Leo Green for surging through the process of trying to bring it together....We are here in the same group for example, but in spirit we are separated.

Personally, if you have no honor and respect for God there is no way you are in truth, going to respect and honor me. We need help..and having a Black President is great but is not the answer "to a people who are yet like the elephant who was tied to the t4ree and released, "he refused to move from the same spot though he was set free.....

[Black Shopping Channel]

You hit it right on the button! We as a people need to wake up and recognize that our dollars are powerful and we need to buy and sell from each other in order to create jobs for each other. Thank you for posting this discussion!
Let's talk about building a biz to biz relationship. Call tonight at 8pm est. at 712-432-1001, Access Code 445445576# - Looking forward to establishing a long and profitable business relationship.

Regards,
Bridgette Elliott, Cabinet Advisor
Black Shopping Channel ("BSC")
Email: [e-mail]
Sponsor #954-650-7441
www.blackshoppingchannel.com/elliott7441a

[ReG Mthethwa]

You are not wrong. I am a South African and a struggling entrepreneur. The reason why I say I am struggling is because I have tried to create relationships with my fellow Africans to grow my business but it is a real struggle to make it if you are dealing your own kind. This is very, very sad.

Through out my struggle to make a success out of my life, I have observed and I have come to this conclusion about our fellow African brothers and sisters:

We do not want to see another person become successful. We boil with envy at the their success and the site of them talking to you or even just passing by. You do not even have to know the person's name but you will see them driving the car that you want to drive and you will feel down and feel resent. Many people do not show it but deep down inside the envy is there.

If it was up to the black people, we would all be wealthy but at what cost. This will never happen. People want to be rich but ask them how and you will understand why I say this will never happen. We are not all destined to be successful, but there are a lot of black people that deserve to be successful but they will never be because:

* they are stuck in a situation which does not allow them to be the best that they can be and do what they were brought to this earth to do. A few examples would be getting involved with someone that just wants to use you for your ideas for their own enrichment and the common one, I am sorry to say, are our mothers and our fathers. I love my parents and they love me too but when it comes to success, they may disagree with they way you feel you will make a success out of you life as they have something also planned for you which in most cases you find people at a job that they hate but they cannot walk out because they will disappoint their parents.

* they get mixed up with the wrong people that will cause you to doubt your intelligence and you suddenly loose focus on what you want to achieve because you feel some dependence or alliance to them. I say bull shit to that, please excuse the phrase but no. Why should you live your life according to what you think the people that are around will appreciate you and forget about what makes you happy. I can bet you any amount of money that the same people that you are trying to please are the same people that think the opposite of what you think you are portraying.

On the other side of the coin, you find the black successful individuals look down on other black individual as they feel that they are more superior to the lesser fortunate. Life is a very very strange journey. You can loose what ever you thought you would never loose and where will you hide when the world comes crashing down. We are all human and deep down inside irregardless of what status you are financially we are human. The same person you meet on your way up is the same person you will meet on your way down. It how you treat the next person that will determine your true success in life.

In some cases I feel that what we have against another black person's success may even be a disease because it is common in the black community. Just be happy for your brother and sister when they move on to follow they dreams and support them with a good heart but when that day comes, I am sure my days on this earth would have passed but we can do something now by sharing in these forums, a better way to fight this disease.

[Enoch Mubarak]

THE OLD CIVIL RIGHTS BLACK MENTALITY
Through out my struggle to make a success out of my life, I have observed and I have come to this conclusion about our fellow African brothers and sisters:

We do not want to see another person become successful. We boil with envy at the their success and the site of them talking to you or even just passing by. You do not even have to know the person's name but you will see them driving the car that you want to drive and you will feel down and feel resent. Many people do not show it but deep down inside the envy is there.

If it was up to the black people, we would all be wealthy but at what cost. This will never happen. People want to be rich but ask them how and you will understand why I say this will never happen. We are not all destined to be successful, but there are a lot of black people that deserve to be successful but they will never be
ReG Mthethwa 1 day ago


THE NEW MENTALITY OF DEFINED INTELLIGENCE IN THE ERA OF 21ST CENTURY INTELLECTUAL RIGHTS.
The mental and emotional negro dependency upon the Europeans, black ministers, and local politicians has been penetrated by soul convicting messages from author Enoch Mubarak, Cheryl Jackson, President Chicago Urban League, Black Shopping Network, Mubarak Inter-prizes and the relentlessly commitment from sister Sonja Perdue of chicagosblackbusinessnetwork.ning.com as she continues to pursue, improve and perfect avenues of black business awareness, inclusion and participation.

More and more black bloggers are abandoning puff articles and instead are choosing to write about and pass along more substantial and benificial information that better enhances black America's independence and on-line presence.

Writing skills among all black formats have improved dramactically as more blacks take the time to communicate more effectively. Everyday more and more black Americans are opening blackhair related ventures and are joining forces with Mubarak Inter-prizes to recapture our Black Domestic Haircare Industry.

Black America's morale is up, attitude is positive, black self sufficiency is on the move and Mubarak Inter-prizes is spearheading the way.

Listen and you wil hear what the people are saying across this country about how reading the negative has restored the positivein real-time.

At 2:28pm on February 19, 2009, Dr. Reda Coston, D.Sc. said…
Hello, Mr. Mubarak. How are you doing? I have changed our structure we are still The CEO's. However, we accept people who can now only provide services to CEO's. Our party is strictly private because of the production of fraud. Anyways, I have no beef with the situation that unfolded in the past. However, I saw the star pin. I also saw the article posted by pastor towards me. Nothing was said toward the defense I posed for you. However, mistakes happen because, of missed communication issues.

We as a society must learn to build capital resources in order to build more
business to increase our own job market. I am doing that now. Thank You.

At 3:31pm on March 28, 2009, Havinah Zari Aur-606 FASHION PTHostess said…
Greetings Enoch,
I love what you represent. My goal is to spend more time reading your works. Your photos and topics reveal your consciousness as being higher than the 10th power of Knowledge. Together we are capable of ruling the World with precision, giving back to Mother Earth and all of her inhabitants what is properly due.
Sincerely,
The Spirit of Havinah

At 9:53am on March 18, 2009, James Green said… Beloved Brother Enoch,
On the contrary, it was an honor for me to have first met you via the comment you left to our African Brother who was searching for himself. You shared your wisdom via revelation of a notable Biblical story. It was a Blessing from God for me to hear you articulate so clearly its meaning. Stay Strong, Always Productive and Keep up the Great Work! May God bless, strengthen, protect and keep you, always!
Your Elder Brother,
James Green

At 12:45am on March 18, 2009, Deborah Porter said… Hello Bro. Enoch,
I am never quite sure sometimes if you are mocking me or challenging me to greatness. But your intellect intrigues the hell out of me! You are a necessary voice in this community!
Deborah

4:34pm on February 26, 2009, ArLena Richardson The ePublicist said…
Hi Enoch,
I stopped to say I've missed you in the community.
Come on back by sometime and bring some of your valuable knowledge.
Ar Lena The ePublicist™

10:48pm on January 10, 2009, HASSAN RAHEEM said
Dear Brotha Enoch,
we truly appreciate your zeal in putting the right words to pen and posting them here in the WACP Community. Your oral commentaries are welcome on the WACP FM player if you want to take your writings to audio. Be in touch!
HASSAN RAHEEM

At 3:17pm on January 27, 2009, Valjeanne Jeffers said…Hey Brother Enoch: when I saw that you were a member I felt right at home.
Valjeanne Jeffers

At 1:53pm on December 12, 2008, Vinetta Laing said…
Enoch Mubarak:
U R so Powerful, I could cry. Keep up the good work.
Vinetta Laing

January 13, 2009
I do follow your Articles here in the community and agree with them all so far. May you continue to keep putting the word out until a larger number of our people get it. THANK YOU ENOCH MUBARAK!
BROTHER HASSAN RAHEEM
FOUNDER AND CREATOR
WACPTV.NING.COM

March 18, 2008
Bro. Enoch, I proudly wear The Black Star of Courage Pin. I was
recently conducting a workshop in Stillwater, OK for the Big 12
Conference on Black Student Government and used it as an example of
how leadership is recognized and that they should aspire to do
something with their lives for their people; with their education.
Lazone Grays www.ibsa-inc.org

As of this day November 13th 2009 instead of black America fearing the worst they wait with great anticipation for midnight November 24,2009 because I have given black America my word that we shall move into an era of wealth and economic growth.

Midnight November 24th, 2009 black America will enter an era of prosperity, wealth and economic growth. If it were not true I would not say it.

Before we leave the past behind raise your right hand and repeat after me.

We the willing led by the unknown are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much for so long with so little that we are qualified to do anything with nothing.

IN THE 21ST CENTURY ENOCH HAS RISEN AND BLACK AMERICA HAS SOMETHING TO BELIEVE IN.

God speed to us all. I will see you on the other side of midnight and may God have mercy on my soul if this shall not be.


Sincerely, Enoch Mubarak
President/CEO Mubarak Inter-prizes
www.mubarakinter-prizes.com