To the arthor of this article, I’d like to ask, “At what church do you preach each Sunday because I want to hear more of your gospel”. As an African-American entreprenuer, I agree fully!
When I first saw this article I put my shield and my blade in my hand and was all set to defend my Black people. I have been in business for 21 years selling merchandise to a 95 percent Black consumer market. Thru some creating marketing skills and manuevering, also producing a lot of my merchandise I have been able to succeed while most other Black Business owners fail. I thought I was special!
However with the current economy being a depression for most Blacks, I am now going thru the feeling of being boycotted by my own. Even though reports say it is still bad for Main street businesses-It can’t compare to what Black Businesses are going thru.
I truly feel betrayed from my Black consumer. For all the Side deals that i made happen, Huge discounts, Tax Free Purchases, Store Credit, Wholesaleing to any Black who wanted to go into business, even though most don’t have the proper Licenseing or fit the minumum requirements to purchase at Wholeasale.
Where have they all gone? To the Malls of course. This has been my worst year ever in twenty one years and it doesn’t look like its going to get better any time soon .
As much as I hate to say it I have experienced every behavioral pattern by my people that you have stated. And as things get worse most Black Businesses will suffer all the illnesses you mentioned even more.
Thanks for Really Keeping It Real.
PS. Not my real name of course, can’t afford to alienate the few customers I have Left.
I must say, this article is right on the money. We have become so full of self hatred, it’s has gotten to the point,, even, that I don’t see anything changing; anytime, soon. Rob must live somewhere else. I have been back in the states thirty years now, and can bear witness to every word stated; as far as black women are concerned, they need to stop acting so damn evil; and dressing like street walkers, and take all that bullsh-t out of their heads.
I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. However I find it offensive if the opinion lacks the data to support it. As the President of The Black Chamber of Commerce I can recite several facts to explain why African American businesses fail and it has little to do with African American consumers. Case in point is Magic Johnson, who after retiring from basketball barely had a million dollars to his name. With his forward thinking he was able to setup enterprising businesses in the African American communities that are successful. Today Magic is a billionaire. No one thought to put Starbucks, Fat Burgers, movie theaters in the African American communities. His success disproves your notion that African American businesses cannot survive by marketing it’s products and services to fellow African American consumers. Also, from a business perspective it makes little sense to exclude a whole race of people because the feeling is we don’t do business with each other. Even if I agreed with your opinion, which I don’t, what do we do to improve this negative attitude/self hate that exist? Well, I say it takes people who care. People who want to see our communities grow.
This is the article I was looking for! I’m planning on having my own business and I was searching for real advices and opinions about “Black business world”. I knew it wouldn’t be as easy as it seems like what they mentioned on other blogs and articles. I also knew and doubted that in the black community circle it will not be an easy door so I’m replanning my project over, and would like you to private email me more advices. This is very important to me. I’m located in Europe and its harder there then in the U.S as far as black business owned is concerned.b
The article was on point and I believe the failure of Black business has everything to do with the lack of economic policies developments during the civil rights movement. The focus was on getting the ability to freely do what we wanted to include patronizing businesses not in our community. Anyone who believes that Black don’t harbor jealousy of other Blacks with businesses or those they think have money is simply not being realistic. Blacks have a lot of strange cultural behaviors inconsistent with progress of the race but many factors contribute to it, the biggest being our slavery experience. Although slavery existed long before the discovery of American it had never been institutionalize on the scale it was in building this nation. At some point one of our major institutions (perhaps the church) has got to lead the fight to change the psycho dynamics driving our behavior. And starting that with those of us who went through the civil rights experience is useless. This current generation of youth and young adults somewhat removed from the slavery, Jim crown and the civil rights movement have a chance to become the market we have to have to build viable businesses. Here is the wake up call. Most people who benefited with good jobs and some American dream prosperity from the civil rights movement find themselves falling into poverty and in need of someone to employ them. Now they can wake up and realize we are in a global economy requiring 21st century skills and that there is no more cotton to pick. Most older African-Americans are not going to get another shot at corporate America or the government and they are going to be force to partner with and support and be employed by Black Businesses for their own survival. No business can exist without a market of their own community. Check out Dr. Andersons Powernomic seminars on youtube, great information on how we have duped ourselves. Consider this in 2012. Check this out we have a 3 billion dollar in revenue Black owned technology company, World Wide Technology that hides its face behind a white facade. If you look at their website you would never know the company is Black owned they don’t even show the owners face. Remind you of albums by Black artists we were trying to sell to a white pop market. The article is on point, we do only support and seem to respect wealth created by the drug kingpins, the rapper/entertainer and the athlete. But the truth is their wealth is derived by the fact that they are supported by other markets and don’t derive a great deal of their wealth from other Blacks either. Only need will produce a change and when we start needing each other we will support each other.
This article is a prime example of the self hate it tries to denounce. There seems to be a growing number of blacks who feel the need to urge us to abandon our community, whether its dating or business. There is no end to constant onslaught and its getting beyond ridiculous.
Black people like the author of this piece (of rubbish) are, and have always been, the problem with the black community. Constat negativity is not heathy and will not help. Telling business owner to abandon and particular demographic will lead to their ruin. Instead of preaching abandonment, you should encourage inclusion in order to maximise profits. You are clearly disillusioned with the black community as a whole and this stems from your OWN Insecurities. You feel ignored by black men and consumers alike and it has led to your nonsensical conclusion to cast as side all blacks. Well, as a black woman I will tell you that this would do more harm than good and would only benefit whites in the end. this would lead to the complete annihilation of all remnants of the black community they would possess our wealth and our people.
I actually like the concept. If it was supplied with some facts to back your premises (or even narrow down your assumptions) it would be even more persuasive. Nonetheless,I can see and respect your point. A few portions I may disagree with but, that comes with the territory. Blessings
I’m going to be upfront that I’m about three-quarters Indian and one-quarter white, so no I’m not black. However, I moved to live in the South after I got out of the military and I have to admit, I have NEVER seen ANYTHING like the overall black mentality, black way of life, uncleanliness (and black run businesses) there! I grew up with my parents being very liberal democrats and always taught me everyone was equal… I truly lived by that mentality all the way up to living there and then seeing an ENTIRELY different way of thinking/life by the blacks in the South.
It seems like all the black churches teach the blacks to just “blame the whites” for being oppressed, poor, downtrodden, etc. and that God is going to literally “throw money into their laps,” yet if that’s true, then why are almost all of them so dirt poor living off the system? The Bible actually says VERY CLEARLY and VERY SOBERING “A Man Who Won’t Work Shouldn’t Eat!”
I NEVER once saw any of them actually “TAKING ACTION” to get out of their situation by actually getting any “advice” from successful business people on how to succeed! VERY UNTEACHABLE! Plus, the few that owned businesses had nasty unkempt stores that any semi-decent person be it black, white, blue or green would NEVER want to step foot in. It literally blows my mind to this day. I got so sick of hearing about it at the schools too. My kids were surrounded mainly by blacks and there was horrendous reverse racism going on. It was disgusting! My son would tell me about being bullied by black children and then told by the black kids that their Mama told them “he’s just a dumb little engine boy because he wants to get an education and learn!”
My husband is a very giving and kind person. He met this woman at his work and actually let her (the black woman) and her six kids live with my husband and our 4 children (she made my husband believe she was a prophetess of God and kept expecting more and more monetary support, wouldn’t go to work and eventually got fired). The woman had ) work ethic and literally expected God to bring her people who would “take care of her!” She would always say how we weren’t like other “white folk” that tried to oppress her, etc, etc.
I was very unsure of her from the beginning honestly because I felt there was something that just wasn’t “right” about all her stories. The day finally came where I found out she was a convicted felon and that she used the “God Card” to con everyone she could out of $$$. I was honestly devastated… She had manipulated us to the point we moved out of our house and rented a house at 2X the cost so we could “bless her” with a lower rent. However, she NEVER paid a PENNY of rent to us (all we wanted was the exact mortgage amount), ran up a 2600.00 electric bill in our name (since she also conned my husband into leaving the electric in our name and reconnected it illegally over 3X before the city came out and completely disconnected it).
We ended up paying thousands in past mortgage payments and the electric bill when we finally had to evict her. Which she totally did all she could to destroy the house. She had the audacity to call me “wicked and judgmental” when SHE had stressed us out and literally ruined us financially. She told me all “I” cared about was getting money out of HER! “JUST UNBELIEVABLE!”
It was really crushing when it all went down. We also found out she somehow got a phone and a credit card with my husband’s SSN and ran up a thousand dollar phone bill and a few hundred on the credit card before we were able to cancel it all! She said she ha no income and was broke, etc.. However, I had picked up the mail that was coming there for her and she had a notice that she had been over payed by unemployment and was getting child support, social security monies, TANF and Food Stamps.
It still hurts to think about what she did to us, but I do know (and have seen with my own eyes) that what goes around comes around! I looked up the court records and found she was doing the same thing to more and more people (kept getting evicted, etc). She had even served time in prison before she met us! WOW!
I was very depressed for a long time after all that and finally we moved out of the South to the Midwest. All I know is I’ve been a business owner for over 7 years and I would NEVER even think for a second my business would be successful if I ran it like the blacks in the South. I feel like it’s SO unfair for blacks (not all) to sit around murmuring how “We Owe Them” for the slavery issue when they first SOL THEMSELVES into slavery!
Lastly, if ANYone should be talking about “personal rights” and having their entire lives stripped from them it should be the American Indians! I think they know that, but they’re too busy making excuses and wasting their lives “blaming the white man” vs. learning HOW to succeed and get out of their situation. It’s called being a prisoner of “YOUR OWN MIND-SET!”
No offense but you really don’t have to target blacks to get their business as a black business owner. I started an eco-friendly business in a black neighborhood but I advertising in the burbs. Once the blacks saw whites shopping here they started shopping here. They and maybe even the whites probably think I’m just the hired help and not the owner, that doesn’t me. So not disclosing your status as the owner helps and keeps them from complaining about pricing.
@Jackie
I have never understood the compulsion of non-blacks to vent about their observations when the subject doesn’t call for it. I would suggest you figure out how to handle child suicide, alcoholism, obesity, domestic abuse, and increasing prevalence of STIs in the indigenous population. You having an issue with black mentality seems to be a convenient distraction for the situation as Pine Ridge.
If there are Black people who think and act like the author of this post, I am happy that I don’t know them. As a Black entrepreneur who interacts with Black consumers and business owners, my experience is exactly the opposite of the author.
Two Points:
“The harsh reality is that African-American consumer decisions are not motivated by considerations of quality or customer service.”
I have not encountered a single Black consumer who supports this attitude. I am aware of some Black people trapped in poverty, under-education, under-employment, and surrounded by the effects of a deprived existence and are trapped by structural barriers to advancement. Their actions are a symptom of their condition, not a rational choice. While theese patterns are difficult to overcome, most Black people are striving for better options, and desire better quality and customer service.
“Most African-American consumers don’t care about quality, customer service, or anything else. Those are just the excuses they give for not supporting Black-owned businesses. Most of them are lying.”
This can only be a statement made from a position of self-hatred and ignorance. It is unfortunate that the Internet allows free space for such depraved thoughts as well as positive reality checks to this type of nonsense. There is no need to waste space trying to refute this.
Finally — “IF YOU WANT TO MAXIMIZE YOUR ODDS OF SUCCESS, LEAVE MOST AFRICAN-AMERICAN CONSUMERS BEHIND.”
I know too many successful Black business owners, and discriminating Black consumers who have moved on with their lives and refuse to wallow in such negative advice.
I noticed that this post has been floating around since late 2010, and has recently surfaced again. My instinct was to ignore this, but I want to lend a lone voice to an optimistic future for Black entrepreneurs who also develop successful business strategies around a marketplace that includes Black consumers.
I am a black business owner and I totally agree with the author concerning black business issues. We have major issues in the black community that require major solutions. Since some of us refuse to accept that there is a problem or fail to see that we are the problem, the problem will persist and worsen.
Cliff, you stated, “Case in point is Magic Johnson, who after retiring from basketball barely had a million dollars to his name. With his forward thinking he was able to setup enterprising businesses in the African American communities that are successful. Today Magic is a billionaire. No one thought to put Starbucks, Fat Burgers, movie theaters in the African American communities. His success disproves your notion that African American businesses cannot survive by marketing it’s products and services to fellow African American consumers. “.
You cannot use Magic Johnson as an example here for many reasons; I’ll state two reasons. Reason number one. The businesses you cited are not mom and pop businesses, they are franchises and Magic Johnson is the Franchisee. Reason numbers two. The businesses you cited are not considered or seen as black-owned businesses. They are seen as non-blacked owned businesses. And the question is not that others didn’t think of putting those types of businesses in the black community, the question is, who could afford to put those types of businesses in the black community? For the Fatburger franchise alone, a net worth of $500,000 to $900,000 is needed to start.
Roger, you stated, “This can only be a statement made from a position of self-hatred and ignorance. It is unfortunate that the Internet allows free space for such depraved thoughts as well as positive reality checks to this type of nonsense. There is no need to waste space trying to refute this.”
I’ll waste space refuting your non-refute. On occasion, I drive 20 minutes to the nearest Wal-Mart. This Wal-Mart is located in a low to middle income community that is comprised of mostly blacks and Latinos. Once again, this is Wal-Mart, one of the largest and most successful corporations in the world. As you drive into the parking lot, you see trash and debris everywhere. You enter the store and you’re greeted with the checkout lines. The lines are sometimes 15 to 20 customers deep. So, you wait and wait and wait to checkout. Attempting to locate items is a challenge as well because store employees are never too helpful. As I look around the store at the other customers, I often ask myself why do they tolerate this? Why do they continue patronizing this Wal-Mart? I can’t answer that question for other customers; however, I usually visit another Wal-Mart in a different area that is totally different. Customer service is great, lines are short and the store is clean. This Wal-Mart is located in a predominately white neighborhood. Again, I don’t why it is this way; Wal-Mart seems to know which stores need better service.
Who are we attempting to convince that we are not the problem in the black community, everyone else or ourselves? The first step to fixing a problem is admitting there is a problem. I’m tired of hearing black people say, “We shouldn’t air our dirty laundry”. Well, I’m airing our dirty laundry. Look for my book soon.
Say it with me, WE are the problem and WE can fix our problem. There, some of us are on the road to recovery. Now, we just need to convince the rest of the black community to join us.
Remember, don’t ask anyone to do for you, what you refuse to do for yourself.
I agree 100% with what was stated!! You can’t use Magic Johnson as an Example!! We talking about the average man or woman stepping out opening a Business!!!!
Black Folks feel that White Lawyers, White Dentist, White Doctors are better!!! Black Folks will go to the Foreign owned store before patronize a black owned store in the same neighborhood!! These are facts if it wasn’t why has Asians and Arabs taken over our Neighborhoods!!
I agree with the author 100%. I’m a marketing professional and have been in business for nearly two years.
Let me tell you, Black people don’t want to pay for anything. I offer service packages for fellow small businesses, mid-sized companies, as well as for Fortune 500 companies.
Black people, on average, play games like they’re interested in doing business, but when I follow-up with an e-mail extending the offer to a sit-down over coffee to discuss how I can best support their brand’s initiatives…. NOTHING.
I do not appreciate having my time wasted by ninnies playing dress-up at pricey networking events, exchanging my business cards I PAID for, and conversating during networking. My time is indeed money and entirely too many Black people waste both for me to continued being bothered.
Just last month a man who claimed to be a marketing professional for 30+ years asked if he could get on my cellular plan! Of course I told him H-No, and asked him ehat was wrong with him getting his own cell provider?
People like that make me sick to my stomach. Just because you’re playing dress-up in your good clothes and have cards with your names on them does NOT make you a business person!
It appears there are only two commenters on this piece that have any sense at all. If you are failing in business, you need to go back to the drawing board and find out what went wrong and improve. Blaming your customers is not a recipe for success.
As far as I can see, too many black people harbour a negative mentality towards themselves and members of their own community. This is the single biggest problem facing blacks in the modern world today… Change your mindset and you can change you future!
@jag: Are you some kind of NAACP plant sent here to denounce black entrepreneurs’ real-life experiences? No one has the right to waste anyone’s time, let alone ruin an individual’s property, let alone expect special privileges or prcings to “help a brotha out.”
It’s backwards thinking like yours that’ll be enough to bring any any start-up to financial ruin.
Whatever happened to the time-tested and true “go where the money is,” or what I like to call do whatever works?
If black business owners want special rates, “shuck and jive” when you’re ready to do business, want to destroy your property, etc, then simply don’t deal with them.
No I’m not a NAACP plant, but I feel as if all the comments that agree with this “article” are made by black that feel they are somehow different and better than the wider black community and I find this mentality pathetic and distructive.
Its quite obvious you can’t put a successful business in a deprived area and expect poor people to spend large amounts. But let me remind you that race has nothing to do with it. People in deprived areas are not financially capable of spending more than they need to, they don’t have that luxury!
Stop blaming blacks for your poor business decisions and spend more time and money on market research inorder to pitch your product or service to the correct demographic!
Wow I just discovered this site and its right on pointe.
Everyone is always complaining about the horrible economic situation of black men for the lack of marriages. I agree its not true, when black men get status and money they want non- black women. Interacial marriage is the highest among sucessful black men. It makes no sense to improve the economic situation of black men if its just going to benefit women of other races. I’m a bw married to a bm doctor, but I was open to men of other races and wouldn’t lower my standards. Are bm lowering their standards? I believe bm take bw for granted, don’t take us seriously, and don’t value us. P.Diddy is the eptiomy of this. He had 4 kids with a black woman, but wouldn’t marry her while he would have married Jlo a woman who used him only to get ahead in the industry and left him. He helped launch her career.
I agree with you with 90% of my heart, I been self-employed for over 18 years with my own business.Yet like the civil rights fighters they never quit, they persevered until there was no more fight left in them.
I think its time for black consumers to get their heads out of the sand and admit they are more racist than any white supremacist.Realizing we have internalized our oppression so bad we cant stand to see another black person succeed in business,in life or in marriage. We are straight up haters. Just read some of the trash our people write on Facebook about each other.
One thing my mom and dad taught me is that you become indestructible when you recognize the problem. You just have to find a solution and learn how to endure,persevere and survive.
Our own ignorance that we project out on everybody else is what destroy black folks.When we open our eyes and become part of the solution than the problem, we are moving in the right direction.
This is why I will never give up not only on my people but the struggles generations have fought to preserve through. Our consciousness and culture may not be intact but when we all give up life cease to exist.
I applaud your rage and anger because it shows me you still love not only yourself but your people, your passion reflect in your words.
In order for the love to come in the rage sometime must come out.Just don’t give up and continue on being part of the solution. Outcry without outlook is a wasted emotion.
Thank you so much!! I’ve been seeing and saying this for too long.
I say this to blacks and they act as if they haven’t noticed. Blacks are destroying each other.
I opened 2 businesses within the last 16 years, in black neighborhoods. Prime location, busy strip mall, lots of foot action, bus terminal across the street. Everything! The first to greet me
was this lady who claimed to own a store a couple of doors down from my business. I found out real soon she was a liar. She managed it (the people who she managed made it their business to tell me) WOW!
I had people coming in that would suggest my prices were too expensive. I told them my prices are the same as the asians and arabs, they said “yeah but”
One day a Jamaican woman stopped at the door and asked me who owned the store, I told her the owner was not in, she said “this business won’t be here long, they are not gonna make enough money to pay for the place, no, it won’t be here long”
It seemed as if most of the other business owners did not like the fact that I owned the shop.
Someone later told me that was the worst place to put my business. The other business owners were Jamaicans, Haitians and people from India.
I eventually lost the business, but if I ever get the oportunity again, I promised myself not to target anything that attract blacks………:(
Not only African-Americans………..All blacks……….should be avoided.
I had a very costly lesson both times. I found out there are evil doers out there, they fight spiritually. A physical battle I can withstand………spiritual…………no
One more thing, stay away from other black businesses, they see each other as a threat even if your business are totally opposite, they don’t see nothing else except you making money!
I used to get mad at whites for talking bad about blacks. I’m sorry, we have to all face reality.
If the truth hurt…..then let it hurt.
I don’t have money, but you should see me trying to stay away from my black people
I like this article i had reservations about it, but i respect the person who is wrote it,I do believe that business is not just local its universal and ive seen businesses fail and those who have strived in our community, some if it attributes to people who just wanting to open up a business just for the sake of opening up a business and dont know what the hell they are really doing.I also feel that our business can succeed cause black people plus i am tired of the hate we exibit amongst each other but i do agree that Black Women are Black Mens best and perhaps only resource i am for one a Black Man who loves My Black Queens but alot of us use black love to manipulate our relationships with our sisters to our advantage yes i agree but i also feel somehow and someway we have to get rid of this sick Slave Mentality that has and will continue to destroy our progress as a people!
I agree with a lot of this article in that some black people will have a “hater” mentality but I live in an middle class to affluent predominately black area and I support a number of African_American owned businesses. They happen to be food, carry out establishments that specialize in soul food and they are often busy with African American customers as well as Caucasian and other customers. Another one is Cake Love and although their cup cakes are pricey I think they are delicious and I would buy them regardless.
There’s another one Rita’s a franchise owned by black people in my neighborhood which I plan to support also. I think if you are a professional person with a professionally owned business than you can succeed. However, with anything you need to study and prepare. Sometimes it takes research and analysis of an area to see the average income of the average consumer, and to meet the needs of those consumers.
Obviously in a low income to blue collar neighborhood the type of business that you will install will be different than a more affluent one. You have to meet the needs of the people. I know that for sure eating establishments that cater to the tastes of most black people will flourish in many black neighborhoods no matter who is the owner. And most of the shops that Asians and Middle easterners run are not high end shops but shops that cater to a specific need of consumers. Beauty products, alcohol, food, convenience stores, gas stations, dry cleaners. They make sure they open a store that will meet a need. Yes it is not glamorous but they make money.
The problem is that the average income of many black consumers is lower than that of many white so that black consumers have to think more about where they will spend their dollars. This doesn’t mean the black business owner can’t do well but it means that they will have to open more businesses that cater directly to the needs and desires of the majority of black consumers and additionally keep operating costs and overhead to a low to moderate rate.
Other kinds of businesses that black business owners can open in clothing stores, shoe stores. Also it is wise not to just cater to one kind of consumer but a mix of consumers so maybe putting your store in a racially diverse area where people have no problem with patronizing black owned businesses will meet with success. I think it takes more reaching out and relationship building with many black owned consumers. There will be haters out there but if you’re meeting with a lot of diverse people out there you will be successful.
Also about the mentality about many black men, I can tell you as a black woman it’s spot on.
I don’t think it’s true that white doctors, dentists or lawyers will necessarily be better than black ones but I do have to say how you carry and project yourself and the work that you do ultimately reflects on how people view you. If black doctors, lawyers, and dentists, etc are showing the same high professional standards as their white counterparts with the same amount of training and dedication than they will get a variety of customers. Anyone has to prove themselves to be worthy. No one can assume you’re worthy. The problem is how many black doctors, lawyers advertise. How many of them go to community events and provide free services to advertise themselves. You have to put yourself out there. If people don’t know about you, they type of person you are and the reputation you have than they can’t automatically trust you esp. with their health, legal issues or dentistry. Anyone has to prove themselves. Maybe the case should be that there needs to be more venues created where black medical or legal professionals can advertise themselves and demonstrate their capabilities. Additionally, black people have to move from the mom and pop business mode to the professional company mode if they want to succeed. That means there needs to be more well trained black professionals that are demonstrating high standards and quality of work and not just moderate levels. I believe if many black professionals use this mode they will be more successful and again you have to advertise to a number of different consumers like anyone else has to. Trust me I’ve come across some great white doctors and some mediocre ones and I’ve come across some great black doctors also but I did go to black dentist who needed to update his equipment and office so that was a concern but that would be a concern with any dentist regardless of his race.
Also concerning the black men who bash black women and choose to exclusively date women of another race those women are not getting any prizes. In fact, from what I’ve seen many black women should count themselves lucky that these black men choose to date a non black woman over them. Just look at many celebrity black men as a microcosm. Certainly none of us can say we wanted to be in the position of Nicole Brown Simpson or Elin Woods, or Kobe Bryant’s wife Vanessa (the stories on Kobe cheating and probably the myriad of std’s he has, are legendary). And look at Ice T and his wife, would you really want to be Coco? Or are any of us really itching to date crazy, insecure Kanye West. Some times we have to count these things as blessings and move on to browner, whiter, yellower pastures.
Should I cry or laugh? I’m actually crying inside and laughing out loud. You have written nothing but the truth!
Some of the comments aren’t meant to be funny yet they are!
I can’t stop laughing @ Ligmore2011′s statement: “So not disclosing your status as the owner helps and keeps them from complaining about pricing.”
COMPLAINING ABOUT PRICES, LMAO
It’s really sad when you have to come up with a strategy to gain other blacks as customers (smh); we should support one another naturally.
On another note: The first time I came across such an idea was around 10 years ago. I heard a black male telling a friend that he bought pictures of white people to place on his website; he plays the part of a worker for the company instead of claiming ownership.
IT WORKED VERY WELL FOR HIM!
As of now, my online businesses are colorless. There’s a part of me that wants to let it be known that I’m the owner, but this article states my fears very well…
Either way, going colorless or claiming ownership, both have their benefits!
I so sad but true!!! Once again its the brainwashed epidemic.. We are programed not to buy from eachother, that whatever were (blacks) sell is no good.. go to someone even if it is the same product it still no good coming from us..
The issue with this article is that it is completely biased. As example, Walmart is patronized heavily by consumers seeking a deal. The opinion of black folks not wanting to pay full price or NEGOTIATE infers we are cheap..however; referring back to the Walmart example, over 220 people shop at Walmart every hour. That is roughly 37,000 consumers weekly seeking deals. The condition of the stores is our fault. We patronize and do not complain about the conditions-complete contrast of our white counterparts.
Also, I did not quite understand the issue regarding black men and black women. Why is it that White folks can marry and do what they want, but the black man has to be micromanaged. It is true we have some historical psychological manipulation, but quite frankly, you must find a way to move on.
Moreover, If your business does not succeed in a predominately black market, revisit your product or service to determine if it is viable. Perhaps you are marketing something YOU believe SHOULD be successful, but are too stubborn to admit you made a mistake. There is nothing wrong with changing your business model or marketing plan..
Furthermore, there are 313million people in the US; 13% black, 80% white & 15% hispanic. Who do you think the white man markets to for a greater return on his/her investment…? The majority or primarily white. Presently, the hispanic population has eclipsed black purchasing power, which is estimated to be in the trillions. Why do you think Fox and NBC have begun to include TELEMUNDO news affiliates?? Additionally, different product lines are marketed in spanish, take a look at Disney and what they have been doing. McDonalds and the wrap. Why do you think the WRAP became a popular item on many fast food menus…hispanics!! Increase in sales..
There is no problem marketing to black folk; yes we do buy quality products and seek good services. However, catering your business to one demographic, who has been the recipient of the most devastating economic challenges through history should be a reality check when seeking a return on your investment.
As example, the upper middle class coterie of blacks represents 1% of the total black population. How many of them reside within your marketing reach? With that being stated, I question your product and marketing strategy which was the genesis of this ridiculous accusation. What is the average income of your targeted consumer? Given the current economic status, middle to low income class has been decimated by this economy.
This article is dead on what my business is experiencing. I have a black owned business in the hair industry, my black customers are constantly trying to get a discount on already low prices, and scams. They scam through paypal, try to get free hair from me with lies. I receive fraudulent complaints that make no sense.
Im ready to close shop. Or like this article said direct my business to non black consumers. The black clientele I have is trying to put me out of business with deceit and fraud that I just cant handle anymore.
Its a shame because in the beauty industry its dominated by asians, black consumers complain but continue to buy from these owners.
Very sad but this article is truth and what im experiencing. Some of my customers are very rude in their communications as well. I have a background in finance and tax so im use to communicating with my customers in a professional manner.
I enjoyed this article it explained in detail what im dealing with day to day.
Black consumers, according to Nielsen,
are on the verge of spending close to
$1 trillion dollars a year in this economy.
We have more Black MBA’s, lawyers,
phd’s and college graduates
than we have ever had. But we also have
graveyards of Black entrepreneurs who’s
businesses have died because of a lack of
capital and Black customer support. Black people
need to realize that the change and jobs we
want must be created by ourselves by making
a conscious decision to buy from Black owned
businesses. Click here to see what
will happen if we do http://bit.ly/z420Qx
spending a trillion dollars may seem to some as some sought of cred of arrival. but those companies that we spend those dollars with dont give a rats ass about us, look at black media in america the ad houses on madison ave still play the apartied game.
I will no longer do business with black people, PARTICULARLY so-called Christians. A small, non-profit sect here in Chicago that claims to help small businesses and entrepreneurs love to wave around its letter from mayor & govenor, but it’s all a scam. They play up to the white powers-that-be, but use the black people who help build it.
Three people, including its “president” all schemed to get free work out of me. I’ve long dumped them and have severed any and all ties with them. I warn everyone I can about them.
If you pay for ad space and t-shirts to advertise, you’ll never see either item. Beware.
Instead of worrying about who won’t do business with you how about working on ways to reach the people who want to support you and leave the others behind. You can’t take everyone with you!
I Can relate to this article. While starting up, I reached for my people to contribute. Now that I’m floating, I’ve reached for my people to support me. Each time, I’ve been let down. I’ve decided to expand my network.
This whole article is reverse psychology… its written to piss us off enough to say “enuff is enuff!”. I don’t really take any of her assertions as serious facts. Its like listening to someone on the bus yelling that all Black men are in jail, meanwhile, the bus driver is a Black man. Don’t take it literally, its just a rant mis-labed as brutal honesty.
I think the article is an extremely accurate assessment of black consumer behavior. I read the article 3 times to see if I could find anything untrue but to no avail. The author is correct, if you’re Black you need to present yourself as colorless. You need to have blonde hair Susan and blue-eyed Todd out front and Blacks are comfortable with it. I agree its all psychology but everything we do is psychological. Understanding our behavior is the first step to correcting it. I did find one flaw in the article, in addition to barber and beauty shops; Blacks will patronize greasy spoon black restaurants serving Chitterlings and really greasy soulfood they can’t get anywhere else. They will use Black funeral homes because they don’t have any input in the decision making. Seriously Folks….
“Black males would still choose non-Black women whenever they get the opportunity to marry.” This is a myth. 94% of African-American males are married to African American women. Why do we continue to verbalize this misnomer?
We African Americans most of us in general have little respect for each other whether it’s business or socially.There’s a sayin’ in order to get respect one most give respect and in some instances,this is true.I managed a Video rental outlet for several years and 90% of our customers were African Am. with a successful several years until a Blockbuster outlet moved in nearby.However,it appears that most of us still have that slave mentality and hate to the other progress like crabs in a bucket unfortunately.
Simple business 101 and marketing 101. Know your consumer and your target market and do your homework. A failed business located in the wrong area without the improper planning is destined for failure. There’s no one to blame but the business owner in this case. Placing the blame on the afro-american community as the reason why businesses are unsuccessful or fail in these areas is a cop-out.
That Korean or Indian business owner with that old run down convenient store on the corner understand who their consumers are. Unfortunately, they understand the culture in the hood…very well. Therefore, they provide horrible customer service, trashy products, old fried chicken and fries and whatever they know will make them a profit.
We sometimes believe that we could provide a quality product and service in a poverty stricken area and expect our business to do well. What I had to understand was the fact that these neighborhoods were here before I was born and they will be here when I leave. When we make enough money to get on own two feet, we don’t hang these areas and live lavish. We leave that environment to establish a better lifestyle for our children.
This article rang true for me. I’ve been contemplating entrepreneurship and my target market and was thinking about marketing to a wider audience than just African-Americans (I’m African American) and I have also been hurt recently by the crab-in-a-barrel mindset that’s come from my ‘own people’. It’s hurtful, harmful and its getting pretty old. It’s boring. This article hit home.
This article is very funny and cathartic, but it’s based on anti-economic premises. When people shop, they don’t buy a race. They buy products that have utility in their lives. When you shop at McDonald’s, it’s because you want a McRib or a Big Mac. You rarely know what race the franchise owner is, and you mostly don’t care – as long as the McRib tastes good. Growing up in Chicago, I ate at a black-owned McDonald’s for about five years before I even knew the owner was black. I’ve eaten at Baskin-Robbins restaurants where the owners were white, black, Korean, Indian and Middle Eastern, and the Butter Pecan ice cream tasted the same at each restaurant. It’s not race that attracts customers. It’s the products, the location, the service, and most important, the price.
This article is true. My mother and I just opened THE ONLY full-serviced floral shop in our community and we are not patronized by our own. They would much rather drive 15 – 30 miles to a non-black florist and pay more than what we charge. Of course, they’ll come to us when they want something for nothing. Let’s just say, we are now changing our market strategy.
I agree with the Author, I have only been in business for myself for about 4 years. I am typically taking back by the African-American consumers who refuse to pay me what they owe me. I have a credit restructuring service which is one of the best most people will be able to buy a home and car after my service but I am struggling to stay open for the debt that is owe to me. I have moved into my office to try and stay open with is not good. (I am buying it so I must pay for it or ruin my credit)
I am also having a problem with African-American’s who want to be-friend me for my knowledge and sit and have conversations to suck information for their success while I get no pay for giving them this information. I also have a problem with giving the excellent service and they refuse to send any referrals to me. They come to me with 400credit and leave with 700credit and will not tell anyone else how they bought their house or car.
They will promise me that they will come back to buy a house from me and will disappear til after the sale of the home. I have watched them when they get in front of the builder who is usually white their whole disposition changes. It is really like they are getting some kind of gratification with being in the general presents of these white people. This really has blown my mind. To me I think they are really trying to erase the very consciousness for being a Black Person.
However with the current economy being a depression for most Blacks, I am now going thru the feeling of being boycotted by my own. Even though reports say it is still bad for Main street businesses-It can’t compare to what Black Businesses are going thru.
I truly feel betrayed from my Black consumer. For all the Side deals that i made happen, Huge discounts, Tax Free Purchases, Store Credit, Wholesaleing to any Black who wanted to go into business, even though most don’t have the proper Licenseing or fit the minumum requirements to purchase at Wholeasale.
Where have they all gone? To the Malls of course. This has been my worst year ever in twenty one years and it doesn’t look like its going to get better any time soon .
As much as I hate to say it I have experienced every behavioral pattern by my people that you have stated. And as things get worse most Black Businesses will suffer all the illnesses you mentioned even more.
Thanks for Really Keeping It Real.
PS. Not my real name of course, can’t afford to alienate the few customers I have Left.
Black people like the author of this piece (of rubbish) are, and have always been, the problem with the black community. Constat negativity is not heathy and will not help. Telling business owner to abandon and particular demographic will lead to their ruin. Instead of preaching abandonment, you should encourage inclusion in order to maximise profits. You are clearly disillusioned with the black community as a whole and this stems from your OWN Insecurities. You feel ignored by black men and consumers alike and it has led to your nonsensical conclusion to cast as side all blacks. Well, as a black woman I will tell you that this would do more harm than good and would only benefit whites in the end. this would lead to the complete annihilation of all remnants of the black community they would possess our wealth and our people.
It seems like all the black churches teach the blacks to just “blame the whites” for being oppressed, poor, downtrodden, etc. and that God is going to literally “throw money into their laps,” yet if that’s true, then why are almost all of them so dirt poor living off the system? The Bible actually says VERY CLEARLY and VERY SOBERING “A Man Who Won’t Work Shouldn’t Eat!”
I NEVER once saw any of them actually “TAKING ACTION” to get out of their situation by actually getting any “advice” from successful business people on how to succeed! VERY UNTEACHABLE! Plus, the few that owned businesses had nasty unkempt stores that any semi-decent person be it black, white, blue or green would NEVER want to step foot in. It literally blows my mind to this day. I got so sick of hearing about it at the schools too. My kids were surrounded mainly by blacks and there was horrendous reverse racism going on. It was disgusting! My son would tell me about being bullied by black children and then told by the black kids that their Mama told them “he’s just a dumb little engine boy because he wants to get an education and learn!”
My husband is a very giving and kind person. He met this woman at his work and actually let her (the black woman) and her six kids live with my husband and our 4 children (she made my husband believe she was a prophetess of God and kept expecting more and more monetary support, wouldn’t go to work and eventually got fired). The woman had ) work ethic and literally expected God to bring her people who would “take care of her!” She would always say how we weren’t like other “white folk” that tried to oppress her, etc, etc.
I was very unsure of her from the beginning honestly because I felt there was something that just wasn’t “right” about all her stories. The day finally came where I found out she was a convicted felon and that she used the “God Card” to con everyone she could out of $$$. I was honestly devastated… She had manipulated us to the point we moved out of our house and rented a house at 2X the cost so we could “bless her” with a lower rent. However, she NEVER paid a PENNY of rent to us (all we wanted was the exact mortgage amount), ran up a 2600.00 electric bill in our name (since she also conned my husband into leaving the electric in our name and reconnected it illegally over 3X before the city came out and completely disconnected it).
We ended up paying thousands in past mortgage payments and the electric bill when we finally had to evict her. Which she totally did all she could to destroy the house. She had the audacity to call me “wicked and judgmental” when SHE had stressed us out and literally ruined us financially. She told me all “I” cared about was getting money out of HER! “JUST UNBELIEVABLE!”
It was really crushing when it all went down. We also found out she somehow got a phone and a credit card with my husband’s SSN and ran up a thousand dollar phone bill and a few hundred on the credit card before we were able to cancel it all! She said she ha no income and was broke, etc.. However, I had picked up the mail that was coming there for her and she had a notice that she had been over payed by unemployment and was getting child support, social security monies, TANF and Food Stamps.
It still hurts to think about what she did to us, but I do know (and have seen with my own eyes) that what goes around comes around! I looked up the court records and found she was doing the same thing to more and more people (kept getting evicted, etc). She had even served time in prison before she met us! WOW!
I was very depressed for a long time after all that and finally we moved out of the South to the Midwest. All I know is I’ve been a business owner for over 7 years and I would NEVER even think for a second my business would be successful if I ran it like the blacks in the South. I feel like it’s SO unfair for blacks (not all) to sit around murmuring how “We Owe Them” for the slavery issue when they first SOL THEMSELVES into slavery!
Lastly, if ANYone should be talking about “personal rights” and having their entire lives stripped from them it should be the American Indians! I think they know that, but they’re too busy making excuses and wasting their lives “blaming the white man” vs. learning HOW to succeed and get out of their situation. It’s called being a prisoner of “YOUR OWN MIND-SET!”
No offense but you really don’t have to target blacks to get their business as a black business owner. I started an eco-friendly business in a black neighborhood but I advertising in the burbs. Once the blacks saw whites shopping here they started shopping here. They and maybe even the whites probably think I’m just the hired help and not the owner, that doesn’t me. So not disclosing your status as the owner helps and keeps them from complaining about pricing.
@Jackie
I have never understood the compulsion of non-blacks to vent about their observations when the subject doesn’t call for it. I would suggest you figure out how to handle child suicide, alcoholism, obesity, domestic abuse, and increasing prevalence of STIs in the indigenous population. You having an issue with black mentality seems to be a convenient distraction for the situation as Pine Ridge.
Two Points:
“The harsh reality is that African-American consumer decisions are not motivated by considerations of quality or customer service.”
I have not encountered a single Black consumer who supports this attitude. I am aware of some Black people trapped in poverty, under-education, under-employment, and surrounded by the effects of a deprived existence and are trapped by structural barriers to advancement. Their actions are a symptom of their condition, not a rational choice. While theese patterns are difficult to overcome, most Black people are striving for better options, and desire better quality and customer service.
“Most African-American consumers don’t care about quality, customer service, or anything else. Those are just the excuses they give for not supporting Black-owned businesses. Most of them are lying.”
This can only be a statement made from a position of self-hatred and ignorance. It is unfortunate that the Internet allows free space for such depraved thoughts as well as positive reality checks to this type of nonsense. There is no need to waste space trying to refute this.
Finally — “IF YOU WANT TO MAXIMIZE YOUR ODDS OF SUCCESS, LEAVE MOST AFRICAN-AMERICAN CONSUMERS BEHIND.”
I know too many successful Black business owners, and discriminating Black consumers who have moved on with their lives and refuse to wallow in such negative advice.
I noticed that this post has been floating around since late 2010, and has recently surfaced again. My instinct was to ignore this, but I want to lend a lone voice to an optimistic future for Black entrepreneurs who also develop successful business strategies around a marketplace that includes Black consumers.
Cliff, you stated, “Case in point is Magic Johnson, who after retiring from basketball barely had a million dollars to his name. With his forward thinking he was able to setup enterprising businesses in the African American communities that are successful. Today Magic is a billionaire. No one thought to put Starbucks, Fat Burgers, movie theaters in the African American communities. His success disproves your notion that African American businesses cannot survive by marketing it’s products and services to fellow African American consumers. “.
You cannot use Magic Johnson as an example here for many reasons; I’ll state two reasons. Reason number one. The businesses you cited are not mom and pop businesses, they are franchises and Magic Johnson is the Franchisee. Reason numbers two. The businesses you cited are not considered or seen as black-owned businesses. They are seen as non-blacked owned businesses. And the question is not that others didn’t think of putting those types of businesses in the black community, the question is, who could afford to put those types of businesses in the black community? For the Fatburger franchise alone, a net worth of $500,000 to $900,000 is needed to start.
Roger, you stated, “This can only be a statement made from a position of self-hatred and ignorance. It is unfortunate that the Internet allows free space for such depraved thoughts as well as positive reality checks to this type of nonsense. There is no need to waste space trying to refute this.”
I’ll waste space refuting your non-refute. On occasion, I drive 20 minutes to the nearest Wal-Mart. This Wal-Mart is located in a low to middle income community that is comprised of mostly blacks and Latinos. Once again, this is Wal-Mart, one of the largest and most successful corporations in the world. As you drive into the parking lot, you see trash and debris everywhere. You enter the store and you’re greeted with the checkout lines. The lines are sometimes 15 to 20 customers deep. So, you wait and wait and wait to checkout. Attempting to locate items is a challenge as well because store employees are never too helpful. As I look around the store at the other customers, I often ask myself why do they tolerate this? Why do they continue patronizing this Wal-Mart? I can’t answer that question for other customers; however, I usually visit another Wal-Mart in a different area that is totally different. Customer service is great, lines are short and the store is clean. This Wal-Mart is located in a predominately white neighborhood. Again, I don’t why it is this way; Wal-Mart seems to know which stores need better service.
Who are we attempting to convince that we are not the problem in the black community, everyone else or ourselves? The first step to fixing a problem is admitting there is a problem. I’m tired of hearing black people say, “We shouldn’t air our dirty laundry”. Well, I’m airing our dirty laundry. Look for my book soon.
Say it with me, WE are the problem and WE can fix our problem. There, some of us are on the road to recovery. Now, we just need to convince the rest of the black community to join us.
Remember, don’t ask anyone to do for you, what you refuse to do for yourself.
Let me tell you, Black people don’t want to pay for anything. I offer service packages for fellow small businesses, mid-sized companies, as well as for Fortune 500 companies.
Black people, on average, play games like they’re interested in doing business, but when I follow-up with an e-mail extending the offer to a sit-down over coffee to discuss how I can best support their brand’s initiatives…. NOTHING.
I do not appreciate having my time wasted by ninnies playing dress-up at pricey networking events, exchanging my business cards I PAID for, and conversating during networking. My time is indeed money and entirely too many Black people waste both for me to continued being bothered.
Just last month a man who claimed to be a marketing professional for 30+ years asked if he could get on my cellular plan! Of course I told him H-No, and asked him ehat was wrong with him getting his own cell provider?
People like that make me sick to my stomach. Just because you’re playing dress-up in your good clothes and have cards with your names on them does NOT make you a business person!
As far as I can see, too many black people harbour a negative mentality towards themselves and members of their own community. This is the single biggest problem facing blacks in the modern world today… Change your mindset and you can change you future!
It’s backwards thinking like yours that’ll be enough to bring any any start-up to financial ruin.
Whatever happened to the time-tested and true “go where the money is,” or what I like to call do whatever works?
If black business owners want special rates, “shuck and jive” when you’re ready to do business, want to destroy your property, etc, then simply don’t deal with them.
Jeez, that was easy. Sheesh.
Its quite obvious you can’t put a successful business in a deprived area and expect poor people to spend large amounts. But let me remind you that race has nothing to do with it. People in deprived areas are not financially capable of spending more than they need to, they don’t have that luxury!
Stop blaming blacks for your poor business decisions and spend more time and money on market research inorder to pitch your product or service to the correct demographic!
Now that was tooooo easy!
Everyone is always complaining about the horrible economic situation of black men for the lack of marriages. I agree its not true, when black men get status and money they want non- black women. Interacial marriage is the highest among sucessful black men. It makes no sense to improve the economic situation of black men if its just going to benefit women of other races. I’m a bw married to a bm doctor, but I was open to men of other races and wouldn’t lower my standards. Are bm lowering their standards? I believe bm take bw for granted, don’t take us seriously, and don’t value us. P.Diddy is the eptiomy of this. He had 4 kids with a black woman, but wouldn’t marry her while he would have married Jlo a woman who used him only to get ahead in the industry and left him. He helped launch her career.
I think its time for black consumers to get their heads out of the sand and admit they are more racist than any white supremacist.Realizing we have internalized our oppression so bad we cant stand to see another black person succeed in business,in life or in marriage. We are straight up haters. Just read some of the trash our people write on Facebook about each other.
One thing my mom and dad taught me is that you become indestructible when you recognize the problem. You just have to find a solution and learn how to endure,persevere and survive.
Our own ignorance that we project out on everybody else is what destroy black folks.When we open our eyes and become part of the solution than the problem, we are moving in the right direction.
This is why I will never give up not only on my people but the struggles generations have fought to preserve through. Our consciousness and culture may not be intact but when we all give up life cease to exist.
I applaud your rage and anger because it shows me you still love not only yourself but your people, your passion reflect in your words.
In order for the love to come in the rage sometime must come out.Just don’t give up and continue on being part of the solution. Outcry without outlook is a wasted emotion.
Peace
I say this to blacks and they act as if they haven’t noticed. Blacks are destroying each other.
I opened 2 businesses within the last 16 years, in black neighborhoods. Prime location, busy strip mall, lots of foot action, bus terminal across the street. Everything! The first to greet me
was this lady who claimed to own a store a couple of doors down from my business. I found out real soon she was a liar. She managed it (the people who she managed made it their business to tell me) WOW!
I had people coming in that would suggest my prices were too expensive. I told them my prices are the same as the asians and arabs, they said “yeah but”
One day a Jamaican woman stopped at the door and asked me who owned the store, I told her the owner was not in, she said “this business won’t be here long, they are not gonna make enough money to pay for the place, no, it won’t be here long”
It seemed as if most of the other business owners did not like the fact that I owned the shop.
Someone later told me that was the worst place to put my business. The other business owners were Jamaicans, Haitians and people from India.
I eventually lost the business, but if I ever get the oportunity again, I promised myself not to target anything that attract blacks………:(
Not only African-Americans………..All blacks……….should be avoided.
I had a very costly lesson both times. I found out there are evil doers out there, they fight spiritually. A physical battle I can withstand………spiritual…………no
I used to get mad at whites for talking bad about blacks. I’m sorry, we have to all face reality.
If the truth hurt…..then let it hurt.
I don’t have money, but you should see me trying to stay away from my black people
Oh well, life goes on…………..
There’s another one Rita’s a franchise owned by black people in my neighborhood which I plan to support also. I think if you are a professional person with a professionally owned business than you can succeed. However, with anything you need to study and prepare. Sometimes it takes research and analysis of an area to see the average income of the average consumer, and to meet the needs of those consumers.
Obviously in a low income to blue collar neighborhood the type of business that you will install will be different than a more affluent one. You have to meet the needs of the people. I know that for sure eating establishments that cater to the tastes of most black people will flourish in many black neighborhoods no matter who is the owner. And most of the shops that Asians and Middle easterners run are not high end shops but shops that cater to a specific need of consumers. Beauty products, alcohol, food, convenience stores, gas stations, dry cleaners. They make sure they open a store that will meet a need. Yes it is not glamorous but they make money.
The problem is that the average income of many black consumers is lower than that of many white so that black consumers have to think more about where they will spend their dollars. This doesn’t mean the black business owner can’t do well but it means that they will have to open more businesses that cater directly to the needs and desires of the majority of black consumers and additionally keep operating costs and overhead to a low to moderate rate.
Other kinds of businesses that black business owners can open in clothing stores, shoe stores. Also it is wise not to just cater to one kind of consumer but a mix of consumers so maybe putting your store in a racially diverse area where people have no problem with patronizing black owned businesses will meet with success. I think it takes more reaching out and relationship building with many black owned consumers. There will be haters out there but if you’re meeting with a lot of diverse people out there you will be successful.
Also about the mentality about many black men, I can tell you as a black woman it’s spot on.
Some of the comments aren’t meant to be funny yet they are!
I can’t stop laughing @ Ligmore2011′s statement: “So not disclosing your status as the owner helps and keeps them from complaining about pricing.”
COMPLAINING ABOUT PRICES, LMAO
It’s really sad when you have to come up with a strategy to gain other blacks as customers (smh); we should support one another naturally.
On another note: The first time I came across such an idea was around 10 years ago. I heard a black male telling a friend that he bought pictures of white people to place on his website; he plays the part of a worker for the company instead of claiming ownership.
IT WORKED VERY WELL FOR HIM!
As of now, my online businesses are colorless. There’s a part of me that wants to let it be known that I’m the owner, but this article states my fears very well…
Either way, going colorless or claiming ownership, both have their benefits!
Also, I did not quite understand the issue regarding black men and black women. Why is it that White folks can marry and do what they want, but the black man has to be micromanaged. It is true we have some historical psychological manipulation, but quite frankly, you must find a way to move on.
Moreover, If your business does not succeed in a predominately black market, revisit your product or service to determine if it is viable. Perhaps you are marketing something YOU believe SHOULD be successful, but are too stubborn to admit you made a mistake. There is nothing wrong with changing your business model or marketing plan..
Furthermore, there are 313million people in the US; 13% black, 80% white & 15% hispanic. Who do you think the white man markets to for a greater return on his/her investment…? The majority or primarily white. Presently, the hispanic population has eclipsed black purchasing power, which is estimated to be in the trillions. Why do you think Fox and NBC have begun to include TELEMUNDO news affiliates?? Additionally, different product lines are marketed in spanish, take a look at Disney and what they have been doing. McDonalds and the wrap. Why do you think the WRAP became a popular item on many fast food menus…hispanics!! Increase in sales..
There is no problem marketing to black folk; yes we do buy quality products and seek good services. However, catering your business to one demographic, who has been the recipient of the most devastating economic challenges through history should be a reality check when seeking a return on your investment.
As example, the upper middle class coterie of blacks represents 1% of the total black population. How many of them reside within your marketing reach? With that being stated, I question your product and marketing strategy which was the genesis of this ridiculous accusation. What is the average income of your targeted consumer? Given the current economic status, middle to low income class has been decimated by this economy.
Im ready to close shop. Or like this article said direct my business to non black consumers. The black clientele I have is trying to put me out of business with deceit and fraud that I just cant handle anymore.
Its a shame because in the beauty industry its dominated by asians, black consumers complain but continue to buy from these owners.
Very sad but this article is truth and what im experiencing. Some of my customers are very rude in their communications as well. I have a background in finance and tax so im use to communicating with my customers in a professional manner.
I enjoyed this article it explained in detail what im dealing with day to day.
are on the verge of spending close to
$1 trillion dollars a year in this economy.
We have more Black MBA’s, lawyers,
phd’s and college graduates
than we have ever had. But we also have
graveyards of Black entrepreneurs who’s
businesses have died because of a lack of
capital and Black customer support. Black people
need to realize that the change and jobs we
want must be created by ourselves by making
a conscious decision to buy from Black owned
businesses. Click here to see what
will happen if we do http://bit.ly/z420Qx
Three people, including its “president” all schemed to get free work out of me. I’ve long dumped them and have severed any and all ties with them. I warn everyone I can about them.
If you pay for ad space and t-shirts to advertise, you’ll never see either item. Beware.
That Korean or Indian business owner with that old run down convenient store on the corner understand who their consumers are. Unfortunately, they understand the culture in the hood…very well. Therefore, they provide horrible customer service, trashy products, old fried chicken and fries and whatever they know will make them a profit.
We sometimes believe that we could provide a quality product and service in a poverty stricken area and expect our business to do well. What I had to understand was the fact that these neighborhoods were here before I was born and they will be here when I leave. When we make enough money to get on own two feet, we don’t hang these areas and live lavish. We leave that environment to establish a better lifestyle for our children.
I am also having a problem with African-American’s who want to be-friend me for my knowledge and sit and have conversations to suck information for their success while I get no pay for giving them this information. I also have a problem with giving the excellent service and they refuse to send any referrals to me. They come to me with 400credit and leave with 700credit and will not tell anyone else how they bought their house or car.
They will promise me that they will come back to buy a house from me and will disappear til after the sale of the home. I have watched them when they get in front of the builder who is usually white their whole disposition changes. It is really like they are getting some kind of gratification with being in the general presents of these white people. This really has blown my mind. To me I think they are really trying to erase the very consciousness for being a Black Person.