Entrepreneurship/African-American: Look To The 1st African-American First Lady, Michelle Obama

As a Black Woman Entrepreneur, Marketing Consultant & Coach, who works with women of color who are struggling to establish their presence in the business world both online and offline & struggling to attract more customers in order to build successful business both online and offline.  I would like to share ideas on  what other African American Women Entrepreneurs  (any woman) can begin to do now to accomplish her goals in 9 simple steps!

It is widely known, to the detriment of many capable african american and black women owned business that there exists a concrete ceiling that is difficult to shatter.  That coupled with the glass ceiling effect that many women in general have encountered, throw in race and gender, a Black business woman might as well have a quadruple by-pass surgery and call it a day.

Barriers facing African-American women in business include and are not limited to negative, race-based stereotypes, more frequent questioning of their credibility and authority; and a lack of institutional support. Experiencing a "double outsider" status -African-American business women report exclusion from informal networks, and conflicted relationships with white women, among the challenges they face.  These results beg the question is there any use in trying to break through the ceilings?

Well if recent events, that being the election of the first American-American president and the First black lady are not enough to persuade you that “yes you can” then perhaps there is no reason for you to venture. The real issue is a lack of focus and strategy.

To help you rise up to the occasion and claim your birth right and focus on living a more fulfilled life, career, and business goals, I have created a simple system, which I call  “9 Pillars To A More Fulfilled You.” Here are the 10 key tips:

1. Honey, Child You Gotts To Let It Go: I have always loved that song by Toni Braxton, herself Black woman and astute woman entrepreneur herself, Let It Flow.  You cannot possibly begin to receive the good that before you if you are still hanging on to the pains and fears of yesterday.  The day has finally come  for the fulifilment of this prophecy “I have a dream that one day our children will not be judged by the color or their skin but by the content of their character! Pastor, Dr. Martin Luther King.  I recommend that you make the song let it flow your anthem!

2. Find a mentor/coach: Numerous studies, both private and government funded have been conducted to understand the barriers facing women and minority owned businesses The most common recommendation that has been made in favor of the up ward mobility of African-American women is the need for the inclusion and the establishment of mentoring programs and mentorship.  The game is often won before you get onto the field,  If you are going to play the game you had better find on your side a really savvy business coach and consultant 3. Become A Visionary: Now we all know black folk go to church, I also know that you will be very familiar with this phrase, Where there is no vision, the people perish.  In other words what are you looking to get done at the end of the day?  Quit your job? Retire your husband? Spend more time with your children? Paint? Learn to cook?  Long walks on the beach?  What do you value the most?  What is it that you most desire?

4. Create a 90-day plan: With recent vision boards craze, I encounter many heart-broken people who wonder why they have been able to materialize their dreams of MacMansions, bling and whips!  It is very simple A goal not written is merely a wish.  A goal without a plan is a ticking time bomb.  It spells nothing but failure. Make a list of the life areas you want to work on such as: spiritual, physical, financial, career, relationships, etc. Next, write out your goals for each area. Then, put your goals into a 90-day plan. Planning in 90-day cycles will help you accomplish twice as much in half the time. 5. Make it Your Business to Be in the Know- Read a book: Another major obstacle to the advancement of  the black woman owned business is Limited Access to Critical Information and Business Networks, when you don’t have the right information, it is difficult to compete. You are as successful as the last book you read.  It is very important you become very selective about the material you allow yourself to absorb.  Just like it is true that you are what you eat, As a [woman] thinketh, so is [s]he.  My people perish for lack of knowledge.  As the risk of beating a dead horse, knowledge is power! 6. Get A Website:  Bill Gates, you know the owner of Micro-Soft and 3rd richest man in the world?  He says “there are two types of businesses, those with websites and those that are out of business!  Studies show that about 75% of people go online to find out more about you and your product.  The preferred site to do this is Google.  Of these 50% of these people will purchase a product from you online, but only if you have online presence!

7. Track your results: Those that loose weight and keep it off the longest are those that keep a record of their activities.  You see it is very difficult to know where you are headed if you haven’t a clue where you came from.  It is also easy to beat yourself up when you don’t have proof of how far you have come or how well you are doing.  Journals are highly recommended, track progress, document every little success.  You see success is nothing but a series of compounding events with a big pay off, Compound interest anyone?

8. Pace yourself: Success is not a destination but a journey.  Multi-tasking is so 2008!  Stop and smell the roses and remember it is not a race to the finish line 9. Take time for you:  You know Bono of U2 sang it best when he crooned

And you give yourself away And you give yourself away And you give And you give And you give yourself away

Women we are the worst at this be they stay at home moms, professional business women and/or small business owners. At the end of the day we have given it all with nothing left for yourself.  Is it a wonder you have no energy left to make the changes that will bring you happiness? Even Jesus Christ, Buddha, Mohammed took a time out.  What is it that the Bible say? 6 days He created the earth on the seventh day He rested?  Half an hour a day to yourself for 15 minutes deep breathing is a must and 15 just to enjoy the silence. 10. Reward yourself: On a weekly basis, review the progress that you are making on your goals. With every accomplishment take time to recognize your achievement and pop in Kool & The Gang

Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate) Celebrate good times, come on! (Let's celebrate) There's a party goin' on right here A celebration to last throughout the years.

You must get into the habit of seeing the good you have to offer.  Women of color are just not very aware of what they capable of today.  Bring out the inner Harriet Tubman in you, The Rosa parks and The "Madam C.J." Walker.  You have a rich history and heritage.  Those women fought long and hard for such a time as this and you get to live do them justice, do yourself justice.  Get it together and bring it back to me!

To Your Success,

Patricia Kagwiria Makhulo