Black In Business

This was the tittle of a ground breaking book for business men in the 70’s.Author John Molloy’s book became a best seller. I did not need the book, my mother taught me to dress well. However, many men were clueless. Some of the advice was; wear red or yellow ties for power, dark suits, but not black, too much power. Never wear a brown suit, too weak. A man should only wear a wedding ring and a watch for jewelry. White shirts were a must and do not mix a pattern with another pattern. If you have a stripped tie, wear a solid suit, or a stripped suit, wear a solid tie. Mr Molloy’s advice was very conservitive and boring. Keep in mind, I never read the book but it was such a story, most men of that time would follow and talk about it’s guidelines plently.

Fast forward, 2007. I came across some advice under the title, “want the job? Dress the Part!” Advice given; reconsider that fauxhawk hair, Blue hair looks cool but a traditional workplace may not be accepting, be careful with visible tattoos and body piecings, It is a job interview not night at the club, leave the strappy open toe shoes at home. No short sleeves, do not wear too much perfume ,cologne or make up. I assume this advice is for women, wear a bra, do not reavel too much skin and look professional.

As Marvin Gaye would say, what’s going on. Very seldom do people dress nicely to, go to games, fly, go to plays, funerals, church, work and now we have to be told , wear a bra for a job interview, or not to color your hair blue!

I remember, wearing a suit and tie 5 days a week. Then we had casual Friday. Then Causal Monday and Friday, later Casual Summer and ultimatly, casual every day. I must admit, I enjoy wearing a suit and enjoy not having to wear a tie. But now when I watch CNN in the morning the news people may not wear a tie, the President may not have a tie on, have we gone too far? I think Richard Nixon always wore a suit, I see people out in clothes they could pull weeds in.

If you look at old fight photos or ball games, the fans are dressed up. People use to dress up to fly. What do you think? How about the jeans showing boxer shorts, thongs and more, combat shoes? I say there is a time and place but perhaps it is time to take more pride in appearance. Friends I have from other nations have been heard to say Americans are slobs. Dose it matter? 

 A fellow blogger and the owner of Rainbow Cafe made me aware of the linked story. It appears that Latino gang members are killing black citizens in hate induced crimes. What is the purpose, the article points that these thugs generaly do not like blacks. I wonder do they like themselves, how about God, how about white folks? What is the Police going to do.

Latino and black leadership could change the course of this nation if we could unite. Divide and conquer has long been a strategy of controlling blacks. Make sure we never respect each enough to build a coalition of thought leaders and doers.This type of crime is about a rejected class looking for some one else to hate. White society dislikes  the influx of Latinos even more that they do us. The gang members want to be the White man’s equal in a sick way and must feel hating blacks is a way to have common interest.

This hate will end up badly for all without some intervention. We have gangs and killers in the black community also. Let’s stop the violence. We have a lot to gain from each other 

http://www.alternet.org/story/46855/ 

Business is all about contacts and money. Well that gets you started then you need, product or service and customers. Shara Karasic hipped me to a great source of information and an awesome post. I know I will put some of these sources to work. Please look at the link, you will not be disapointed.

http://www.work.com/resources-for-african-american-business-owners-1307/

In America where almost every thing revolves around race, the race for a super bowl will involve for the first time 2 black coaches. Football has evolved into America most popular sport and is a mega business. I watched the Bears vs Saints with my son and my neighbor. I mentioned to Chuck, the Bears get no respect, there is something about this team America hates. He said, we have a black coach. It hit me then, the truth, I wonder for whom the racists will support since there are 2 black coaches in the superbowl.

5 years ago, the NFL was sued for not providing black coaches an opportunity to interview. That’s right, a sport where a high percentage of the players , ground crew members, beer salesman, concession stands workers janitors, parking attendants,etc are black, there were 3,  head coaches. Dennis Green, Tony Dungy, and Herb Edwards. This season there were 7, 2 have already been fired. Now 2 of our super coaches are black. This is a big deal. How dose this relate to blackinbusiness, what can we learn.

 Some history, The Colts are back in the super bowl for the first time in 36 years, when they were the Baltimore Colts. They snuck out of Baltimore in the middle of the night in a May Flower movin van for a rich deal from Indianapolis. The people of Baltimore loved their Colts and were one of the riches football traditions in the NFL. Since Indianpolis stole Baltimore’s beloved Colts, that for me is reason enough to bear down Chicago Bears.

The da Bears, represent one of the founding francises of the NFL.Their first owner  has the NFL’s championship trophy named in his honor, the George S. Halas Trophy. Just think of the emotion, current Bear owner, his 83 year old daughter felt when she accepted the trophy on behalf of the Bears.Da Bears last won the super bowl in the 1985,86 season with one of the best NFL teams ever. Now back to the coaches and what we in business can learn.

Hard work pays. Both of these men are Football lifers and have made many stops in there career. They are goal oriented and filled with determination to be the best. Have you ever been best at something, no matter  how large or small, exhibiting the desire to be best and the courage to never give up , will take you there.

Stick together. I have noticed the NFL black coaches take pride for their race and in each other. They know what their opportunities represent in a historicial perspective. Both Coaches manage to have tremendous pride in the race with out turning off white folks. Both coaches recieved help from other black coaches and  Tony Dungy has in turn has helped black coaches.

Lead with dignity. Coaches Smith and Dungey are known to be 2 of the nicest men in the NFL. Other coaches are known to be moody and gruff. These men exhibit a quiet confidence that is seldom seen in white leaders. We know what it is like to be disrespected and treated poorly. These men treat their teams with respect.

Have thick skin. As a black in business you will be on the hot seat and others will be very critical of everything you do. Coach Smith performed well last year and took his team to the playoffs. He is the lowest paid coach in the NFL  and when he expected consideration for a contract extention, he was told, lets see how this year goes. The Bears have done poorly since Coach Dika was fired in the early 90’s. The fans  and media wanted to decided his quarterback for him. Talk shows said he should be fired for not changing QB’s. The media and fan bases also called for his head if he did not win a play off game. In the end this football lifer knew his business better than the media or fans.

Show Loyality. Both coaches have tremendous loyality for their teams and support their players. In Chicago, Rex Grossman and Tank Johnson came under fire from all sides but in the end the head coach did not  back down in his support.

 Yesterday, Bears, 39 Saints 14, Colts 38 Patriots 34, my prediction for Super Bowl XLI;

Bears 38 Colts 24 time will tell

It has been a few weeks since I heard of the death of a international icon. I was on the beach in Antigua and the locals and the Europeans were as sad as me. My family and I were some of the few Americans but it was the talk of the Island. Former US President Jerry Ford’s death was acknowledged, but Mr. Browns death was talked about and brought back memories. I was surprised, how well the white Brits knew the music of Mr. Brown.

 Let us not forget, James Brown was a star but also was a strong businessman. At one time Mr. Brown owned radio stations, motels and other holdings. Not too many years back, Mr Brown  cut a deal for a 50 million   dollar loan. He backed up the loan with his book of music. Mr Brown took care of business

I paid my respect to Mr. Brown by playing his music on the day of his funeral and shouting out “I Feel Good!” His music has been a part of so many memories it was fitting for his funeral be filled with music that was hot!hot! hot!

I heard of James before I heard of anyone in music. I still remember the TNT show of Black music stars. This was a movie with the biggest stars of the day. It was in the 60’s and Mr. Brown stlole the show, by ripping off his cape and refusing to leave the stage all the time Screaming “Please, Please, Please”

My favorite James song, “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag,” if you never heard it, check it out.

I remember, my cousin Paul’sl Funeral when we returned to the house for soul food and drinks, James Brown’s music was blasting because he was Paul”s favorite artist.

Mark Willig, was one of my mangement team when I was a national sales manager, His way of announcing to me a new deal was to first play, James Brown, “I feel good!”

My old college football teamate and roomate, Larry Onley, from Baltimore, section, Cheery Hills, loved the Big Payback. Larry would play that day and night.

My last coporate job provided me with the startling discovery, some white folks did not like James Brown. I often would leave motivational quotes on my voice mail answer. The sales reps loved it and so did the customers. Some one in mangement did not like it . The message was strong but Mr. Brown was just too black in style. I was asked to not have his quote because he had been arrested and did not represent corporate values. I quess, Elvis would have been ok. It was not long after I decided to leave Corporate Express. If they could not handle James Brown’s quote, how could they handle me?

Well Mr. Brown, well done in life. I will “Get up on the Good Foot” in 07. “Say It Loud, I’m black and I’m proud”