Black In Business

This time last year I was ready to start blogging. My friend and owner of Compendium software, Chris Baggott noticed an opportunity for a black blogging voice on business issues. I had known Chris for over 20 years dating back to a time when he was one of the top medical salesmen in the diagnostic industry. Lucky for me, I was his coach and a star was born. We selected blackinbusiness as the domain name. Chris and Doug Karr were my mentors, Chris’s blog had won several awards including Forbes Best Marketing blog, and Doug is ranked in the top 4500 in the world. Doug set up the design after a 10 minute conversation with me. My software was set up for me and it was time to write. Some of you recognize the scared and empty feeling I had when I realized, the ball was in my court. I had to write and hopefully have something to say. I sent Chris a few samples; he was not impressed so I realized I had to reach down before I reached up. I had to tell the everyday story of everyday people. My first post was on my barber shop. As Mr. Jones was cutting my hair he started telling about his shop and how it started. It was God’s work, I knew what to write and on 10-16-07, I did the first post.
I have learned so much this year and much of it from other bloggers and from comments. Blogging has the potential to change the world. Many readers have provided me with encouragement. I have insights from my business career and am excited and proud to have been honored for best business blog by The BlackWeBlog Adwards. But I have learned more from you than you have from me. Thank you for your support and vote. Keep Hope Alive!

I read a tremendous post yesterday by Invisible Woman. It is a reminder to us all we have a long way to go. She has a profound photo of Klansmen grinning and a Blackman with a noose around his neck. This was the vicious symbol used by the racist in Jena, 3 nooses hung from a tree, a method of intimidation meant to keep us in our place. The white students attacked black students. This abuse lead to a white student getting his ass kicked, and has been further highlighted by 6 arrests. The arrests are all black students; the charges including attempted murder have caused a rally of protest. Protest voices have been heard and some charges have been reduced. I urge you to look at this you tube video for this shocking story details. As Don King would say only in America!

I have debated with unemployed white males who have lost positions to blacks. For these men the only reason they got the job is because the company had to hire a black. Many cases it could be a minority to include white women and other ethnic groups of color. This is a compelling topic and an often time if not most times, being black is as big a disadvantage one can have. I have witnessed this via, job seeking and now being a recruiter. I also witnessed bias when I was in corporate America and witnessed the hiring patterns of fellow managers.
I came across a book by Zenja Glass, called, “25 reasons why, They Won’t Hire You!” The book’s purpose is to help applicants avoid discrimination.Ms. Glass list out several reasons she has heard as a part of her staffing business and provides suggestions on hoe to overcome. I am sharing this information to help job seekers be aware of issues that may hinder their success. Once we have the information, we must figure how to win!
Here are some reasons people have not been hired; too pretty, not pretty at all, too big, too black, these along with race, age, disability and sexual preference are included. One company executive said they would never hire someone obese because they are all lazy and filled with excuses
I plan to order this book and urge you to read the link to a newspaper article. What you learn may make you a successful job seeker..