Black In Business

Last year a hustler bounced a check on me and ended up owing me 8200 dollars and had difficulty paying me back. I did a post called, “Hey Man I want My MFing Money!” I went back and read it and it sounds angry, thank God I was not moved to an impulse.
I got my cash and it took 9 months. This was a hand shake deal, and I was investing in sports tickets. We had no contract, just the faith of good will. The first few weeks every thing went well and I was making a little extra cash.Then the bad stuff started, a check bounced twice and I was down over 8 grand.
The hustler spoke like he was a very wealthy man but was not always liquid. I was introduced to him by credible people and I did not execute proper dillgence and almost got burned.
We got the outstanding balance down to 2800 dollars and my man disappeared and stop taking my calls. I had an associate Geno , place a call. The outcome was an envelope with most of the cash. The final payment required another call and I was paid in full.
I never asked Geno what he said to bring home the cash but I did give Geno a token of my appriciation.
The business lesson is to do business in writing and be careful to whom you trust. If a deal seems to go to be true it usually is. If you read the comment for the original post, you will find more good advice.

Many of us enter the work force with hope of developing a career. What began as a job search, and dreams of a nice car, apartment and clothes becomes more serious as we visualize what is obtainable.I entered the world of big business as a sales rep for Xerox. I knew nothing about the corporate world or what options I would have within this world.
As I looked around and saw the chain of command, the competitive side of me wanted to be in charge.But how to go from a salesman to a position of authority escaped me. I was angry about racism and managed up poorly. Clearly I was not managing my career, I remember a manager telling me nobody could manage me, not a good reputation to have if you want to move up. I remember telling another manager, I would whip his ass if he spoke to me like that again. I was angry and immature.
That bit of history will help you understand why I read with interest, this article on managing your career by Cheryle Jackson, President of the Chicago Urban League.
Under Ms. Jackson Leadership the Urban League is helping with the aspect of managing your career and networking. Check it out and let me know your thoughts.

Hey, I hear you, why would anyone start a business during hard times? I am new at this business owner stuff and I was intrigued by a blog post I came across. Helen Anderson hipped me to a blog called Bankaholic.The post I read had to to with starting a business with no money. It overs some simple yet important keys regarding starting a business.
Black in business, we know the often times we are the last hired and first fired. And many times we will find it more difficult to find new opportunities for similar money. A pontenial trend for out of work black professional and blue collar workers, is to start businesses rather than to continue a job search.
Money for start up and cash flow are dangerous impediments to a business.
Go visit bankaholic and read their blog.Stop back and leave us a comment.

A step closer today with the announcement of Hillary’s intent to end her campaign, we continue to reflect on the remarkable Senator Obama. As follows is a statement released by Congressman Jackson JR. Keep Hope Alive!
CONGRESSMAN JACKSON SAYS THAT
‘THIS IS A DEFINING MOMENT IN HISTORY’
OBAMA TO ACCEPT NOMINATION ON 45TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE ‘I HAVE A DREAM’ SPEECH
(Aug 28, 1963 - Aug 28, 2008)

Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. released the following statement
about Senator Barack Obama imminently clinching the Democratic
nomination for President of the United States of America:

“This is a defining moment in history as Senator Barack Obama is
poised to become the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party.
Senator Obama’s nomination confirms Dr. King’s observation that
‘the moral arc of the universe’ is long, but bends toward freedom
and justice for all.

“Senator Obama personifies a uniquely American story — born to a
mother from Kansas and a father from Kenya. He affirms the motto
included in the Great Seal of the United States: E Pluribus Unum
– Out of Many, One. He also reflects the American Dream –
‘a skinny kid with a funny name’ who came to Chicago’s South
Side with ‘no money and no connections’ can run to become the
President of the United States of America.

“His campaign is just as uniquely American, made possible by the
great democratic movements of the 20th Century. The civil rights
movement, labor movement, women’s movement, peace movement, and
the environmental movement have opened society and expanded rights,
allowing more Americans to participate in and perfect our democracy.

“Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for President
on August 28th — the 45th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr.’s ‘I Have A Dream’ Speech. In many ways, Senator Obama’s
nomination as president is a fulfillment of a dream — a dream
long deferred — envisioning a country where people would ‘not
be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their
character.’

“Clearly, Senator Obama has demonstrated his character, conviction
and capacity to lead our nation to a more perfect Union. And, the
American people have rallied and responded,” Congressman Jackson
concluded.

###

Kenneth Edmonds
Chief of Staff
Office of Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr.
2419 Rayburn House Office Building

Black in Business, Black America, Black Pride, aren’t you standing a little taller today? Aren’t you proud? Senator Barack is taking away one of our biggest excuses in life. Most of us have at least thought it, said it or been told it a part of our legacy is. We cannot not do something because we are black. I cannot be CEO of Abbott Laboratories because I am black; I cannot get a great job, education, or home because I am black. Really? Tell Senator Obama, and he might say, “Yes we can!”
We were proud to see Barbara Jordan speak at a past Democratic convention, Shirley Chisholm and Rev. Jackson and Sharpton run for President. Those were symbolic runs and Rev. Jackson got 8 million votes. It was inspiring to think big like Rev. Jackson as he shouted, “Our time has come!”
Thanks to Barack, our time has come; he has a real chance to become President. For the first time in my adult life, I have an opportunity to be proud of my country. If Barack wins the Presidency, I will buy an American flag lapel pin. I may even put a flag up in my yard on holidays and dream that America is moving pass its embarrassing racial problem.
Today as we stand taller, feel prouder, remember, we can, yes we can, yes we can be great. Barack has given us cause to keep hope alive.
I remember going for rides with my father In upstate New York, and at times we would encounter other blacks working in the stores of white owners. My Father would often comment, the white man might let you work in his store, but he will not let you count his money. You will never see a black behind the cash register. That is how far we have come in one generation, the hands that once picked cotton as slaves will now run the country. Tell us a story that points out how far we have come and what is possible. Let us know what the Obama phenomenon means to you and your outlook.