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Why Aren't There Enough Self-Employed African Americans?

Why Aren
Posted By: Traycie L. Tonge on December 12, 2006

Greetings HBCU Fam,

Why is it that as an Entrepreneur in the African American community...Black people don't want to support you? I mean, statistics show that direct selling has greatly increased over 91% over the last 10 years and makes up a $30 Billion Dollar in the USA and $100 Billion Worldwide. So, why don't we support each other in each other's business endeavors? Why do we still perpetuate psychological slavery to the point that we don't see the growth in our finances as our Caucasian counterparts. Why do we still operate with the crab-barrel mentality?

Too much emphasis on Bling, 24" Rims, and Grillz from those in the Entertainment Industry has blinded our young brothers and sisters. With that in mind, do we see the ebb and flow of business that produces more than 55 Million people worldwide who are involved in direct selling? No, their messages are muddled and the ignorance levels are starting from a younger age. What matters most is "how can I get mine at any cost and be like those I see on TV?" Often times many of these people of influence are not philanthropist's and activists for causes that would greatly enrich and empower our communities.



It's all about SELF!

Why is it that we see "Cribs" on MTV only to glamorize what other people have? Is someone teaching people to stirve for being in business for themselves or just to be jealous or envious of other people's possessions? Who teaches these same people about debt cancellation and financial prosperity? Come on! Let's be real here. Our priorities are out of whack. BIG TIME! If you are like me, then you'll agree with Zig Ziglar when he aptly stated, "For the committed, self-motivated individual, a home-based business offers enormous benefits, including the opportunity to make your family your priority as you set your goals."

Residual income will always outweigh a check every two weeks in my opinion. If you were to lose your job tomorrow...what would you do? Do you have enough savings? When would that run out? Is it enough for your family to survive on? Would all of that Rent-A-Center furniture that you are paying high interest on go back and you end up with nothing? What do you foresee?

Bottom line: Be in business for yourself. Be passionate about what you do. Contract out your services. Now granted, everyone may not want a home-based business, or has the drive to see one work...yet, one thing is true as in the words of Stephen Covey, "Direct selling is an entrepreneurial opportunity where people can use their talent and passion towards a greater good!"

I look forward to your feeback. If you are looking for job opportunities and want to take a leap of faith, contact me and I'll fill you in with the details. If you want to earn 1K by the end of December, really let me know ASAP!

Be blessed.
Traycie
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phil marlow
North Carolina Central University class of 1978
My Sister, I've spent most of my 59 years trying to figure out why don't my Brothers and Sisters do for self and why as a whole we do not support those that do for themselves. Well, I do support black business and always will. Don't sweat over it too much because the curse on us, "Hebrews/Israelites of the Bible", will soon be removed and the 147,000 will that accept YAHH, "Our God", will find peace in our home land Israel.
Tuesday, December 12th 2006 at 1:32PM
Traycie L. Tonge
Hampton University class of 1997
Quality is important. Reliability is important. From what has been stated, education is crucial. I do believe that I've been delivered from any curses on our people. To understand that is to know to whom you belong to. I am a born-again believer of Jesus Christ who has entitled me to be royalty. Therefore, I must have a Kingdom mindset. I am an Ambassador for Christ. I am a child of God. Therefore, I do not see as the world sees...for I am in this world and not of it.

When we train people in different professions, it is easy to do what other people do...fall into the cracks and not be seen. That is why I can appreciate HBCU Connect and the positive voice of the founder-William R. Moss III. This website is a vehicle for the African American community to become a united front and be heard and seen in America.

We are not the major minority anymore. With the rise of Hispanics in the US, we fall right beneath them. Yet, we still don't get it. We still stay fragmented and broken. We complain that there aren't enough jobs or nothing for the Black man or woman to do. Foolishness. Who in your community have you supported lately? I support this website and the mission behind it. What young college student have you inspired to come onboard and join? What Black professional have you told to come on board as a recruiter?

We have a responsibility on this site. We have an accountability to see it thrive and be successful. Diversity must transcend thoughts of some elite separate society. We are no longer slaves...so why do we still think that way?
Tuesday, December 12th 2006 at 7:03PM
Joyce Brayboy
Media relations specialist at U.S. Army Research Laboratory
I had a friend describe it as crabs in a bucket. I hadn't heard that before but I grew up near the water, so I could relate. Made good sense.
Sowing and reaping is a law made by God. The moment you stop trying to measure what someone is getting out of what you are doing. The moment you lose concern with what's fair for you or not in work or relationships period, the whole greed thing loses its power. You, me, she, he will be here x number of years. I say in that short time, know what you want and go after it. Start a business, Buy an overpriced Mitsubishi race car, whatever... Live with passion, few regrets, as little guilt as possible and do what you do with all that you have to do it. Counting credits wastes time that you could be closer to where you need to be. If you meet the objective, you will most definately make a lot of other people rich in dollars, or by your interaction in the process. It's designed to work that way. The government tells you that if you make this, you will give Sam that. We can understand that. With a little more reach, comes the realization that the same principal applies in every area. If you make this, whatever this is, You Will Give That. Be Proactive and give it to something worth while! Traycie is not only sharing her time, she's making sense. Whether you email her about a biz opp, or make no comment at all, do something for yourself. Do something for your people and do something for HBCUConnect.com. If you are reading this, you are using the site, so give back. We need eachother.
Tuesday, December 12th 2006 at 10:12PM
Traycie L. Tonge
Hampton University class of 1997
Joyce, I so appreciate your kind words and your uplifting comments. Powerful! Optimistic! Enthusiastic. Well-spoken! Thank you. Yes, you are right. The focus of most African Americans is so Self-Centered...it amazes me. What do the Jones' have and how can I get that? Why isn't the thought, God, what do I have to offer the Jones'? God has given us talents and abilities, yet some people have yet to realize them and maximize their fullest potential. They run the "Rat Race" and keep looking for the "Cheese" that perpetually keeps moving!

Interesting that you mentioned Passion. I just listened to a conference call about that topic tonight. When you are passionate about whatever God has called you to do...your life is fulfilling and exciting...you appreciate what it is that you have been assigned to do. When you fulfill your Kingdom assignment in the earth, there is no greater satisfaction than being able to help others...in doing what it is that you were called to do. I may not reach everyone...yet, those who have an ear to hear...they will reap the benefits of my words of wisdom. Those who say they want help and then slap my hand...all I can do is pray for your well being. If you don't want to change or submit, I have no time...for every moment is valuable.

Like Joyce aptly spoke about, we need each other. Our villages may have been destroyed in the Mother Land...yet, our spirits kept the embers burning in our hearts for a more communitivistic approach to life, family, friends, and most important to me...spirituality and my relationship with God!

There is in the Bible what we call the Law of 6. God gave man the ability to:

1. Be Fertile
2. Be Fruitful
3. Multiply
4. Replenish the Earth
5. Subdue it
6. Have Dominion

How to you see yourself in accomplishing that Law? What have you done lately to see something or someone else grow? How long will you hold onto old wounds from the past...just long enough to make new memories in the future. Tomorrow is not promised to any man. Choose you this day whom you will serve. You cannot serve man and God. I've come a long way in my journey called life. It's not easy in the world in which we live today. Things are not like they used to be when I was growing up in the 80's. Society at large has changed dramatically. The state of the world will not get better...but you can! Make a difference. Impact your community. Impact your family. Stop violence and the degradation of women in videos. Help us breathe air that's cleaner. Help the less fortunate right here in America. Get a global vision and help others worldwide.

As a friend of mine once said, "What on earth are you doing?"
Tuesday, December 12th 2006 at 10:45PM
Traycie L. Tonge
Hampton University class of 1997
Now that the holidays are in full swing...what do people really have to show for it? With all the money spent, are people happier? Is there any security in all those hi-tech items that were purchased for friends and family or even for yourself?

If you were to lose your job the day after a major holiday...or when you got back to work after New Year...what would you do? Do you have enough in savings to get you by for the next 6 months? People don't really think about that when they go overboard with spending for the holidays. African Americans contribute to society in ways that even the average African American does not know about. They go into deeper debt and have little to nothing to show for it.

If you really don't have anything working for you while you sleep...then what do you have? Things that make you go hmmmm...

Here are some more stats that would have you thinking even more...

BlackStats
Frequently requested data on African American consumers

(As taken from: http://www.targetmarketnews.com/Buying%20P...

Buying Power:
$631 Billion (2002)

Black U.S. Population:
38.3 million

Top Five Black Cities
- New York
- Chicago
- Detroit
- Philadelphia
- Houston

Top Five Black Metros:
- New York-New Jersey
- Washington-Baltimore
- Chicago-Gary
- Los Angeles
- Philadelphia

Top Five Expenditures:
- Housing 130 billion
- Food 52.4 billion
- Cars/Trucks 48.7
- Clothing 22.3 billion
- Health Care 14.5 billion
Tuesday, December 26th 2006 at 12:38PM
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