Letters.

MAGIC: SHOCK JOCK?

Reginald F. Lewis did it. Earvin "Magic" Johnson's doing it. Even Earl G. Graves--as much as he's proved already--must do it day in and day out.

What is it? Using the "shock factor" to our advantage. As long as there are preconceived notions in the world, we can continue to take advantage of the shock factor as a powerful strategy to succeed in business. Let them think that we can't possibly be running the show because of the way we look--or because we're ex-jocks!

While TPTB (The Powers That Be) are still in shock, we're proudly and professionally dazzling them with our dealmaking and other talents--[abilities] that we're not supposed to have. I'm so proud of guys like Reginald, Earvin and Earl for letting us know that when it comes to success in business, there are no limits. Thanks guys!

And thank you, Eric L. Smith, for dramatizing Magic Johnson's story ("The Magic Touch," May 1999) so eloquently.

Charles H. Emery Nagoya, Japan [e-mail]

COLOR OF MONEY

A few years ago, I picked up a copy of BLACK ENTERPRISE in a Northwest Airlines World Club at the airport. After reading it, I decided to subscribe.

Well, guess what, BE? Your magazine is not just for black people; it's for everyone. Many of your articles, features and letters are color-blind and provide valuable information to anyone who reads them.

David Livingston Waukesha, Wisconsin 

CAREER CHOICES

I skimmed through the February 1999 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE and I found one article that I could not put down, "Dancing to a Different Beat" by Caroline V. Clarke.

As a college student studying mass communications, I found the profiles [of successful freelance professionals] to be rather intriguing. All three of the professionals are living some of my dreams.

Every time I open your magazine, there is something that I can draw from. It helps shape my ideas and perspectives about where I want to go in my career. I believe that all of my hard work now will pave the way for me to have a successful future and allow me to choose the job that I want, not [just] the job that I can get.

Bobby "BJ" Daniels Winston-Salem, North Carolina 

Many kudos to BLACK ENTERPRISE! I've always thoroughly enjoyed your magazine; however, your writers have truly outdone themselves with the February 1999 Careers & Opportunities issue. The article "Defying the Myth About Black Companies" was near and dear to my heart. Robyn Clarke presented a very balanced and objective view of being employed by either a black-owned or mainstream firm. Since my resume includes work experience with both, I believe that I also provide a unique perspective.

On the whole, both mainstream and black-owned companies can offer what I sarcastically refer to as "learning experiences." Unethical business practices, communication challenges, high rates of turnover, unprofessional behavior and poor management are common in both company types. However, my preference is to be employed by an organization that actively promotes and encourages personal as well as professional development. Such a company will retain productive, motivated workers, resulting in a win-win situation for both employer and employee.

Presently, I am blessed enough to be a part of such a firm, one which happens to be a very successful black-owned enterprise in Atlanta. In fact, the company was ranked No. 1 in its class throughout metro Atlanta in 1998, and became the first agency in the state to set a precedent in sales revenue generated. Hence, my company is an awesome example of a black-owned firm that unequivocally defies the proverbial myth.

D'Joane H. McCorkle Account Executive Quality Business Solutions Inc. Atlanta