Too much information?Q We are African American African American Multiculture A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. See Race. women business owners Many online and offline organizations have been created to collect information about businesses around the world owned and operated by women. Many other organizations have been created to assist the women that own and operate those businesses. . When soliciting new customers, generally financial institutions, is it appropriate to inform them that we are black? My business partner thinks it sends the wrong message. What's the savvy solution? --S. Parker Newark Newark, cities, United States Newark. 1 City (1990 pop. 37,861), Alameda co., W Calif., on the east side of San Francisco Bay; inc. 1955. , NJ A Many black entrepreneurs are facing similar situations: whether to leverage their minority status in a multicultural mul·ti·cul·tur·al adj. 1. Of, relating to, or including several cultures. 2. Of or relating to a social or educational theory that encourages interest in many cultures within a society rather than in only a mainstream culture. economy, or let the quality of their work be the driving force in attracting new customers: In some cases, promoting yourself as a black-owned business makes sense if, for example, a financial institution is seeking qualified black-owned vendors as part of its diversity efforts. I asked a few BLACK ENTERPRISE editors to weigh in on your question. Here's what my colleagues have to say: "Financial firms are first going to be interested in the level and quality of your service," says Careers Editor Sonia Alleyne, who points out there are other ways you can divulge your minority status, including your marketing materials. News Editor Nicole Marie Richardson agrees: "If black ownership is something that's important to clients, the information should be readily available, but it shouldn't define who you are," Consumer Affairs Editor Tanisha A. Sykes adds, "If your business is in an industry where minority and woman-owned businesses are offered top-tier contracts, there's nothing wrong with taking advantage of your company's unique position."--James C. Johnson Mail your small-business questions to Savvy Solutions, BLACK ENTERPRISE 130 Fifth Ave AVE Avenue AVE Average AVE Alta Velocidad Espanola (train between Madrid and Seville) AVE Alta Velocidad Española (Spanish: High Speed Train) AVE Audio Video Entertainment AVE Advertising Value Equivalent ., New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , NY 10011 or send an e-mail to johnsonj@blackenterprise.com |
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