How to be a Successful Black Businesswoman?

Black… a word filled with such potency. Black embodies strength, resilience, power, and the motivation to stand out. In many spheres, however, being black is equated to weakness and inferiority. Prejudices and stereotypes have limited the options available to black African Caribbean people in predominantly white industries. Being a woman makes the situation that much worse. Statistics provided by the National Center of Education Statistics in 2015 show, however, that black women are the most educated race and gender group in the United States. Black women are phenomenal. The challenge with being a successful black business woman is viewing the word “black” as an acronym instead of an adjective. B-L-A-C-K stands for Be a Light And Creatively Kick-Ass. Following the B-L-A-C-K principle outlined in this article will help any black woman be successful in business.

Be a Light

Light has many positive qualities. It illuminates darkness and creates a sense of awareness. As a black businesswoman, being a light requires you to: define yourself, radiate positivity, and commit to excellence.

Define Yourself

You are more than just a black woman. You are intelligent, creative, and talented in your own right. Even if society defines you as a black woman, challenge this definition by being true to who you are as a person. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Commit yourself to becoming an expert in your niche. Develop your brand so that people can view you through what you offer as a brand as opposed to your skin colour.

Radiate Positivity

Customers don’t appreciate people or brands that operate as though they have a chip on their shoulders. Focus on being positive and displaying positive messages. Positivity repels negativity. Believe that you can and you will. Put in the work necessary and you will achieve your dreams.
Commit to Excellence
Establish your brand as a brand of excellence. Commit to producing more than quality service or products to your customers. Deliver beyond what your customers expect and they will keep coming back for more.

Creatively Kick-Ass

The term “kick-ass” is often associated with aggressive behaviour and trampling on others to achieve success. However, we are redefining the concept of kick-ass for the black businesswoman. A black businesswoman kicks ass by both gaining respect and giving 110% to all her efforts.

Gaining Respect

Respect that is earned is something that is very difficult to take away. In a world dominated by close-minded elitists it is important for you to stand out in a positive way. Exceed their expectations and they will learn to respect you.

Give 110% to Your Business

You can’t expect your business to succeed if you deal with it whole-heartedly. Accept constructive criticism to make your product or service better. But don’t allow the naysayers to tear you down. Speak to the audience within your niche. Compel them to believe in your brand. Work smartly to help your business realize its full potential.

Being a successful black businesswoman requires you to go against the stereotype. See yourself as more than a black woman. See yourself as a phenomenal woman capable of achieving great things with your business. Live the B-L-A-C-K principle.