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  • Politics Is Like Hiring A Hitman
    by Scott Woods inPolitical on2020-08-13

    For me, politics is like hiring a hitman. I have values and things I care about. I care enough about them to at least bother voting for 5 minutes every year for one issue or another. And because I care at least that much, I vote for people who align with the ability to realize the things I care about.

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  • Punching Above Our Weight
    by Roger Madison Jr. inPolitical on2020-07-24

    I believe our vote is the punctuation of our voice. Without that resounding exclamation mark, I believe our voices are just incoherent noise.

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  • BLACK PROGRESS AMIDST SOCIAL CHAOS
    by Roger Madison Jr. inPolitical on2020-06-16

    Recent events have raised the profile of historical injustice and inequities here in the USA. The entire world has taken note of the fact that BLACK LIVES MATTER.   We invite all of our friends to engage in actions that result in the greatest movement for change in our history. It is imperative that we take advantage of this opportunity to affect a positive change by ACTING IN OUR SELF-INTERESTS.

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  • Living in a Black No-Man's Land
    by Roger Madison Jr. inOur Community on2019-10-28

    There are many narratives that define the Black experience in America in this 2nd decade of the 21st century. Our striving over the centuries of our sojourn in this nation is a tapestry of every human experience -- oppression, enslavement, forced assimilation, dehumanization, exclusion, segregation, isolation, struggle, perseverance, achievement, excellence, celebration, mourning, despair, progress, setbacks, lynching, assassination, genocide, terror, self-hatred, low esteem, pride,...

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  • Fighting Racism
    by Scott Woods inOur Community on2018-10-25

    I had a boss who was racist. Not an outright bigot, of course; her toolbox was more subtle than most. We bumped heads a lot over inconsequential things. She frequently couldn’t keep my name out her mouth. Lot of gaslighting. You know…2018 style. I tried a lot of ways to combat or navigate her issues. None of them worked, and that’s saying a lot because I’m really good at fighting racism. But at the end of the day – every day – she was my boss, I had to deal with her, and that was that. Finally I...

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The Four Cornerstones of Building a Business

I can't begin to count the number of times I have heard my friends, family, and acquaintances complain about how difficult it is to do business with black people.  As a small business owner (I ran a successful law practice for over 10 years), this sentiment always dismayed me.  But I certainly understand why folks feel this way.  It's sad and it's shameful to automatically be at a disadvantage with our own people.  So, how do we, as business owners, overcome this stereotype?

Well, in my mind, there are four cornerstones around which we must build our businesses.  First, be reliable.  Have set business hours and stick to them.  Always do what you tell your clients and/or customers you are going to do.  And if, for some reason, you are unable to do so, be honest and let them know what the problem is as soon as you become aware of it.  Don't be too big to apologize, even if the delay or failure to perform is completely beyond your control.

Next, strive to set yourself apart from the competition by being the best at what you do.  That means staying informed about the latest trends in your area of expertise.  Whether you're a hair stylist, attorney, chef, or bookstore owner, always stay at the top of your game. This sends a message to your clients/customers  that you take pride in what you do.  

The third cornerstone is customer service.  Treat your clients/customers the way you expect to be treated when you conduct business.  Be respectful. Be on time.  Be courteous.  Establish a rapport with the client.  Don't over-book your calendar.   If you're having a bad day, don't take it out on your clients.  Let your clients know you value and appreciate their business.

No matter how successful you are right now, it can all be taken from you in the blink of an eye.  Know that without your clients, your business can neither thrive nor survive.  So be humble in the knowledge that each client has chosen you and be thankful that they have.

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