Getting Our Businesses Straight - Sharing Advice and Discovering Answers - Forum

Even before I knew what entrepreneurship was, as a young girl growing up in Brooklyn I’m pretty sure I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I had the drive for business and a genuine interest in doing my ‘own thing’, I just didn’t really know how to get started. That longing to know more and get help often pushed me to seek out a mentor, but not just any mentor. I searched for a woman, a successful black woman in business who would take me under her wing and show me the ropes. As the story goes, I never quite found that woman, but that didn’t stop me from taking a leap of faith and trying to soar on my own.

I fell quite a few times, but considering that I can now call myself a “work at home mom”, I think this bumpy flight has been well worth it. Even though I figured all this STUFF out for myself; I never wanted it to be that way. With or without a mentor, I’ve always believed in the value of having someone there to inspire you and guide you through your journey. No matter how different our visions are, the process is universal and the lessons learned by one can always teach many. That’s why I created the Black Business Women Online Social Network and why I write, teach and speak my philosophies on business to any sista with a dream. Every family, every culture, every successful business begins with giving people exchanging advice and helping the next generation turn their dreams into reality.

With my new free eBook, 'Get Your Business Straight', I wanted to go beyond my usual “this is how I did it” style of writing and show you how other women entrepreneurs of color do it every day. If you are an expert in your field, consider submitting a how-to article to both share your business with members and provide answers to the common questions newbie entrepreneurs have on this network and around the world.

To download a sneak peak of this eBook or to learn more about adding your article to this ebook, click here.

BBWO Founder,
LaShanda Henry

Hello LaShanda,

Starting a business is a dream for most. A dream that aches in the heart of an entrepreneur that will and cannot be stopped. Additionally, starting a business is not always a linear equation; there are different angles, curves and diameters that can make it exponentially difficult at times. But no matter the difficulties as you have mentioned and the tirelessness of wanting to quit attitude, desire and faith is an essential component just like water. As an entrepreneur a burning desire to succeed and quench the thirst will always remain. So I am glad you have shared with us some insights of your business journey. It helps others to know you did not just arrive you were here all along going through what I will describe as a learning curve to help others succeed in their quest of entrepreneurialship.

Therefore, ladies if we intend to be our own designated drivers in our business than Its important for us to study and remain glued to the one's that came before us. We must applaud their drive and tenacity and their gifts of giving back to the community such as this social network site. As much as we want to just dive in and start making money in our respective businesses, there is a learning curve that must be addressed first. That learning curve is easier if we open our hearts and mind and study our craft for the journey of business ownership is just that a journey for when you stop learning your journey ends.

Here's to your continued success.....

Replies

Marlene McCray July 7, 2010 at 5:22pm

Hello LaShanda,

Starting a business is a dream for most. A dream that aches in the heart of an entrepreneur that will and cannot be stopped. Additionally, starting a business is not always a linear equation; there are different angles, curves and diameters that can make it exponentially difficult at times. But no matter the difficulties as you have mentioned and the tirelessness of wanting to quit attitude, desire and faith is an essential component just like water. As an entrepreneur a burning desire to succeed and quench the thirst will always remain. So I am glad you have shared with us some insights of your business journey. It helps others to know you did not just arrive you were here all along going through what I will describe as a learning curve to help others succeed in their quest of entrepreneurialship.

Therefore, ladies if we intend to be our own designated drivers in our business than Its important for us to study and remain glued to the one's that came before us. We must applaud their drive and tenacity and their gifts of giving back to the community such as this social network site. As much as we want to just dive in and start making money in our respective businesses, there is a learning curve that must be addressed first. That learning curve is easier if we open our hearts and mind and study our craft for the journey of business ownership is just that a journey for when you stop learning your journey ends.

Here's to your continued success.....
- LaShanda Henry > Marlene McCray July 12, 2010 at 10:27pm
  
  Here here! I love what you've said, there is indeed a learning curve, which is why I am hoping more of your web savvy, business busy sisters with expertise to share will share... it can be in the new eBook BUT it doesn't have to be. Just posting tips in the forum or blog can help.
  
  Or when you see a sista post a question, answer it.
  
  A few nuggets of useful information can go a long way.
  
  lh
TurquoizBlue July 7, 2010 at 1:32pm

LaShanda,

I have a idea for this. I will talk to you about it next time we speak.
- LaShanda Henry > TurquoizBlue July 12, 2010 at 10:25pm
  
  Wonderful, all experts welcome :)

This reply was deleted.