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'See, this is why I don't support white-owned businesses' -Said No White Person Ever

Would we ever credit bad service to the race of the owner if they were not Black? The first place to tackle this issue is to acknowledge that it is in fact a learned behavior. We have been taught to not trust each other, not to depend on each, not to love each other and most definitely not support each other. There was and still is an extreme amount of effort to demonize Black people (especially men) and even we bought into it ourselves. As a result, we are the most divided amongst any community. BUT THAT STOPS HERE. Let's practice techniques that will not only bring us closer together as a community but will build the reputation of Black business as a whole. Let's start with the customer perspective. As a customer who frequently supports Black owned businesses, I am looking for an excellent customer service experience, this includes promptness, politeness and professionalism. When I do not get those basic customer service qualities, I seek the owner, I explain to them what my expectations were versus what I received, including the 'opportunity for improvement.' Delivery is so important because you do not want to offend anyone (remember we are helping improve our brothers and sisters business brand). Use the good old technique called the 'good bun bad sandwich' You begin with what you liked, insert the opportunity for improvement then finish with another compliment. Opportunity for improvement is always present to me unless I get an outstanding experience (I have many times before). Continue to support that business to show that owner that you were genuine in your attempt to help them grow their business. Business owners, BE OPEN! Understanding that when a customer comes to you with a complaint, this is an opportunity to build your brand in a positive light. Be open to what they are saying, look for the opportunity for improvement and kill them with kindness (the genuine kindness, not the 'because you have to' kindness, we can tell the difference). Be open LITERALLY, it is disappointing when a Black owned is closed more than it's open 'DO YOU WANT MY MONEY?' Being a business owner isn't all about setting your own schedule, it is providing a solution to your clients problems as much as possible.  No business is perfect and as long as you are passionate about what you do and want to see unlimited success, you'll be on the look out for these innovative ideas and opportunities to take your business to the next level. Seek business mentors and branding consultants so that you don't find yourself attempting to reinvent the wheel. WE MUST TAKE BRANDING SERIOUSLY because you could be branding yourself in a negative way. I'll leave you with this, one client may mean $100 to you now but a client with an extensive network could be thousands of dollars for you in the future. Let's build family! ✊🏾


BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS DO NOT MISS OUT ON BEING LISTED ON iSpeakLOUD.com THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! FREE to be listed! FREE to setup shop(you'll receive an invitation after submission)! ADVERTISEMENT OPPORTUNITIES! HIGHLIGHTS ON LATEST DEALS! BLOGS & WORKSHOPS to help you grow your business! Submit your business name, location/website, contact information including an email, social media networks, a brief description (value proposition) and 3-5 pics! If your business is already listed but we're missing pictures please submit them! Email requested info to Charlotte.Louis@iSpeakLOUD.com ✊🏾

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