|
 What is
economic empowerment?
Economic Empowerment occurs when a willing and
able buyer engages a willing and able seller in the marketplace to complete a
transaction.
Access to digital media has expanded the marketplace and
is empowering on two levels -- Anybody is connected to everybody, and everybody
is connected to anybody. Economic Empowerment is a two way
street.
This
concept was popularized by the concept of "six degrees of
separation" -- which refers to the unproven idea that everyone is on
average approximately six steps away, by way of introduction, from any other
person on Earth. What is true, however, is that social networking has shown
that many of us have lots of contacts in common. Just take a look at an analysis
of the "Friends of Your Friends" on Facebook. By connecting a
few dots, we quickly gain access to a significantly larger circle than our
immediate friends. The result is what is known as a viral phenomenon. Our
influence can spread as quickly as a flu virus.
If those of us
who seek Black economic empowerment want to achieve success, more of us need to
leverage the "kindness of strangers" to our benefit. We can do that in three
very simple ways.
- Always
share good news. When you visit a website, or social networking page,
or blog, or read an article that you consider valuable -- "share" it with your
network. Pass it along to your email list. You are helping to enable a stranger
who has shared something valuable with you.
- Always
provide feedback to valuable sources. We all are inundated with
information. Some is valuable. Some is a waste of our time. When you find
valuable nuggets, always provide feedback -- "Like" the post,
"Comment" on the article, "Rate" the
business, "Retweet" to your Twitter followers. For your
valued friends "write a recommendation." When others who
value your opinion see your feedback, they will be empowered to trust you and
your friends.
- Actively
support your virtual economic network. Economic empowerment is a
reciprocal activity. It requires buyers and sellers exchanging
value in the marketplace. If Black economic empowerment is to become a
reality, we must actively seek other Black entrepreneurs and consumers to move
from a position of disadvantage to a position of advantage.
CALL TO
ACTION: You can help make Black economic empowerment a
reality. Keep the momentum going!
 
- Visit one of the featured businesses in our
newsletter -- buy something from them, write a review, rate the business, or
recommend the business to a friend.
- Say "YES" to a Black Business every
day.
When
we actively share good news, engage in economic transactions, and provide
feedback -- it becomes easier to grow our "quality networks" of empowered Black
businesses and consumers.
Roger Madison,
CEO
iZania, LLC
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