Black Spending Power: YOU Are The Second Diaspora | Business Advice

We have recently published a series of articles about connecting Black consumers and entrepreneurs more effectively through what we have described as The Second Diaspora Initiative. In this article we address the old adage -- "We have met the enemy and he is us."

The Second Diaspora Initiative is an economic empowerment concept that seeks to connect the dots and mobilize the Virtual Black Community to have a greater impact across the entire community. The goal of this initiative is energize Black spending in measurable ways that result in growing Black businesses and empowered Black consumers.

This initiative is NOT about "THEM." It is about "US."

Each one of us represents one of those dots that need to be connected. In order for Black economic power to be more effective, we must confront ourselves -- at once our greatest asset and potentially our greatest enemy. Black entrepreneurs are starting businesses at a rate faster than any segment of our economy. Black consumers have the potential for enormous leverage with our growing spending power.

There is no shortage of thought leaders, nor capability to achieve greater outcomes. Every day we are reminded of the gaps in achievement in our communities. You have heard the quote, "Instead of cursing the darkness, light a candle." What we need is for those among us who have lit their candles to start moving toward one another to create a brighter light for all of us. Standing alone in the darkness with a candle does no one else much good.

When more of us begin to act in our self-interests, then the best opportunity for improving Black unemployment will be a successful Black entrepreneur. Black wealth will increase when we help each other to succeed. Black spending power is the fuel for growth when properly leveraged.

What will follow is a set of collaborative recommendations that each of us can act upon. It is important that we don't lose sight of the foundational concepts before we consider how to become more effective in activities that many of us are already engaged in.

Previous articles related to this concept paper that can be read at the links below:

The published articles are intended to share my thinking and elicit feedback. The full business plan is targeted to begin implementation in the 4th quarter of 2013.

Feedback from the iZania Community is a valuable barometer for the potential of success of this initiative. As we pause for the Labor Day weekend, I would like to offer a review for those who may not have been following our initiative. Please take another look at the articles listed below, and consider where you fit in this concept and PLEASE GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK.

In upcoming articles I will discuss "Implementing the Second Diaspora Initiative."

Roger Madison, CEO

iZania, LLC

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