Black To Business

In today's fast-paced and unpredictable business world, crises can strike at any moment, leaving even the most successful entrepreneurs scrambling to keep their companies afloat. From social media scandals and product recalls to global pandemics and economic downturns, the challenges facing businesses are more complex and varied than ever before.  That's why having a solid crisis management plan is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for any business looking to thrive in the long run. A well-crafted crisis management strategy can help you navigate the storms of uncertainty, protect your brand's reputation, and emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side. On this episode, we're diving deep into the world of crisis management and communication with Renee Malone, a true powerhouse in the field. Renee is the founding partner and president of KQ Communications, one of the largest Black-owned PR firms in the Southeast. With over 15 years of experience helping clients in the nonprofit, business, and governm

Ever felt the weight of trying to fit into a mold that doesn't feel quite right, just to make it in business? Well, let’s talk about flipping that script. In this solo episode of the Black to Business Podcast, our founder and host, Monique T. Marshall, dives deep into "The Power of Authenticity in Business." Monique offers a dive into why being genuine can be a game-changer for your business and your community. For Black entrepreneurs, who often encounter unique pressures and expectations, Monique emphasizes that authenticity isn't just beneficial—it's essential. When you show up as your true self, you not only unlock opportunities but also foster trust, loyalty, and meaningful connections with your clients, customers, and team members.   THINGS YOU’LL LEARN: How to question and evaluate the status quo. Creating a safe space for open communication. Leading by example with authentic actions. Controlling your business environment’s energy. Representing your community with integrity. Daily routines t

Imagine you've just recruited a top-notch talent who's eager to join your team and contribute to the growth of your business. Everything seems to be falling into place—until you realize their previous non-compete agreement can undermine this opportunity. This is the kind of scenario many business owners face, and it’s about to become even more relevant with the upcoming regulatory changes.   In this crucial episode of Black to Business, we delve into the FTC Non-compete Rule and the Corporate Transparency Act—two significant regulatory shifts that will impact how you manage your workforce and maintain compliance. These changes are not merely routine updates; they have the potential to profoundly reshape business operations. We are joined by Merlyne Jean-Louis, a highly regarded business entertainment lawyer, to help us understand these rules and navigate the complexities they bring.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The basics of the FTC Non-compete Rule and its impact starting September 4, 2024. How th

Tired of feeling lost when it comes to taxes? We get it! Navigating the intricacies of tax laws can be a daunting task for any entrepreneur, but understanding and properly managing your taxes is essential for the financial health of your business. In this episode, we offer a comprehensive guide to simplified tax-saving strategies that can make a significant difference in your bottom line. Our guest, Ibrahim Mohammed, a tax expert dedicated to empowering small business owners, shares his wealth of knowledge to help you maximize your deductions and minimize your liabilities.   Why is this critical for entrepreneurs? The entrepreneurial journey is filled with unique challenges, and financial missteps can disproportionately impact businesses. By gaining mastery over tax planning, you can free up resources to reinvest in your venture, fostering growth and sustainability. Ibrahim’s expertise will provide you with actionable strategies tailored to the specific needs of small businesses, ensuring you not only comply

Ready to master the art of bootstrapping and effectively self-funding your business? In this episode of Black to Business, we're diving deep into the practical strategies and mindset shifts necessary for success. We know that starting and sustaining a business with limited resources can be a daunting task, especially as Black entrepreneurs, we often face additional challenges such as restricted access to external funding and systemic barriers. This episode provides you with the tools and insights to turn those challenges into stepping stones towards a thriving, self-funded business.   Bootstrapping is an empowering process that pushes you to be resourceful, creative, and disciplined. It’s about making the most of what you have, using strategic planning to generate early revenue, and leveraging your network for support and growth. Gina's expertise offers a blueprint for navigating this path, emphasizing the importance of a strong support system, disciplined personal habits, and the power of a positive attitude

Wrapping up our annual Black Men Who Lead series, this podcast episode celebrates Black men making strides in both business and community leadership throughout the month of June. As a listener focused on entrepreneurship, you know the journey of starting and growing your own business often includes searching for wisdom, motivation, and actionable strategies. In this special remix, we've curated seven compelling snippets from our previous episodes highlighting impactful conversations with Black men who are trailblazers in their fields. These excerpts are designed to provide you with inspiring insights, practical advice, and powerful narratives that are especially relevant to your entrepreneurial journey.   Think of this episode as a comprehensive toolkit for your continued growth and learning. Each highlighted conversation reveals unique strategies on crucial topics such as securing funding, overcoming mental and emotional challenges, capitalizing on your strengths, and maintaining integrity and authenticity i

In today's world, access to high-speed internet is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. But what happens when entire communities are left behind in the digital age? This episode of the Black to Business Podcast tackles the critical issue of the digital divide that plagues many Black communities and stunts entrepreneurial growth. Our guest, Antwon Alsobrook, is leading the charge to change that and ensure everyone has the broadband access they need to succeed.   As a Black entrepreneur, inconsistent and unaffordable internet access can severely limit your opportunities, from connecting with customers and attending virtual meetings to accessing educational resources and leveraging pioneering technologies like web3 and virtual reality. Antwon shares his inspiring journey and sheds light on actionable solutions to close this divide, empowering you to thrive in a digitally connected world.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The far-reaching impact of the digital divide on Black communities and businesses How

When you think about funding your business, venture capital might be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, for Black entrepreneurs, accessing traditional VC funding can be an uphill battle, with less than 1% of VC capital going to Black-owned businesses. This episode of the Black to Business podcast dives deep into alternative funding paths that you can take to build and grow your business without relying solely on venture capital. Rodney Williams, the co-founder of SoLo Funds and other successful startups, shares his invaluable insights and personal experiences on how Black-owned businesses can navigate the challenging landscape of business funding. We understand the unique obstacles you face in securing capital and building sustainable businesses within a system that often overlooks you. That's why this episode is critically important: it explores practical, alternative funding strategies that have helped Rodney and many others succeed. From utilizing personal savings and credit cards to engaging with so

Financial literacy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and building a rock-solid foundation for success and economic empowerment, particularly within the Black entrepreneurial community. This episode is all about unlocking the potential of Black entrepreneurship through the amazing power of financial literacy. We’ve got the one and only John Hope Bryant on board to guide us through a journey into resilience, empowerment, and long-lasting success. We’re putting the spotlight on the pivotal role of financial knowledge, especially for Black entrepreneurs. This isn’t just essential – it’s a game-changer for carving out a path to prosperity and economic stability in the world of business. John brings to light the idea that access to financial literacy is not just a personal or community issue, but a civil rights one. He passionately advocates for the economic empowerment of the Black community through financial education, as he believes it is fundamental to

Isolation is a common struggle for entrepreneurs, especially for Black business owners who face additional barriers and fewer resources. Finding a supportive community is crucial for mental health, staying informed, and fostering innovation. This episode dives into the importance of overcoming isolation and building your network to thrive both personally and professionally.   Joining us to discuss this vital topic is Shadé Akande, the Founder and CEO of ONE X LEAGUE. With over 18 years of experience in HR roles at industry leaders like Google and Walmart, Shadé brings a wealth of knowledge on fostering community and promoting diversity in leadership.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The impact of isolation on mental and physical health and how to combat it. Strategies to find and connect with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs. The importance of safe spaces and how they contribute to personal and professional growth. Daily and weekly practices to stay connected with your community. How tech

Navigating the alcohol and spirits industry can be complex, especially for Black entrepreneurs. Monique sits down with industry leaders Dia Simms and Erin J. Hall to discuss how you can break into this lucrative field. Despite making up 15% of the U.S. population and being long-time consumers, Black individuals remain significantly underrepresented in the spirits industry, occupying only about 7% of the roles. This episode is designed to empower you with the knowledge needed to explore untapped opportunities, whether you're currently in the industry, considering entry, or simply want to understand its dynamics better.   Dia and Erin founded Pronghorn, a leading accelerator program investing in Black-owned brands to drive $2.4 billion of economic value over the next decade. Global beverage alcohol leader Diageo backed Pronghorn in 2021, committing $200 million based on the achievement of key milestones within a ten-year plan to diversify the spirits industry. Pronghorn offers cash investments, education, and p

Cue the celebration! We're thrilled to mark our 200th episode milestone, and it's all thanks to incredible listeners like you. Your support and engagement have fueled our journey, and we couldn't have done it without you.   To celebrate this special occasion, we've curated a selection of the most impactful moments from some of our top episodes spanning 2023-2024. These snippets are packed with actionable advice and insights to empower you on your entrepreneurial journey.   Here's a sneak peek at what you'll learn in this power-packed episode:   Practical tips for starting a business as a new and first-generation Black entrepreneur The importance of focus and mastering your niche for success Strategies for getting your business backend in order and streamlining your operations Essential HR tips for small businesses Navigating the challenges of business closure with grace and resilience Building confidence and communicating effectively in any business setting Planning for retirement as an entrepre

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, where every connection counts and every relationship could mean the difference between success and stagnation, understanding the power of social capital is not just advantageous—it's a game-changer. As a Black entrepreneur, you're keenly aware of the importance of forging genuine connections in an environment where opportunities can sometimes feel scarce. Building meaningful relationships isn't just about networking; it's about cultivating a network that supports your growth, opens doors to new opportunities, and fosters a sense of community. In this episode of the Black To Business podcast, we're diving deep into the art of leveraging social capital to cultivate meaningful relationships in business, because we understand the unique challenges you face and the vital role that relationships play in your entrepreneurial journey.   Joining us is Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew, a powerhouse in the world of network weaving and relationship-building. With a rich background in le

Ever felt like you're stuck in a never-ending cycle of pitching your business to potential clients, only to hear crickets in response? Or maybe you've poured your heart and soul into crafting the perfect marketing campaign, only to see it fall flat? As entrepreneurs, we've all been there. The struggle to connect with our audience, convert leads into customers, and ultimately boost sales can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But what if there was a game-changing strategy right at our fingertips, just waiting to be unleashed? Enter the power of storytelling in business. In this episode, we're diving deep into this transformative tool with Akeem Shannon, a trailblazing entrepreneur who knows firsthand the impact storytelling can have on your bottom line.   DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Understanding the concept of "storyselling" and its distinction from traditional sales techniques. Key elements of crafting a compelling business story that resonates with your audience. Practical steps for incorpora

It’s time to reclaim your time by streamlining and automating your business. We understand the entrepreneurial feeling that you have to do it all; juggling multiple responsibilities, managing limited resources, and striving for success in a competitive marketplace. That's why in this episode we delve into the world of streamlining and operations, aiming to simplify your business processes and supercharge your efficiency. We're getting the expert insights from Marie Lewis, the owner of Royal Executive Assistant Inc., a seasoned entrepreneur who specializes in helping businesses optimize their operations for maximum productivity and growth. Marie shares her top tips on how to take advantage of technology and delegation to make the most of your time. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Practical strategies for cutting through the clutter and eliminating inefficiencies that hold you back. The long-term benefits of investing in automation and efficiency tools, and how they can pave the way for sustainable

Do you know your ABC’s? Well you’re about to learn the A to Z’s of e-commerce. According to Forbes, small and medium-sized businesses account for approximately 42% of total e-commerce sales in the United States. It's time your business gets a piece of the pie, and we have the perfect person to give it to you! Jance Chartae is a retail strategist and e-commerce coach with a unique blend of expertise in retail sales, management, and online business development. In only 4 years, Jance has grossed $850,000 in online boutique sales, over $2 million in digital product sales and has served more than 7,000 customers worldwide. In this episode, you will learn how to identify your niche, leverage social media, analyze data effectively, and scale your business for growth. If you've ever considered taking your business online or if you're already in the online game but want to get your business to the next level you don’t want to miss this episode. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The importance of starting your

Are you missing a few tools from your toolkit? Well, we’re here to fill it up with all the business tools. As entrepreneurs, we understand the importance of optimizing efficiency and making the most out of the limited resources we have. In this episode we are talking about all things business tools with guru LaShonda Brown. She has mastered the art of working smarter not harder to get the most out of each work day. In this episode, LaShonda, an award-winning Tech Educator, YouTube Coach, and Speaker shares her invaluable insights and expertise on how to leverage business tools to improve business function and time utilization. Our conversation touches on tested and approved strategies that LaShonda personally uses to achieve her 20 hour work week. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How to effectively utilize business tools to streamline your operations and boost productivity. The value of seeking help and outsourcing tasks, instead of overburdening yourself as entrepreneurs often do. The process o

As people spend more of their time online, business competition has become fierce. Every business needs a strong digital presence in order to stand out from the crowd.  That’s why you can't miss this encyclopedia of knowledge on online presence Adam Nwaozo and Tony Thompson reveal throughout the episode, as they share secrets on crafting a powerful online presence for your business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your existing online presence, this episode is packed with practical insights, resources, and tools. Adam & Tony’s passion for technology and drive to help businesses find the digital solutions right for them without breaking the bank empowers their business, Apperr. DURING THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Understanding the role of a website as the cornerstone of your online presence. How to design your way to success with UI/UX strategies that captivate audiences, build credibility, and drive conversions. Best practices for optimizing your online presence while ov

Do you want to reach higher heights? Well keep it locked as we discuss something critical to every Black entrepreneur, finding your community. This is especially important when building your business around a niche or stigmatized business. As entrepreneurs, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with carving out our space in industries that aren’t always welcoming. Becoming a part of or developing the right community is a keystone in ensuring that your business has the support and tools to thrive. Which is why this episode’s guests are the perfect people to share their wealth of knowledge and experiences with us. Gbemi Maiyegun and Jayde I. Powell are the co-founders of Weed For Black Women, a platform dedicated to empowering Black women in the cannabis industry. With a passion for advocacy and education, Gbemi and Jayde bring years of both corporate and entrepreneurial experience to our conversation. As entrepreneurs who have navigated the challenges of carving out a space in a n

Entrepreneurship is like a rollercoaster ride with moments of triumph and moments that test our resilience. But what happens when you find yourself at a crossroads where shutting down your business becomes a reality? In this episode we dive  into the often unspoken journey of closing a business with our guest, Netta Dobbins. She recently made the difficult decision to close her business Mimconnect, a digital community of over 15,000 members helping professionals of color navigate their careers in media. We empathize with the weight of difficult decisions. We understand that as a Black entrepreneur, each step you take is not just a business move but a piece of your heart and soul that builds your legacy. So, when the time comes to consider shutting down your business, we know it's not just a financial decision—it's an emotional one too. It's grappling with the dreams you've nurtured, the goals you've chased, and the challenges you've overcome. We understand the hesitations, the doubts, and the fear of what