CASH OUT. - Minority Enterprise Executive Council

Minority EnterpriseAdvocate MagazinePublisherDebra WilliamsWritersAngela Chester-JohnsonRichard W. LewisAlfonzo PorterGary A. SmithGary E. ShumakerGloria Berthold LarkinDesign & ProductionAdrienne ButlerPolaris PressPresidentSunny EzejiMinority Enterprise Advocate Magazineis published bi-monthly byMinority Enterprise Executive CouncilP.O. Box 5199Woodbridge, Virginia 22194Tel. (703) 730-4091Fax (703) 730-4092E-mail: vpwilliams@comcast.netWebsite: www.meecouncil.comMEE CouncilSunny Ezeji, PresidentAll rights reserved © copyrightSunny Ezeji,PresidentThis is a new climate for everyone in business. Weneed to network and diversify in order to survive inthese very uncertain times. International business isa very interesting option that all of us need to takea look at.You might ask how do I start this internationalventure? Join an international trade association thatprovides programs that facilitate overseas trade andinvestments. There are organizations you shouldcontact such as The Leon Sullivan Foundation andthe Corporate Council on Africa which are locatedin Washington D.C. For Federal agencies that canassist you, visit www.export.gov. Take time to visitthe U.S. Embassy of the country you are targeting,do your research.I believe a lot of entrepreneurs are interested, but just not sure where to start.After all you do want to make sure you are doing business in a safe, legitimate,and practical manner.I am always talking about networking. How is your business network? Do youhave a mentor or are you mentoring someone else? This is the true way tosuccess and building lasting relationships. Never say you do not have time tohelp others.Networking and mentoring are very necessary tools. What will you do when somethinggoes wrong, who will you turn to? That is the significance in having a good network ormentor; there is always someone there to help and answer your questions.I know a lot of business people across the country.Many of them could not handle the changes in theeconomy and did not survive the crisis. Many didnot know how to diversify in order to stay alive.They did not maintain a network of strong businessleaders.I try to encourage people to start their own business.A lot of people are afraid or just don’t know whereto start. It is a challenge and sometimes scary, but ifyou ever want to maximize your lifestyle and income,you have to think about it. You will never make whatyou are worth working for someone else. You haveto believe the opportunity is waiting for you and thatthere are plenty of people and resources out thereto help you.Merry Christmas and have a happy New Year!Debra Williams,Publisher6 Minority Enterprise Advocate • November-December 2010