They Laughed When I Said, “I Would Be A Leading Authority On Black Entrepreneurship”
28. Apr, 2010 
4 Comments
A little over 5 years ago when I made that declaration that I would be A leading Authority on black entrepreneurship, I received my fair share of laughter.
The roadblocks went up almost immediately from “friends” and family once I got started online doing it and stating that “my mission was to help black people discover their entrepreneurial greatness.”
As I worked the lip smacking got louder, the eye rolling became more obvious and the snickering and whispering was more irritating than wearing a wool sweater in 80 degree heat.
I was even told flat out to drop the idea of “Black Entrepreneurship” by recognizable figures. Ouch!
It didn’t help make the journey easier either as investors that I worked with began to feel extreme anxiety because the crash in the Real Estate market left my portfolio looking like slices of Swiss cheese.
Also, the domestic trials that come with the aging and illnesses of parents adds about 2,000 pounds (the weight of a full size elephant) to the nerves that support stress.
Fast Forward
Since making that declaration and enduring the process, the mission I embraced has become more concrete and I’m more excited now than when I started over 5 years ago.
If you Google ‘Black Entrepreneurship’ you will see as of this date that out of over1.2 million page results 2 of my sites appear consistently in the top 10 on the subject.
I have been blessed to interview and work with some of the top ‘Black Entrepreneurs’ in our current history such as Cathy Hughes, Dennis Kimbro, George Fraser, Les Brown, and many others.
I have been interviewed on National and International radio. I’ve spoken at numerous events including the World Famous PowerNetworking Conference with Andrew Morrison.
I’m currently a coach teaching Internet Marketing Development in George Fraser’s Frasernet Platinum membership.
I’ve taught e-book writing and Internet Marketing in community college classes.
My reports, e-books, and other digital products have been downloaded over 10,000 times worldwide and have helped entrepreneurs start their businesses by writing their first e-book or starting their first website.
My coaching and consulting with dozens of business owners have added thousands of dollars to their bottom lines.
Hundreds of black people have looked at themselves, their talents, skills, and gifts and decided to become entrepreneurial because of their interaction with me and my work.
That feels good!
Even More Gratifying
What’s even more gratifying is looking at others are involved in the mission also and they have been on my list for years.
They are out there working and influencing black people to entrepreneurship and financial empowerment.
People like:
- Lee Green over at Black Business Space.com
- Pam Perry over at Ministry Marketing Solutions.com
- Roger Madison over at Izania.com
- Crystal Washington over at Crystal Washington.com
- IcemanBaldy over at Black Marketing Media.com
- Robert Taylor over at Taylor Media Services
- Wendy Muhammad at The Authentic You Online.com
- Kimmoy Matthews at The Curvy Coach.com…and many, many more.
The point of this post is that if you have a bold mission and a grand vision for you and your business, you will probably be laughed at. You may be mocked.
People will ask,
“What makes you think you can become an authority
in your industry?”
“What makes you think you can have influence and have people looking to you for guidance?”
“What makes you think you can connect with major people and have meaningful relationships beyond your dreams?”
“What makes you think that you can be a part of something that is bigger than you and live long past your contribution?”
So when they laugh, mock, whisper, belittle…”Don’t Worry, Be Happy”, it’s all a part of the process.
Have you been laughed at because of your mission and vision?
Post it below and let me and others know how you’ve overcome the negativity.
Also, feel free to retweet this post.
The Mission Just Intensified!
I have not been laughed at because of my mission and vision, but I just wanted to thank you for sharing the story of your challenges. I have had a hard time finding my niche but through prayer and seeking internally my passion, I have now found my calling and have begun to pursue it. Thank you Brother Bedford for your continued encouragement. Your words and blogs have been a blessing to me and I’ve shared them with all who I know aspire to be Great.
Greetings Brother Bedford,
I have not responded in awhile to your messages, but I do read them.
Most of what you are sharing has been a confirmation for me that I am on the right course.
Yes, and I too have been laughed at, ignored and over looked.
Perseverance not only develops character, but it also builds background.
Thank you,
Butcher
I definitely identify with your story. I’ve always been the odd one and never fit in anywhere. Because I did not fit in it made easier to endure the laughter of naysayers and dream stealers. Earlier on I grew a really tough hide.
Brother Bedford, you are right about processing, the problem is ordinary people do not process well. People with a destiny to achieve quickly accept and submit to the process. This because we recognize God is the Master Planner and we are but a small instrument in the divine will.
The steps of the righteous are ordered by God. WE dream (envision) because deep calls to deep. You cannot mock and laugh at other when you know this. When you follow destiny you recognize order and know the rain falls on the just and the unjust.
In short my motto is to move forward with purpose on purpose. Laughter is good for the soul so laugh with them and continue laughing long after they have stopped. Thank you for enduring and being part of my processing.
Grace and Peace
Jasmin Farnum-Manning
Bro. Bedford,
Thanks for the reminder to be true to self and follow one’s visions and goals – not the visions and goals others have for you.
As I’m mentoring my 18 year old niece to find her purpose and passion in life, I must remember not to tell her what to do with her life but to be sensitive, knowledgeable, available, and wise to help her discover what she will do in her life.
You’ve summed up what I’ve shared with her and that is “If you can see it and if you believe it, you can definitely achieve it.”
Thanks for the blessings in your words.