by Black Enterprise

February 8, 2024

Recruit Talent That Complements Your Team And Company Culture

You can have incredible systems and procedures in place, but if you don't have the right people carrying out the tasks, your enterprise could be operating below its full potential.

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Originally Published Aug. 3, 2016

People make the difference. You can have incredible systems and procedures in place, the right software and automation tools, and a company culture that encourages fun and freedom, but if you don’t have the right people carrying out the tasks, your enterprise could be operating below its full potential.

Culture is the key to attracting the right people, but if you’re still not surrounded by sharp employees, then your hiring process might be to blame. Conversely, if you’re having a hard time keeping good people, then your culture might not be up to snuff.

Another major concern is growth. When you’re growing quickly, it can be very challenging to maintain equilibrium. Don’t get too down on yourself if there’s a bit of a backlash from your workers when your company is growing, because that’s when you’re under the greatest pressure. But finding the right people should be a priority for every organization.

For my company, finding the right cultural fit and people who are aligned with our core values, mission, and broader vision is an essential component to finding the right hires. We want people who will work hard, express enthusiasm for both the idea and the product, and ultimately show that they are passionate about doing meaningful work. Here are some tips that I’ve used to identify these people, and find the right personality fits for my team.

Reflect and Define

Think about some of your best workers, past and present. What qualities and traits do they possess? How do they handle themselves? How do they communicate? Birds of a feather flock together, so if you can identify a few people who are particularly astute, they could very well have like-minded colleagues and friends.

These workers have obviously proven themselves valuable to the company over the long haul. Take some time to think what it is about them that makes them such an asset. By identifying these qualities, you will be better prepared to spot future rock stars for your organization.

You should also think about the kind of people who would be complementary to those already working in your business. People with different skill-sets and experience could prove especially valuable for collaborative endeavors. My company looks for people who can seamlessly complement our existing team structure and workflow; whether that’s finding a UX specialist to work closely with our designer, a product developer to work in collaboration with our engineers, or a business development whiz to work alongside our marketing lead. It’s incredible to see just how perfectly such roles can complement one another, because the great thing about startups is the lack of confinement to a single role or responsibility. In a small team, people have to chip in and contribute in a multitude of areas, wherever there’s a good fit. That’s how complementary team members need to be.

Talk to Your Existing Employees

How do your senior team members feel? What kind of people do they like to work with? What areas do they feel are lacking?

As a leader in your business, you aren’t always on top of what’s happening with your team. There could be gaps that need to be filled, and personality conflicts that you aren’t aware of. Have honest, open-ended discussions with employees who have been with you for a while. It may take time for them to open up, but if they care about the future of the company, they can probably offer good feedback.

Transparency and honesty are two of my company’s biggest core values. A good way to look at it is, when in doubt, default to transparency. It’s imperative that the rest of your team knows everything that everyone else does—it’s the only way trust can be built. Honesty has given us a leg up in business; being open with co-workers, partners, and other companies has been integral to get us where we are today. Thus, we emphasize these two things with anyone who’s part of our team.

You Have to Think About Personality Fit

If you’re looking to build a well-oiled machine, then personality fit isn’t something you can ignore. Fortunately, it’s something you can systematize. You can document and outline procedures that will enable you to find the right people with considerable accuracy. We have through the processes above, and it’s worked well.

While it may take some time to get to that point, you will find that the effort is worth it. Bringing on the right people can have a huge impact on your company’s productivity and efficiency.

by Kandiss Edwards

February 8, 2024

Maintain Customers For A Lifetime With These Practices

Learn the keys to acquiring and retaining customers for a lifetime in business even if you are a first time business owener.

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Originally Published Oct. 3, 2016

Customer acquisition can be one of the largest yet most significant expenses businesses absorb on an ongoing basis.

The ability to consistently bring new clients into the fold can produce a meaningful return on investment, depending on the cost valuation of marketing plus product or service sales. Many companies spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, per year to keep the acquisition cycle churning month after month.

While bringing in new customers has a place in every business model, competition and the vast array of options in many industries make it increasingly more difficult to retain customers for long periods. Customer value over an extended period yields seven times more than customer acquisition. This means most businesses should focus as much, if not more, attention on maintaining their current client base rather than constantly seeking out more clients.

To keep customers loyal to a particular brand, a tremendous amount of value must be placed on the relationship. Gone are the days when customers simply enjoyed the ownership of a new purchase. Many customers today are seeking exclusivity, engagement, loyalty, and communication.

Here are just a few tips on maintaining customers for a lifetime.

 Engage on Social Media

It’s not enough to simply present your company online anymore–you must engage. Customers seek out online channels to have their voices heard with regard to personal experiences with brands they love. That commentary should be shared and appreciated if the experience went well or if the experience was less than exceptional but was acknowledged and corrected. Customers love to know that they are being heard and valued, and there is no better way to make that happen than through the vastness of social media.

Create Loyalty Programs

Everywhere I go now, there is some type of loyalty program offering–from grocery chains to clothing stores. These programs are a great way to build a community of devoted customers. Loyalty programs offer rewards, discounts, appreciation, and gratitude for repeat business, which in turn gives the customer validation for acquiring more goods and services. Everyone, no matter who they are, loves to be appreciated, and when you invest in those you value, it will return to you in countless ways.

Be More Convenient Than Your Competitors

Most customers have limited time and attention. Scores of companies are in business simply to be a model of convenience despite the cost. You want to give your customers the opportunity to experience your goods/services in an adaptable, user-friendly environment. Be sure to offer online auto-billing, refills, and text or email reminders, all of which make the customer experience much more enriching and enjoyable. Convenience is a key component in winning your customer base over your competitors, even if it’s placed at a higher price point.

The lifetime value of customers is well worth the work in the long run. Just remember that it is far more advantageous to build brand evangelist, than it is to amass new patrons.

This post was written by Tiffany Fulcher.

RELATED CONTENT: How To Respond To Negative Customer Feedback On Social Media

by Black Enterprise

February 8, 2024

BLACK ENTERPRISE Covers Served Black History

BLACK ENTERPRISE are purveyors of Black history with over 50 years of groundbreaking coverage and impactful covers.

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Aside from BLACK ENTERPRISE making a mark in history as the seminal platform for Black-centric business content, we have also been purveyors of Black history with over 50 years of groundbreaking coverage and impactful covers. Take a look back at these 10 BE covers that amplify notable Black figures throughout Black history.

1) Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States Of America

2) Ernesta Gertrude Procope, President of the largest Black-owned insurance brokerage

3) John H. Johnson, Herman J. Russell, Ed Lewis, Nathan Conyers, Earl G. Graves,  Clarence Smith, Men of Entrepreneurial Excellence

4) Janice Bryant Howroyd, First African American woman to build and own a billion-dollar company

5) Guion Stewart Bluford Jr.: Astronaut, First Black American in space

6) Joan B. and Joan M. Johnson: First Black-owned company on the American Stock Exchange

7) Reginald Lewis, First African American to build a billion-dollar company

8) Ann Fudge: President of Maxwell Coffee Co., First Black woman to head a corporate division

9) Andrew Young: Civil Rights Activist, United Nations Ambassador

10) Earvin “Magic” Johnson: NBA Hall of Famer, Philanthropist, Businessman

RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned Bank Celebrates 100 Years In Business During Black History Month

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 8, 2024

2 Las Vegas Teens Admit to Role in Fatal Beating Of 17-Year-Old

Two of out the nine teenagers charged in the killing of Jonathan Lewis admitted to voluntary to manslaughter earlier this week.

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In November 2023, a group of teenagers in Las Vegas kicked, stomped, and punched a 17-year-old until he became unconscious, an assault that was captured on video.

Now, two of the teens involved in the killing have admitted to voluntary manslaughter.

According to The Las Vegas Review-Journal, two out of the nine teenagers charged in the killing of a Rancho High School student, Jonathan Lewis, have pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Both boys are under the age of 16 and had their cases handled in family court. The pleas were confirmed by Brigid Duffy, director of the Clark County district attorney’s office’s juvenile division.

“It goes without saying that the unintended loss of life involved in this situation is tragic and regrettable,” said an attorney, Richard Bryant, of one of the defendants in an emailed statement. “We are hopeful that the services provided through the Juvenile Justice programs will assist our client and the other involved youth in their rehabilitation and maturity in the wake of this incident.”

Duffy explained that juveniles in the family court system are not given an exact sentence but are held in custody until completion of rehabilitation programs at a correctional facility. Juveniles cannot be held in custody past the age of 21.

The two were part of a group of up to 10 teenagers who allegedly jumped on Lewis near the campus of Rancho High School in Las Vegas. The 17-year-old died six days later from the beating.

Mobile phone videos and surveillance footage revealed Lewis initially pushed a student into an alleyway near the school. After taking off his sweatshirt, he attacked another student. He was then surrounded by a group of teenagers who attacked him, according to transcripts of testimony during a grand jury hearing.

The news of the plea deals comes after four of the teenagers were charged and indicted with second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit battery—Treavion Randolph, 16; Dontral Beaver, 16; Damien Hernandez, 18; and Gianni Robinson, 17—pleaded not guilty last month. They were all charged as adults.

by Rafael Pena

February 8, 2024

Kyrie Irving Blames His Lack Of Play With The Nets On Mayor Eric Adams

A fan shouted to Kyrie Irving, "Why didn't you play like this when you were on the Nets?" Irving responded, "Blame Mayor Adams for that, bro."

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During a game on Feb. 7, a courtside exchange between Kyrie Irving and a disgruntled fan captured attention. The fan shouted, “Why didn’t you play like this when you were on the Nets?” Irving, engaged in an argument with an official, responded, “Blame [New York City] Mayor Eric Adams for that, bro.” The fan appeared unconvinced by Irving’s explanation, according to Complex.

The reference to Mayor Adams relates to New York City’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates. In 2021, Adams upheld the previous administration’s public health mandates that required private sector employees to be vaccinated. Irving, who remained unvaccinated, faced ineligibility to play or practice with the team. Although later permitted to play in road games outside New York and Toronto, he only made his debut after Adams lifted the vaccine mandate in March 2022.

Irving acknowledged the controversies during his tenure, including strained contract negotiations leading to his trade to the Mavericks a year after joining the Nets.

Post-game, Irving expressed a sense of closure with his Brooklyn chapter, stating, “I’m pretty much at peace” with everything that transpired. He wished former teammates well and emphasized the relationships beyond basketball.

According to Newsweek, when questioned about his legacy in Brooklyn, Irving adopted a nonchalant stance, saying, “Honestly, I don’t care.” He recognized the subjectivity of opinions and hoped for a resolution in the coming years. Irving highlighted the emotional toll of facing former teams and the associated baggage, stating, “It’s part of our game, but at the same time, it’s just basketball.”

Reflecting on his time in Brooklyn, Irving admitted to taking “some moral stances” and facing political challenges beyond his control. Acknowledging past mistakes, he emphasized accountability and the importance of learning from experiences. Irving stated, “I’m not perfect, but one thing I can say is I’ve been able to learn from things and continue to push forward. I’m around some good people. And that’s all that matters, man, surrounding yourself with some good folk.”

As Irving thrives with the Mavericks, currently eighth in the Western Conference with a 28-23 record, the Nets, without Irving, are struggling at 20-30, placing 11th in the Eastern Conference.

by Rafael Pena

February 8, 2024

CDC Foundation Launches Scholarship Program For Descendants Of Tuskegee Syphilis Study Victims

The CDC Foundation has introduced a scholarship initiative designed for the descendants of the Black men who were subjects of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study.

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On Feb. 7, the CDC Foundation introduced a groundbreaking scholarship initiative, “Voices Today for Change Tomorrow,” designed for the descendants of Black men who were subjects of the infamous U.S. Public Health Service Study of Untreated Syphilis at Tuskegee, according to Essence. This 40-year study, which ran from 1932 to 1972, is a dark chapter in U.S. medical history, marked by severe ethical violations endured by the Tuskegee Syphilis study victims.

The CDC Foundation goal is to raise a $5 million endowment—led by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s $1 million gift—to support the current Voices For Our Fathers Legacy Foundation scholarships and to offer several $100,000 scholarships annually to the study’s descendants.

“By making a commitment to honor the legacy of these men, we are working to provide a stronger foundation of support for the next generation to build change. These scholarships are intended to amplify the voices of the next generation,” said Judy Monroe, M.D., president and CEO of the CDC Foundation

Added Lillie Head, president of Voices For Our Fathers Legacy Foundation, “Our purpose is to transform the legacy of the longest-lasting, non-therapeutic study in U.S. medical history from shame and trauma to honor and triumph.”

“It seeks to uplift the descendants of the Untreated Syphilis Study at Tuskegee and takes steps toward rectifying a difficult part of our public health history,” said CDC Director Mandy Cohen of the scholarships.

The Milbank Memorial Fund, which acknowledged its role in the study in 2021, made the first institutional commitment to the scholarship fund in 2022. The fund also pledges to provide administrative support for the Voices For Our Fathers Legacy Foundation and the scholarship program. In addition to annual scholarships, the fund encourages recipients to attend historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs).

RELATED CONTENT: REPORT: GROUP PAID WIDOWS OF TUSKEGEE EXPERIMENT PALTRY $100 TO STUDY DEAD SPOUSES’ BLOOD

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 8, 2024

Mo’Nique Says Taraji P. Henson Was The Better ‘Messenger’ For Addressing Hollywood Pay Inequality

Mo'Nique says Taraji P. Henson was a better "messenger" when addressing issues of pay inequality and mistreatment in Hollywood.

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Mo’Nique is the latest comedian to go viral with a candid sitdown on Club Shay Shay. Much like Katt Williams, no one was off limits with the outspoken comedian, including Taraji P. Henson and Oprah Winfrey.

Shannon Sharpe released his 3-hour sitdown with Mo’Nique on Wednesday, February 7. Within 24 hours, the interview had already acquired over 4 million views. Among the most talked-about moments from the chat include Mo’Nique’s criticism of comedians Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and DL Hughley, as well as Hollywood honchos Tyler Perry and Winfrey.

There have been comparisons between the recent criticisms Henson made about her issues with pay inequality and mistreatment in Hollywood, including the advocacy she had to do for The Color Purple’s cast. Henson’s judgment is similar to complaints Mo’Nique made over a decade ago when it came to her messy fallout with Winfrey, Perry, and Lee Daniels over the promotion for her Academy Award-winning performance in 2009’s Precious.

Now looking at how Henson is addressing similar issues nearly 15 years later, Mo’Nique cites how “painful” it is to watch considering the private talk she had with the actress years ago.

“Taraji and I had a conversation over a decade ago in my trailer when I was doing The Mo’Nique Show,” she recalled. Henson told her, “You gotta keep on getting it until your turn comes.” Mo’Nique’s reply: “Taraji, most of us die before our turn comes. We gotta ask for it right now.”

When Sharpe asked Mo’Nique why Henson’s public complaints about pay inequality and mistreatment in Hollywood appear to be well-received than hers were 10 years ago, Mo’Nique explained why Henson was a better “messenger.”

“It was the messenger. I should just be grateful I got invited to the party. ‘You’re a big, fat Black woman. How dare you be the one,'” Mo’Nique said.

“‘And then on top of that, you’re saying names,” she added. “You’re saying Oprah’s name out loud. You’re saying [Perry’s] name out loud. You’re saying [Daniels‘] name out loud. You’re saying Lionsgate out loud. That’s not what we do—we say ‘they,’ we say ‘the people,’ we say ‘the studio,’ we say ‘the producers.’ ‘How dare you say our heroes’ names? These are our heroes. How could you say their names out loud?’ Because they’re the ones that did it. And if I don’t say it out loud, now you see a woman that is swallowing that pain, that is so stressed out. Then, you see our sister Taraji P. Henson sit on that platform.”

Mo’Nique believes Henson received more sympathy due to how “broken” she appeared when breaking down in tears during her Sirius XM interview with Gayle King. When Mo’Nique complained, she had her husband by her side.

“We have a hard time seeing a strong Black woman with her back straight and her chin up and a strong Black man standing by her side. We have a hard time accepting that. But we can accept seeing a Black woman broken,” Mo’Nique said.

The Original Queens of Comedy star also believes Winfrey “treated” Henson differently after she spoke out publicly about issues she had while filming The Color Purple.

“In my humble opinion, when you saw her walk up, you saw that there was tension,” Mo’Nique said. “You saw that there was something happening. And then when you see Taraji write her a love letter [Henson penned a heartfelt thank you to Winfrey on Instagram], it’s like, ‘Listen, we gotta stand tall and stand strong on what we know.’”

She continued, “We know you were mistreated. We know it wasn’t right. We know it was unfair. And then you turned around and say, ‘Oh, but Lady O handled it.’ I have a problem with that. That allows Lady O to keep doing what she’s doing, and we’re in a position of, ‘I don’t want to say nothing because we saw how Mo’Nique got whooped.’”

RELATED CONTENT: Katt Williams Reveals Upcoming Album, Including Unreleased Tupac Tracks

by Rafael Pena

February 8, 2024

Warner Music Announces Layoffs Of 600 Employees

Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl announced plans to divest owned and operated digital media, impacting platforms like Uproxx and HipHopDX.

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Variety reports that Warner Music CEO Robert Kyncl announced plans to divest owned and operated digital media, impacting platforms like Uproxx and HipHopDX. The decision comes on the eve of the company’s earnings report and is accompanied by a broader initiative to streamline operations.

Kyncl, in a memo to staff, stated, “These are dynamic platforms, but they operate outside our core responsibilities to our roster.” Uproxx and HipHopDX are being considered for potential sale, while Kyncl has opted to wind down the podcasting brand Interval Presents and social media publisher IMGN.

Kyncl characterized this move as a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution, expressing the intention to double down on the core music business. Early insights into numbers indicate a noteworthy 11% growth in normalized revenue over the last quarter. However, Kyncl emphasized the need for thoughtful decision-making about resource allocation, leading to a plan to realize approximately $200 million in annualized cost savings by the end of September 2025.

“As part of that plan, we’ll be reducing our workforce by approximately 10%, or 600 people – the majority of which will relate to our Owned & Operated media properties, corporate, and various support functions,” Kyncl stated. The move aligns with a broader strategy to reinvest the majority of the savings back into the core music business.

Acknowledging the news’s unsettling nature, Kyncl assured employees that the company would handle the transition as thoughtfully and respectfully as possible. He mentioned that many impacted employees have already been informed, with the majority expected to receive notifications by the end of September 2024.

This strategic realignment follows the company’s last round of layoffs in March 2023, shortly after Kyncl assumed the CEO role in January. Those layoffs, affecting approximately 4% of the staff or around 270 employees, were framed as necessary adjustments to ensure the company’s survival.

RELATED CONTENT: Megan Thee Stallion Signs ‘First Deal Of Its Kind’ With Warner Music Giving Her Ownership Of Masters

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 8, 2024

70 New York City Housing Authority Employees Charged In Largest Single-Day Bribery Takedown In DOJ History

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said, “Instead of acting in the interests of NYCHA residents, the City of New York, or taxpayers, the 70 defendants charged today allegedly used their jobs at NYCHA to line their own pockets."

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The Department of Justice has charged 70 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) current and former employees in what the department says is the largest number of federal bribery charges for one day in its history.

The employees are accused of demanding and receiving money from contractors in exchange for obtaining contracts from the agency to receive the job and the payment from NYCHA. In some cases, money was required the issuing of contracts. In other instances, the money was to be paid after the job was completed but before an employee signed off on it so the agency would pay the contractors.

The allegations stated that the defendants typically got approximately 10% to 20% of the contract’s worth, which could be between $500 and $2,000; sometimes higher amounts were demanded.  According to the DOJ, the accused made off with over $2 million in payments from the contractors, who awarded over $13 million worth of no-bid contracts.

“Instead of acting in the interests of NYCHA residents, the City of New York, or taxpayers, the 70 defendants charged today allegedly used their jobs at NYCHA to line their own pockets,” U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams said in a statement. “NYCHA residents deserve better.  Myoffice is firmly committed to cleaning up the corruption that has plagued NYCHA for far too long so that its residents can be served with integrity and have the high-quality, affordable homes that they deserve. The culture of corruption at NYCHA ends today.”

Sixty-six of the 70 defendants were arrested on Tuesday, Feb. 6, in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and North Carolina.  

The maximum potential sentences vary from five to 20 years, and that determination will be made by a federal judge. Most of the defendants were charged with Solicitation and Receipt of a Bribe and Extortion Under Color of Official Right.

RELATED CONTENT: City of Atlanta Launches Home Buying Program for Service Workers

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 8, 2024

Comcast NBCUniversal Partners With Nonprofits To Launch Fellowship For Black, LGBTQIA+ Issues

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced a new fellowship dedicated to amplifying the concerns and voices of Black and LGBTQ+ communities.

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Comcast NBCUniversal is lending its support to launch a fellowship designated for Black and LGBTQ+ issues. The media company will partner with collaboratives to develop The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab.

The initiative will collaborate with News is Out, a cohort of queer publications, and Word In Black, a group of Black publishers, to launch the fellowship. According to The Washington Informer on Feb. 6, Comcast is working through Project Up to help bring equitable coverage and resources in the media sphere, dedicating $1 billion to the cause, which will also aid budding diverse journalists.

For the “first of its kind” lab, 16 fellows will be trained across the 16 publications, amplifying the work and the voices of those belonging to the LGBTQ+ and Black communities. Through the program, conducted over a year, these fellows will learn under the guidance and mentorship of those from News is Out and Word In Black. They will also have the content highlighted through NBCUniversal and its platform, NBCU Academy.

“Word In Black is looking forward to working with our colleagues at News is Out and Comcast NBCUniversal on this groundbreaking fellowship program,” expressed Chris Bennett, publisher of the Seattle Medium, one of the publications involved with Word In Black. “Uplifting the voices of journalists and publishers who are dedicated to covering Black and LGBTQ+ stories is vital to the future of inclusive media.”

This fellowship will ensure the content that matters to these underrepresented communities will be prioritized and upheld by the writers who are a part of them. The Local Media Foundation lab will facilitate the program across these impactful publications. The participating members will help sharpen the multimedia skills of these burgeoning professionals.

“As a Black queer woman, I know the impact of empowering and elevating Black and LGBTQ+ voices,” said Eboné F. Bell, publisher of Tagg Magazine. “This project gives us an opportunity to instill a great amount of knowledge and experience in fellows who can help amplify the voice of these communities in the media industry.”

Applications are open now for all who are eligible to be part of this groundbreaking venture.

RELATED CONTENT: Study: Most Black Americans Feel News Media Don’t Cover Issues Relevant To Them