FOCUS ON BUSINESS
By Diane I. Daniels
I once was involved with an organization that had the philosophy that you have to show up to go up. It is a value that I strongly hold onto and share with young people and want to pass on to you.
Recently within a three day period activities have occurred that I question why the attendance of African Americans was so low.
One event was the Laptop Workshop – Blogging for Beginners conducted by the 2TechDivas (Donna Baxter and Kirsten Womack) and the other was the Seton Hill University eleventh annual E-Magnify “Building a World-Class Business” Conference.
During both events so much valuable information was dispelled that my head is still swelled with what I learned, the ideas that were developed and the people I met.
If the Soul Pitt would have sponsored a movie screening or an event to the comedy club the place would have been packed. But the question is what would you have gained from the activity? A few laughs or perhaps a night out.
Every time I hear someone complain about Pittsburgh and the region not being a good place for African Americans, I cringe. Believe me I am well aware of the deficiencies of the City and Allegheny County, but at the same time I know that change starts with me. You know the phrase, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Our bite has to be preparing ourselves, our families, businesses and organizations to be knowledgeable in technology, to be competent in what ever we setout to do and to be competitive. How do we do that? By attending events designed to make us the best that we can be. We have to open our minds and attend events no matter who sponsors them or where they are held.
As we enter the second quarter of 2008, set some new goals. Let those goals be to stop complaining and to prepare ourselves with knowledge. Remember, we have to show up to go up!
Using her motto of promoting, publicizing and popularizing, Diane I. Daniels has operated DID & Associates, a multi-faceted public relations firm for 25 years. She’s a member of the Allegheny County MBE/WBE Board, writes business articles for the New Pittsburgh Courier and recently was appointed Associated Publisher of Who’s Who in Black Pittsburgh.
www.didassociates.net
www.promoteme4good.blogspot.com
www.whoswhopublishing.com
Filed under: Business Articles, Diane Daniels
A friend of mine just emailed me one of your articles from a while back. I read that one a few more. Really enjoy your blog. Thanks.
Jason Whitmen
Diane, i totally agree with you in that black people do not participate in events which will have a lasting effect on their lives financially, career or health wise. there are many excellent workshops and events sponsored by various black organizations througout the pittsburgh area, and i’m always disappointed in the low turn out.
these events have grown out the need in our communties. in order for our communities to grow and prosper we all need to participate in such activities. i urge everyone to start networking, supporting, and attending these events.
Good point,
I too agree with the uninspired mindset and culture of most blacks in Pittsburgh.
Unfortunately, most blacks in Pittsburgh lack disposable income or apply their income to things that are not going to advance their lives like designer clothes and shoes (Coach, Jordan’s…Kennywood outfit – LOL), getting our hair and nails done every week. Perhaps the lack of self-esteem or interest in these type of events probably accounts for low attendance too.
I’m black, and I was born and raised here, and it always amazes me when I travel to other cities how well blacks are prospering, but black Pittsburghers still lag behind.
If we help ourselves to the opportunities that are out there or create our own, I think Pittsburgh can be a great place for blacks.