Black Businesses, Customers Need to Work Together In Order for US to Succeed in Arizona
As the owner of PhxSoul.com, I'm highly interested in seeing other black businesses succeed. In fact, I want business owners of all races to succeed!
One of PhxSoul.com's goals is to offer this Website as a platform for businesses to promote their products and services to the African American community. I also like to offer advice and ideas that could help!
One of the theories that I've been kicking around lately is the notion that black businesses and customers in the Phoenix area really need to work together to make sure OUR restaurants, hair salons, nightclubs, publications, clothing stores, etc., survive for the long-term!
I'm just going to come out and say it because I know that I speak on behalf of many African Americans in the Phoenix area ...
Many of OUR businesses are doing an excellent job of providing us with the facilities, events, services and products that we want and need! I encourage you to keep on doing what you're doin'!
However, many of OUR businesses are mediocre at best!
Yeah I said it! Many of OUR businesses are not cuttin' the mustard and that's why we are seeing our businesses close at an alarming rate!
Some will not like what I'm writing here, but I'm doing this out of love! I want to see us prosper in Arizona! Sometimes the truth hurts!
I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a black-owned restaurant and received rude customer service! Servers who treat you like they're mad you came, long waits for food and beverages, the bathrooms are disgusting and the food is just average at best. How many times have you heard a server say, "Oh sorry, we're out of that!!" Ahhhh! that drives me crazy!
Right now I'm dealing with a black-owned print shop that is providing some of the slowest service I've ever seen in my life! The job that I requested should have only taken a couple days. Instead, I've been waiting for more than a month! I've had the same work done at Kinko's and it took 24 hours!
The black businesses that have succeeded here for decades have done it because they understand the importance of having a good reputation. They care what their customers think, they adapt and they advertise/market to customers of all races. They only colors they care about are green, silver and copper!
One of the main problems in the Valley's black community is that many of us don't speak up to save our own businesses. I know I've been guilty of this. I've received bad service and didn't say a word to the owners and employees. Instead, I just decided that I would never go back. I know many people do the same. This is just wrong! We can't settle for average treatment!
If I voiced my opinions and told the former owners why their companies weren't up to snuff, maybe they could make changes and maybe they'd still be in business!
We as customers all need to make our expectations known so we are treated with the respect and good service we deserve! We can't afford to let OUR businesses fail! Tell them, "We're not gonna take it! No we aint gonna take it! We're not gonna take it anymore!"
So what exactly can black businesses do to retain customers?
- Treat every person who patronizes your company like he/she is the President of the United States!
- Make sure your office, restaurant, barbershop, etc. is fully stocked with the products that your customers want!
- Ask for feedback from your customers! Provide those customer service cards so people can fill them out. Give your customers incentives for submitting the customer service cards - discounts or prizes!
- Offer coupons to encourage people to buy your products/services.
- Set up shop in a desirable locations - some of our places are in dangerous neighborhoods!
- Train your employees! Make them feel like valuable assets so they'll take pride in their work!
- Advertise to customers of all races - this is Arizona! Advertising on TV, the Internet, newspapers and billboards can be affordable if you budget properly! Advertising is IMPORTANT!
What can black Arizonans do to make sure OUR businesses stay OPEN?
- Give honest feedback whether it's positive or negative!
- Give businesses a second chance if they provide you with a bad experience at first - tell them what they need to do satisfy you!
- Ask how you can help the business grow!
- Stop asking for the "hook-up," you should be willing to pay money for the products and services you receive. That's the ONLY way a business will stay afloat!
I look forward to your feedback on this blog! If you agree or disagree with PhxSoul.com's opinions, share your thoughts by using the Comments area below!
Thank you! I am a Multi Media Consultant (African American) trying my best to grow Black Businesses here in the Valley. It's been challenging at best to convey the concept that business is business and if you offer great products and services and advertise properly than people (consumers) of all races will come. You can't win in business by marketing to one demographic, you have to market to the masses to be truly successful. Phyllis Campell, Supermedia 602-574-4167. I can help you reach the masses in a cost effective way.
Posted by: Phyllis Campbell | March 01, 2011 at 15:38
Better said then done. It amazes me how blacks always want to change or opinionate their views upon others. "If its black its wack, if its white its alright". Pleaze...Lend a hand, instead of beating one. Give positive suggestions instead of negative opinions.
Posted by: Deborah Craig | January 07, 2010 at 20:32
my wife and i are planning a vacation 3-5 days within the phoenix area. your site is top notch and i am really look forward to the trip. we like to support our own and will be socializing in some of the mature night spots and eating establishments in the area ( from the hood to the top).
we knew very little about phoenix, but now we know alot! thanks to you.
ps. we will be monitoring your site during our stay (mid nov. 2009) so please keep it updated as your time permits.
May God Bless you ALL!
Posted by: olu amen-ra | October 31, 2009 at 17:53
I read some of your thoughts on the Black Business/Customer opinion. This is a subject that I am passionate about and would like to be instrumental in "Change".
Our businesses need exposure, promotion, visibility and some need help with the aforementioned. Where do we start?
You know where the Hispanic businesses are, they are all over and they support their businesses.
My dream would be to have a location that housed black owned, operated and controlled businesses. That is managed, promoted and visible to everyone. Where do we start?
We as a people need to learn more about how to start a business and work together to make sure that elements are in place to help sustain that business. Work on our customer service skills or hire someone that will better represent your business, if you are not customer oriented. Where do we start?
That's it, and I feel it will come. Where do we start and When? Lizz
Posted by: Lizz | October 15, 2009 at 10:30