Winning takes work. One has to put in some real sweat equity in crafting a plan, executing it and seeing it through for any hope of positive results. Going at it alone is possible but success will be harder to come by doing it that way. The ultimate reward will take the combined efforts of many to overcome.

The sense of community, pulling resources together and working as one is something that the African American business sector lacks according to the new chairman of the board of directors for the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC), Carol Guess. She went as far as to call the ideal “dangerous thinking.”

“When one or two or a collective of black people think they can make it outside of our collective that is dangerous thinking,” Guess said as she spoke about why it is so important to support black-owned businesses. “We can’t afford not to support black businesses.”

During days of segregation, black businesses thrived. African Americans didn’t have a choice as to where to spend their dollar due to separate but equal laws. They quite literally had to buy black or buy nothing at all. With the passage of laws and the economic growth of African Americans the field was opened allowing black people the prospect to spread their dollar around. This opportunity, along with historical disparities such as Black people aren’t good at operating a business crippled the segment. Insert the importance of having the GHBC to offer assistance.

“Because of our experiences in this country we have to make sure that we have an organization assembled in place that will support our unique being,” stated Guess. Noting how for years how the voices of black entrepreneurs had not been heard. The African American business community has continued to be victimized by various forms of racism on every level and passing judgment on the community as a whole. “I think that is a message of slavery and a trick of slavery to automatically classify black people as not being able to do business well.”

Guess is making it her mission as the head of the board to erase this type of thinking

According to her, the black community has to stop agreeing with these types of messages because it is simply unfair and at times unwarranted. “In order for us (black businesses) to win we have to support each other.”

People need to make an intentional effort to support organizations like the GHBC and patronize black-owned companies. This is a call to action for Guess who feels like leading the chamber in this manner and at this time is her true mission.

Guess has been involved in an array of ways with the chamber over the years. Her most recent position was that of board secretary. Now at the helm of it all, Guess is excited to get to work by helping black businesses establish themselves and keep their doors open.

In her new role, Guess acts as the voice of the board expressing its clear vision so that the GHBC president and CEO can execute that reality. She offers guidance to the chamber president and oversees the organization as a whole. The board sets policy and procedure while the chamber president implements the directive. Currently, Guess, along with other board members, are carrying all the weight as they prepare to conduct a search for a new chamber president and CEO.

Guess plans to make the most of her two-year tenure by having the chamber be that pivotal resource that closes the gap for anything that black entrepreneurs might need or lack as it concerns to keeping their doors open and creating more CEOs. Her scope is to continue to work the chamber’s many programs like the Business Readiness program that teaches entrepreneurs about managing a business, obtaining capital, hiring staff, and being sustainable. Innovation and technology are also big on her to-do list as she sees it as a crucial need for businesses to integrate into their companies to stay mainstream. She calls it the next wave of the chamber.

In addition, she wants to retrain the minds of the public to not place preconceived negative notions on that of African American businesses by encouraging open communication. How can someone know that there is a problem without first being made aware of it. Guess asks that the community let black business owners know how they are doing good or bad. And she encourages black business owners to take the constructive criticism and/or positive feedback and grow from it. If a problem does occur, business owners need to see it through with the person in a swift manner to come to an amicable solution where the problem is rectified. On the flip side, take positive comments and explore ways to make them even better. This behavior will change the conversation, mindset of people, and hopefully be converted into growth, strength, and stellar track records for black businesses.

It is all part of the legacy that she wants to leave for startups to mature businesses that the GHBC has created a true economy that the board can be proud of that is sustainable into the future.

Speaking of the future, the chamber has its eyes on the next generation of business owners by forming community partnerships. Ties have already been made with Texas Southern University and are on the horizon for Prairie View A&M University to help students connect with the black business owners for internships and jobs. Thoughts are also being circulated about a possible junior chamber for younger students budding with ideas.

Whether attending 2nd Tuesdays with Chamber at Buffalo Soldiers Museum, the Women in Business Initiative, education forum or any one of the 44 events that GHBC hosts per calendar year, the chamber has a place for you. All interested parties need only log on to GHBCC.com to join any level membership.

Together, in accord with one another, black business owners, the community, and the chamber all can win.