There is a saying in life: “Safety in numbers.” In business, there is a new saying taking shape, “Membership has its perks.” Membership for minorities offers executive-level training, enhanced business training, and mentorship that is unparalleled by any standard.
Charles O’Neal, the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the US Black Chambers, Inc. is the ultimate champion of all things membership. O’Neal also serves as the President of the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce.
“You become instantly competitive once you join a Chamber,” O’Neal said. “The people you meet and the opportunities you encounter are very powerful to any new business owner looking to grow their business.”
The US Black Chambers, Inc. is comprised of over two hundred local chambers and has over three hundred thousand members. Finding someone to either confide in or get valuable information from increases tremendously once you gain membership in any local organization.
Today, networking and expanding your brand have never been more important. For businesses looking to thrive, getting the right information is critical, and Chamber organizations already have done the work to provide those answers.
“I have an invoice for anyone who joins the Chamber,” O’Neal says jokingly. “Most Chambers have done the hard work of creating or providing the valuable information that businesses need to advance their agenda.”
And he is right. Local, regional, state and national chambers organizations have been around for over a hundred years and work within government and the private sector to make sure that certain individuals have a good seat at the table of economic growth.
As a University of North Texas graduate, O’Neal understands the power of networking. He is constantly expanding his brand, and himself, to make sure that any business owner who needs help gets it from the Chamber.
“There are thirty Black Chambers in the state of Texas. We all play a key role in representing Black businesses at the governmental level and in the private sector to ensure that regulations are made and set for anyone who needs it to compete at a high level,” O’Neal stated.
The Chambers also interface with financial institutions to ensure that businesses have access to capital. O’Neal says that economic power is the key for any Black business to succeed today.
“The beauty of belonging to a Chamber is you get to speak with some incredible people who have already been where you are going,” O’Neal said. “As business owners, if we can help you avoid some of the pitfalls you might run into while growing your business, then we have done our job.”
O’Neal’s proficiency in leading and providing mentorship is unmatched in the business world.
“I feel like I’m good once I know that you are good,” O’Neal said. “I have done my job, as a Chamber member, if I know that my efforts helped someone else out. That is what this is all about.”
Anyone who has attempted or is attempting to own a business understands O’Neal’s point. It takes so much energy and effort to make any business a consistent, money-producing operation that provides a great service or product while creating enough payroll to take care of employees and their families.
Over 70 percent of the businesses that start at the beginning of the year will fail in the first twelve months of being open. Working within a Chamber might reduce those numbers due to the amount of support these businesses get from joining a Chamber.
The Chambers are at their best when they can provide aid and guidance on:
- New policies impacting business
- New laws
- New upcoming projects
- Opportunities to respond to RFPs (Request for Proposal)
- Avoiding business landmines
- Collective ideas that might impact business
Black Chambers understands that there is power in negotiating as a group. These organizations work tirelessly to ensure that any business that wants a seat at the table has a chair.
“What American corporate interests know is that the most dedicated consumer group on Earth are Black people,” O’Neal said. “We buy everything from orange juice to Adidas shoes. So, if there is one thing that corporate America needs to understand is that they need to work with our Chambers to create a path for us to succeed.”
O’Neal understands the need for Blacks and Black businesses to gain the economic power to create the political momentum for Black communities to enact the proper laws they need to win.
With the 2022 mid-term elections coming, O’Neal stresses the importance of working within a Chamber to make sure that work continues to be done for any company wanting to advance.
Voting is important, but more than voting is finding the right people to advance the Black agenda. Collectively understanding that is especially important for any Black person who wants to succeed in business.
There have been communities of color who have voted the same way for decades, but still don’t enjoy the benefit of their vote. O’Neal wants to hold our elected officials accountable by pressing them to change who gets government contracts.
Should every Black business join a Chamber to take advantage of all the things they have to offer? Yes! Until then, Charles O’Neal and countless Chamber leaders are there to help, guide, and work for you until you do succeed.
