Every day, professionals and small business owners, especially those from marginalized communities, are flooded with messages claiming to offer career growth and financial success. But too often, these “opportunities” are just requests for financial investment, pyramid schemes, multi-level marketing pitches, or vague partnerships that only benefit the person making the ask.
As a Black woman in business, I respect ambition. What I don’t respect is the lack of transparency in these pitches. Too many people are being asked to pour their time, energy, and resources into someone else’s vision with no guarantee of a return.
If you’re reaching out to recruit, collaborate, or offer a business opportunity, be upfront. Does your opportunity require an investment? Say that. Are you offering an actual job, partnership, or skill-building experience that will benefit both parties? Make that clear. Emotional intelligence in business outreach means understanding that most working Americans don’t have the time or money to waste on something that isn’t truly built for their success.
What people are looking for is real opportunity for paid work, fair partnerships, and skill-building experiences that help them grow. If your business is thriving and you’re in a position to uplift others, lead with integrity. Be the person offering a hand up, not just a handout.
If you’re reaching out because you see value in my skills and experience, and you’re offering a real chance to build, learn, and grow then let’s talk. But if your ask requires me to fund your success while risking my own, respectfully, keep it moving.
Let’s do business differently. Let’s be honest, strategic, and intentional about how we engage with each other. Because working people, especially those of us from marginalized backgrounds, are tired of being sold dreams that only make someone else rich.