As I sat down for lunch with an associate, the scene outside the restaurant caught my attention. An older white lady was crying on a bench, while people rushed past, oblivious to her distress. My mind flooded with questions: Was she lost? Had she received bad news? Was she waiting for someone? Whatever her situation, she clearly needed help.
Initially, I didn’t see an older white lady; I saw someone’s mother, someone who needed assistance. I pointed this out to my associate, but they were more concerned with making it to happy hour at a nearby bar. They urged me to hurry, but I slowed down, thinking about how I would want someone to help my own mother if she were in a similar situation. Then, a harsh reality hit me: I’m a black man, and this is an older white woman. If I approach her, might another white person accuse me of trying to rob her? If the police arrive, could I be arrested or worse because they might assume I’m responsible for her fear if she can’t speak or remember?
I ended up sitting down nearby, torn between helping someone in need and the fear of being misunderstood due to everyday racism. My associate seemed to think I was the bad guy for showing concern, which made me question the kind of person I was with. When I looked up again, the old lady was gone. I don’t know if she got up and wandered off or if someone came to assist her, but it was unfortunate that, as a black man, I had to debate whether to help another human being because of our different backgrounds. I hope she’s okay.
This experience made me think about being a minority black entrepreneur in today’s business landscape. When a black male business owner is in need, their resources are often limited. They might feel like that old lady on the bench—frustrated and unsure who to ask for help. I’ve met many black entrepreneurs who are struggling to stay afloat. To grow, you need to surround yourself with people who are more advanced than you are. This story taught me that we can solve many problems by laying the groundwork early and building relationships with those who have the answers.
In the creator economy of 2025, where AI and automation are increasingly integrated into business operations, it’s crucial to leverage these tools to enhance our networks and resources. For instance, AI can help analyze financial models like the three-way financial model, which includes profit and loss statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets. This model is essential for understanding how business decisions impact overall financial health[1]. Additionally, AI-driven platforms can facilitate connections between entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, providing access to valuable advice and mentorship.
Developing relationships with experienced entrepreneurs, regardless of their background, is vital. We should be open to asking for help from unlikely sources, whether it’s a seasoned business owner or a peer in the creator economy. The key is to build a network of strong resources and mentors who can offer guidance when needed. And remember, if you don’t get the answer you’re looking for the first time, ask again. Persistence often leads to better outcomes.
In the end, my experience with the old lady and my reflections on being a black entrepreneur in 2025 have taught me the importance of proactive planning, leveraging technology, and building diverse networks. These strategies can help us navigate challenges and ensure we have the support we need to thrive in business.
Kevin "KevRoss" Ross is a music and radio industry expert. He is a 20 -plus year entrepreneur with the leading most successful industry trade publication and site Radio Facts (www.radiofacts.com). He has also published various books, magazines, performed marketing and promotions for major corporations and recording artists and he is on the advisory board of several industry organizations. This year Ross introduced his non profit organization LOMARI (Leaders of the Music and Recording Industry) to help teach young minority students how to market and manage their music and products.
