Ladies can we have some real talk? I mean some unfiltered, sobering, “truth moments” talk that may be a bit uncomfortable for some, but hopefully enlightening for others. I’m here to engage in real conversations so we can all grow.
Now, let’s elevate! This is a long one!
A lot of us are on a journey towards wealth and business success. Dare I say legacy. I’m talking about those of us on that journey to build 8 & 9 figure businesses. Generational businesses that will build generational wealth for our family and family still to come.
If that’s not you, feel free to bow out of this conversation because it’s not for you. And if you’re not on this particular type of journey, out of respect for those who are, please don’t respond.
To get access to certain rooms and into certain levels, it’s going to cost you time, energy, money, commitment, the work. I’m not one to ask for a seat at anyone’s table. I prefer to build one with others of like mind. But there are rooms I chose to be in, many very costly, that can accelerate that trip.
I read a post earlier in which the poster said (paraphrasing) that quite a bit of people stayed in a certain group/program/whatever it was, even when it was out of alignment because there were low to no places that showed a successful woman of color making millions from whom they could learn. Well that’s a lie, because I know a few and I happen to be one. But that’s not my point.
She mentioned that because of scarcity a lot of women kept their mouths shut and endured bad service, false promises, and horrible treatment and still had not learned anything that could advance them in business. Well I joined to support that “business” and quickly left once I peeped game (foolishness), and because I was at a totally different level in business. No need to go into detail.
But here’s my question. With the albeit limited spaces out there that are at or better than that particular business, why do you ignore or turn a blind eye to the other available platforms?
My first thought is money. To get around quality you have to PAY for quality and sisters, let me be honest here. In my over 20+ years of business, I see us, mostly Black Women, sit on the sidelines and in the bleachers, and turn our (well your) noses up at anything that costs a considerable investment. Instead, you’ll throw your money at people who know they have you right where they want you, then complain when it doesn’t work. The math isn’t right.
Yeah, I said it. I lived it so I can say it.
I sit by on the side watching and observing. The conversations I see about the cost of things. “This group has the nerve to charge”. “This person charges way too much, who does she think she is”? “I don’t know if I can trust people. I’m not spending any money to get into any *insert platform here*. I’ll just Google it myself”. And so on. It irritates my soul 1) because so many jacked up people with ill will messed it up and damaged trust of so many. And 2) who the hell said everything had to be Freedamn99? No, the best things in life are NOT free when you’re building a company.
Access Costs
In Atlanta you have the Buckhead Club (they have different levels, an initiation fee and a monthly fee). In NYC they have the Aman Club which has a $200K initiation fee AND a $15K annual fee. And for runner up, The Core Club. Membership fees are from $15K to $100K initiation, plus $15,000 to $18,000 per year. While not as expensive, in DC the HQ House by the Burns Brothers has a $250 initiation fee and monthly fees ranging from $175–299 per month, Black owned and Black focused. The BOW Collective has a $300 application fee. I don’t know what the membership fees are. These are just a snapshot of what’s out there. Some high cost, some affordable. And just about ALL of these want financials, description of your business, references (in some cases sponsorships), and statement of why you meet the requirements, why they should accept you, and what makes you member-worthy before even being considered. I’m not mad at that.
I’m not here to debate cost. I’m here to talk about the options and what being in some of these circles, clubs, “rooms” can do for your business. But a lot of people would rather dip their baby toe in the pool with a group coaching program/mastermind and Facebook group, proclaiming you’re investing in your business. Then, complain when it doesn’t work out for your benefit. Here’s a secret. Most of those are not designed to help you elevate or grow. They’re designed to keep you coming back, while those clubs I spoke of above are designed to push you higher. A long time ago I learned that scared money don’t make good money. But scared money makes other people rich.
Over the years, with the rooms I’ve been in and memberships I’ve had, I’ve benefitted from proximity and relationships with the everyday average entrepreneur, to the upcoming tech founder, to the investment banker, to the exit-ready CEO, to the owner of a WNBA team/member of a powerful financial family, to members of congress, Mayors and city council. It was about PROXIMITY. Proximity not to the “training wheels lane”, but the “what you need and let’s get it done” fast lane. And you know what? None of those people jumped on FB and joined these group coaching programs and masterminds. They’ve helped my businesses and trajectory over the years.
Here’s where y’all yell at me.
Let’s get real and keep it all the way funky. When you don’t know, you just don’t know. If you don’t have that access, of course you can’t get in those power rooms. I can concede that point. When you have people who are building a business to get your money to give you the bare minimum, things are liable to happen. And because they know you doubt yourself and even maybe worship/envy them a little bit, they know that no matter what you’re not going anywhere. You may leave their membership/group/whatever. But they know you won’t venture much further than that experience because 1) you’re afraid, and 2) you won’t spend the money.
Let me ask you this. Imagine for a moment, you find a circle, a group and place where you’re exposed to nothing but high performing achievers and deal makers. Imagine you get in circles where you are one introduction away from that big deal. Imagine that you invest in PROXIMITY and ACCESS, and you find yourself in situations where you can take your business through the stratosphere…all because you aimed higher. No more playing small time.
The next time I see or hear someone complaining about a “lack” of spaces for us (women, women of color, people of color, etc) I’m going to stop them and point to this post. There’s access out there. But you have find it first, then be willing to invest in it, yourself and relationships. I used to get upset or even a little insulted because I’d say “hey, but Mogul Chix®”. But then I shut up real quick because it’s not for everyone. I don’t advertise my private circle. Only a select few know about it.
Take some time to look deep inside yourselves. Figure out what it is you want to achieve. Figure out what you’re willing to do to get there. Figure out HOW you’re going to get there. And figure out who you need to be around to make it all happen. Then make the investment- the time, the money (because yes, it costs to get into power rooms), and the energy. I promise you will 100X your business in no time. And that will only be the beginning.
Building a business for legacy or generational wealth is not something to be taken lightly. Don’t go through this journey Googling it, Free99ing it, lead magneting it, and Youtube Universitying it. And damn sure not facebooking it, if you’re trying to build something significant. ESPECIALLY my sisters. There’s a whole world of access out there. But you have to be open to exploring it. It’s not for the faint of heart. I’m trying to leave something solid for my son, my nieces and nephews, my future grandkids and great grandkids. How about you?
Adrienne Graham
CEO|Founder
Mogul Chix®
Connect with me here or over on Linked In.
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