Blog Post - These days, most adult people have at least one social media account in their name..  It's true that some people avoid social media like it's the plague, but for the most part, people are doing business and socializing online using tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and more.  Sharing your personal and business likes and dislikes have never been easier.  But, the question is... can you be sued for simply sharing your thoughts and opinions?  

The answer is... Yes.  There have been documented cases of people being sued for what they have posted to social media.  Recently for example, there was a man who owned two hotels in Australia and he sued another man for  posting online that the hotels owned by the man was a safe haven for pedophiles.  The hotel owner was subsequently harassed by various people who had heard about the allegations of abuse at his establishments.  One of these incidents even resulted in a physical attack on the hotel owner.  A judge ruled in the trial that there was no factual basis for the man making his slanderous post and the hotel owner was awarded $115,000 in the case. 

The bottom line is, you should be careful when capturing images of others and using them online without their permission.  You should also be careful of what you say about people online as it will affect their reputation.

Social media can be a great way to share your ideas, passions, and information, but please be careful and do try to use it responsibly.  After all, it has been said that once you click that button and put content out there, it's very hard to be sure that it's not still there somewhere "on the cloud" waiting for someone to bring it back.  By all means, use social media, have fun, connect with others, and grow your business, but I also urge you to use common sense and always employ a huge dose of caution.

​Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know in the comments below.

Stephen Wicks
Founder
BlackBusinessList.Com

Blog Post - Outspoken rapper, Killer Mike, has issued a challenge to NBA legend Michael Jordan to open new accounts at Black owned banks.  Mike issued the challenge via his Instagram account.

Michael Jordan has been in the news recently, as he has finally come out and spoken about social injustices that have been plaguing the Black community.  Many felt that it took Jordan far too long to publicly make a statement.   They feel as though he should have used his power and status as a sports superstar to shine a light on police brutality and other issues affecting Blacks in the United States a lot sooner, especially since Black kids are a huge purchaser of his popular "Air Jordan" shoes made by Nike.

Killer Mike on the other hand, has been a huge voice in politics and issues surrounding Black culture.  He was thrust in the national spotlight when he backed Bernie Sanders for president and was a big factor in Sanders getting traction with younger voters.

I think that it is good that Killer Mike has issued this challenge.  Challenges are good.  Challenges have a way of forcing a person to have an opinion.  Being challenged helps you understand yourself and your personal motivations better.  Will you accept the challenge, rise to the occasion and meet the conditions set forth or will you simply do nothing and decline?  I believe that it would be a great symbolic victory for Jordan to continue his recent efforts in being a positive force in the Black community.  He has recently donated large funds to the NAACP and to other worthy organizations.  Bravo, Mr. Jordan, but of course, our Black financial institutions need a little love too.

As founder of BlackBusinessList.Com, I have continually promoted the idea that African Americans should help each other in business and finance.  As a minority group, we have huge hurdles to overcome, and no one will help us, if we don't first help ourselves.

Here is Killer Mike's challenge as published on Instagram.

​So what about you?  In your heart of hearts, do you think it really matter's if Jordan invests in Black banks?  What's your opinion?  Talk back.  Leave a comment below and let's chat.

Stephen Wicks
Founder
​BlackBusinessList.Com