Black Businesswoman Danielle Douglas and Dr. Boyce Talk Business

Danielle Douglas is not your typical businesswoman. She has climbed the corporate ladder, with the full expectation that she would one day build a ladder of her own. As a result, Douglas became the CEO of Inspire Enterprises, a company that provides tools and insights for those looking to create their own businesses. In other words, she is a modern-day Harriet Tubman, leading like-minded Americans off the economic plantations of corporate America.

I spoke with Douglas as part of my commitment to the Black Leadership Summit, hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton. In the meeting, I promised Rev. Sharpton, Ben Jealous and the rest of those in attendance that I would push the members of the Your Black World Coalition to increase the number of revenue streams they have by the end of this year. Most of us don't realize that if you are only getting your money from one source, you have no job security. Even those who are not as bold as Danielle should understand that a solid side hustle is a good way to gain the economic security that you and your family desire.

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Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Learn New Skills:
With that being said, if you want to move from cashier to management or make a total career change, you should grab the bull by the horns and make it happen. I am a strong believer that you can get any job you want just as long as you know what you want and what it entails. If you don't have the necessary education or training, then it's your job to get it. So take that computer course, register with that college or vocational school, and talk to as many people as possible that have the same job that you want.

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Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Set realistic goals:
Don't live in a fantasy world. If you are a cashier at your local drugstore, don't apply for an executive position at a Fortune 500 company. Being realistic means that you only apply for positions that dovetail with your qualifications. Otherwise you will spend more time online applying for jobs rather than a real time chance through interviews.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Staffing Agencies:
Register with as many staffing agencies as possible. It's a great way to find a job and an even a better way to keep your interviewing skills up to par. The best way to find a Staffing Agency in your city is on the web or word of mouth. I also suggest targeting smaller agencies as opposed to feeling like just a number at a larger one. Being a recruiter at a boutique agency allows me to give a more personalized touch to all of my candidates. Since the flow of traffic isn't as heavy, I am able to spend time with my candidates and really get to know them on a professional and personal level.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Resumes:
Resumes should be easy on the eyes, which means simple and uncomplicated There are two types of resumes -- functional and chronological. Functional resumes are more effective if you're changing fields; chronological works best if you want to move up in your field. Email addresses should be professional, sexygirl@gmail.com is not appropriate. Once you've finished writing your resume, always have another pair of eyes to review it to avoid grammatical and spelling errors.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Honesty is the best policy:
Never lie on your resume -- embellishing is fine -- but flat out lying will send you back to the unemployment line. Most companies will do background checks, so be as accurate as possible.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Use the 'Net:
Posting your resume on Monster, Hotjobs, and Careerbuilders is definitely worth a shot, but in these hard times you have to think outside the box! Start your own blog for people like your self who aren't working. Get a discussion going; join linkedin immediately if you're not already a member and Facebook (seriously!) One mortgage broker swears by Facebook because he has made more contacts on Facebook than anywhere else.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

Networking:
Word of mouth is a great way to get started. Let your friends, and former business associates know that you're looking and what type of position you're looking for. Embrace technology. Send a mass email out to all those who might be helpful. Encourage them to pass it along to their contacts. You'll create a ripple effect that just might lead to the job of your dreams.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

References:
Notify references prior to interviewing. No employer wants to hear "I'll have to get back to you with that." It is just as important to be prepared before your interview as it is during.

Getting a Job in a Tough Economy

The recent foreclosure crisis hit black Americans harder than others. Part of the reason for the disproportionate impact is the fact that African American families have less of a cushion of wealth to rely on during tough financial times. According to the Institute for Assets and Social Policy, the wealth gap between white and black Americans increased significantly over the past 25 years. Therefore, finding ways to save, invest and build wealth are critical to our economic future.

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Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and the author of the new book, 'Black American Money.' To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.