Jackie P. Taylor, entrepreneur, business strategist, and consultant, has released a new book, “Give Me A Boost! The Under-Resourced Entrepreneur’s Handbook for Growing and Scaling Your Business.”

The book details her more than 20 years of experience in business as an advisory board member for the New York State Black Business Alliance and an Ernst & Young consultant. It also outlines entrepreneurial essentials for business owners to consider.

“What I realized is that many of these entrepreneurs need a lot of the same insights that are provided to my larger business clients, but they just need them synthesized and communicated differently,” Taylor told Black Dollar Magazine.

She said that with many Black business owners starting at the ground floor of entrepreneurship and lacking resources or access to generational wealth, it can be difficult for them to know when their businesses are ready to scale.

“Something as simple as tightening up or getting a business plan... I've talked to many founders who don't understand the value of a business plan and think it is only something you pull together when you need to apply for a loan or grant.

“A business plan is your northstar; it’s your guiding document to help you measure whether your business is doing well and help you stay on track,” Taylor said.

She also encouraged focus among Black entrepreneurs. The desire to be successful can often mean several different business ideas and plans for growth.

Taylor said this is a mistake many business owners make — having too many businesses. Instead, she implored Black business owners to focus on a single business idea to avoid spreading themselves too thin.

“I find that our founders of colour have such great talent and so many amazing ideas for the marketplace, so being deliberate around building one business at a time and then leveraging that as the foundation for another business is key,” Taylor said. “You ever meet someone and say, ‘Tell me about your business.’ And they give you three different business cards.

“There's no way that one person can give the differential attention and impacts that they need to adapt business without focus,” she added.

Finally, Taylor discussed the importance of blending your personal experience and passion into a marketing and communications strategy. She added that having a story can lead to sales growth — if customers believe in the message.

“It’s extremely important for all entrepreneurs. But for diverse entrepreneurs, it’s especially important because we have such a story to share and being able to translate your passion into your profession and your business is going to be key,” Taylor said.

“Not only for your clients and customers, because we know consumers, nowadays, want to support businesses that provide meaningful impact. But it's also important as you're growing your business for your employees. You have to be able to clearly articulate your vision, your passion, and what drives you and your employees towards that same goal.”