(ThyBlackMan.com) An entrepreneur never wins it all by themselves. That’s not to take any of the credit away from what you’ve achieved. If you’re growing and succeeding, it’s because you’ve worked hard, been smart, put in the time, and found a need you can fill. But what supported you on the way? People, communities, businesses, and infrastructures. With that in mind, it’s important to think about those roots and how you can stick to them as you grow.
Talk authentic
When you move into new circles and get successful, you’re going to meet people who make you think you should change everything about yourself. That your values don’t make sense for where you are and your old passions are worth outgrowing. If you don’t have a mental anchor, it’s easy to get caught in that wind and start changing. But when you lose your authenticity, you lose your 
personal sense of truth. Stay authentic in your conversations. Be honest about yourself. Don’t compromise what’s important to you just because it offers an easy way up.
When you can, do good with your time
When you’re working toward success, it can feel like a fight and like the world is your adversary. However, if you want effort that feels constructive more than combative, then you should volunteer what you can. For instance, look at the services that help those in needs like fire services and emergency medical teams. If you can’t volunteer your time, volunteer your money and provide resources like LED warning lights and other emergency equipment. If you have the time, think about getting trained to be a part of the important services that your community needs.
Give support to those whose shoes you’ve walked in
If you’re thriving in business, it’s because people chose to believe in what you provided and supported you. If you’ve ever been a part of a small business, you know how important that local economy is. Instead of scaling up because you have an affinity and trust for larger businesses, think about supporting and buying local when you can. Without a strong local economy, jobs and businesses cannot survive. No-one wants to see that become a reality in their own home.
Use your experience
It’s not about ‘going back’ to your roots. It’s about always taking them with you. If you have real success, then you can offer more to the communities and people you came from. Giving back to your community isn’t just about money and time. It’s about using your experience. Mentor black youths in your area and be a role model, add the weight of your business to community events and fundraisers, build houses where new homes are needed through organizations like Habitat for Humanity. Invest in your community so you can be as proud of its growth as you are in your own.
Your roots are an important part of who you are. Your community, your people and your history helped you get this far. Don’t turn your back on those roots. Bring them with you to new heights.
Staff Writer; Charles Hall
