Tia Shabazz

Making the Internet Work for Her

by Nicole Givens

The Internet offers opportunity and potential for millions of people around the world to either start their own business or to expand on the small business the already have. Because of this, many women are choosing to stay at home and work as opposed to going into the office everyday. They are becoming their own bosses and stay-at-home moms, thus resolving the conflict of work vs. home.

Although the Internet is growing by leaps and bounds, the small business theory of make-it or break-it in the first three years still holds true. This is even truer for electronic magazine or zines. The Internet is home to over 4,225 zines, most of which are writing related in nature. Many first-year websites and ezines fall to the wayside due to many factors such as lack of advertising, no interest or strong competition for traditional publishers.

This fact made little difference to Tia Shabazz. The eldest of nine children, no challenge seemed too daunting. In 1997, Tia realized that there was a need for an organization for African American writers and decided to found the Houston African-American Writers' Society. The response from African-Americans around the world was overwhelming.

Tia created a complex website that catered to African American writers and the questions, problems and issues that effected them. Rooted in the belief that the Internet was the only medium through which such an organization could exist, Tia knew she wanted the organization to be Internet-based. A local organization could not benefit nor reach nearly as many writers as the Internet. As the web-mistress (as well as a stay-at-home mom), Tia revised the website and began researching the necessary steps for creating a non-profit organization.

Tia's background stretched back to law professional writing and editing. For the last six or seven years prior to the Guild's creation, she worked as a freelance editor. She wrote everything from grant proposals to brochure/web content to fiction and non-fiction.

Tia handled the incorporation of the organization as well. She wrote grant proposals, organized fundraising events and public relations and marketing efforts. It was her legal background that helped her believe she could successfully form a non-profit tax-exempt corporation for African American writers. Her contacts in that industry provided additional support and answers as she endeavored to create an organization for African American writers.

The result, the African American Online Writers' Guild opened in June 1998. Its address on the web is www.blackwriters.org. It’s purpose is to provide a central point for African American writers to receive education, information and support while at the same time promoting the Internet as a tool for research and networking among the writing community.

But launching the site was just the beginning; much work still needed to be done. As the executive director and webmistress, Tia's responsibilities ranged from building and maintaining the web site to setting up and managing memberships.

And the results of her hard work were phenomenal. In just one year, The African American Online Writers' Guild grew from 39 members in June 1998 to 575 member as of June 1999. That’s a startling growth of 374% in one year’s time and the monthly newsletter has 1100 subscribers. Additionally, the Guild has been recognized nationally by Writer's Digest Magazine and Black Entertainment Television. The web site design itself has received four awards for its content, vision and organization.

When asked the secret to the success of the Guild, Tia replies, "I believe Blackwriters.org's success is a combination of several things. For one, it's impressive. The site looks professional. It's organized, full of informative content and is community-oriented. That excites Black writers who visit the site for the first time; regular maintenance and new data keeps them coming back. Secondly, it's unique. There is no other site on the World Wide Web like it. Third, it's professionally managed. Potential members, visitors, members and interested parties receive prompt replies to requests for information or questions. I feel the secret to success lies in keeping the site content fresh, visually appealing, easy-to-read, useful and applicable. "

Tia continues to put in an excess of 50 hours a week, while at the same time continuing to be a mother/wife and writer. Much of the Guild's work is performed right from Tia's office at home.

For those thinking of starting their own business, Tia offers this bit of advice: "Research extensively the industry in which you want to start a business. Preparing a business plan, identifying your funding sources and developing a marketing plan before you launch the business will save a lot of time and energy. Be sure yours is a business which is truly needed and then go for it.”

Tia goes on to state, "…I can't think of anything I'd rather do with my life—outside of writing, than help other writers to increase the amount of quality African-American literature for our children, sisters and brothers."

Despite her success, Tia says the biggest and most difficult challenge is trying to achieve a balance in the time she gives to her immediate family, her extended family, her day job, personal life and the Guild.

Tia says, "That’s the one problem I haven’t been able to solve yet."