Origin of the Phrase

“Standing on business” is a phrase that’s been around in African American vernacular English for a while. It’s all about keeping your word and staying true to your actions, sort of like a modern way of saying “keeping your word.”

Recently, it’s gained more attention, thanks to social media and celebrities. Comedian Druski helped spread the phrase with his funny videos in September 2023, calling out people who talk big but don’t follow through, using “standing on business” to describe them.

Then, rapper Drake gave the phrase a big boost when he used it in his song “Daylight” in October 2023. This made “standing on business” even more popular, sparking playful debates about who first came up with the term, Drake or Druski.

In short, “standing on business” is all about honoring your word, and while it’s been around for a while, Drake’s mention of it in his song pushed it into the mainstream.

Meaning Breakdown

“Standing on business” is all about being reliable and proactive in achieving your goals and promises. Let’s break it down:

  1. Fulfilling obligations: This is key. It means doing what you say you’ll do, no matter how small. Think of someone who always pays bills on time, finishes tasks well, and keeps their promises to friends and family. They’re dependable and handle their business well.
  2. Keeping your word: Being reliable is crucial. When you “stand on business,” you build trust. You don’t just talk the talk. For example, if a friend asks for your help with a project, you promise to be there and show up ready to pitch in. That’s standing on business.
  3. Prioritizing your goals: This shows ambition and focus. Standing on business means having clear goals, whether personal, professional, or creative. You stay focused on achieving those goals and avoid distractions. Think of someone working hard to get a promotion—putting in extra hours, networking, and taking courses. That’s standing on business.

In essence, standing in business means being accountable, reliable, and goal-oriented. It’s about being someone others can count on to actively pursue what’s important to them.

Beyond the Basics

“Standing on business” goes beyond the basics. It’s also about:

  1. Setting boundaries: This means knowing your comfort zone and limits. It could be as simple as sticking to your work hours and not checking emails late at night. Or, in relationships, it’s about communicating your needs. Respecting your boundaries and expecting others to do the same is a big part of standing in business.
  2. Advocacy and self-respect: This is about knowing your worth and having the courage to go after what you deserve. A businessperson values their time, skills, and worth. Imagine someone confidently asking for a raise, armed with their accomplishments. They’re not afraid to advocate for themselves.

How are these related? Setting boundaries helps you focus on your responsibilities and goals. Respecting yourself and standing up for your needs increases the likelihood of keeping your promises and achieving your goals. Ultimately, “standing on business” means managing your personal and professional life effectively.

Positive and Negative Aspects

“Standing on business” has its upsides and downsides to consider.

Advantages:

  1. Trust and Reliability: People with integrity are trusted because they keep their promises. This is great for jobs where meeting deadlines and working well with others are important.
  2. Goal Achievement: Prioritizing responsibilities and goals increases your chances of success. Someone strong in business is more likely to succeed in whatever they do.

Possible Drawbacks:

  1. Inflexibility: Sometimes, sticking strictly to limits and goals can make you seem inflexible. People who are very “stand-on business” might find it hard to adapt to certain situations.
  2. Insensitivity: While it’s admirable to value yourself and stand up for what you deserve, it can seem harsh if you’re not also empathetic. Someone who is always focused on their own goals might not be as understanding of others’ needs.

It’s important to strike a balance. While standing your ground is a great way to build trust and succeed, you shouldn’t sacrifice flexibility and empathy in the name of business.