Minority business owners may have an advantage when it comes to getting business from corporations and governments.
Governments have preference and set-asides programs for minorities.
Large corporations are looking to diversify their vendor base.
Still, it is not easy to get business from these entities, there is still work to be done.
The following are some tips to getting more business as a minority business.
Like anything new, there is learning that needs to happen.
When trying to leverage a minority owned business there is a learning curve.
Minority business has its own nomenclature, processes, logic, and structure.
It is a lot to take in.
The downside is there is no clear-cut class, book, or web site that spells it all out.
Some do try, but they all fail because any one aspect is a huge topic worthy of a book itself.
The best thing to do is get with a small business development center and see what training they may offer.
However, everyone learns by just sticking with it and being around.
The next step, which can begin after getting started with learning the minority ropes, is to start networking.
That is meeting the players in one's area.
But networking for minority business is not a one shot deal.
It is a marathon and not a sprint.
What that means is one needs to get in front of procurement personnel (government) and buyers (corporate) to stay there.
One way to do that without wearing out one's welcome is to be at the same events they are.
That is part of the learning process, what the networking events are.
The good news is they are frequent and typically inexpensive to attend.
Once one has got a good grasp of the minority and diversity programs that are available, it is time to ask for business.
If one needs to be minority certified then start the process.
Then see what opportunities may be available from the contacts one has made from networking.
In all cases, always follow-up.
Send thank you cards from the meet and greets at events.
This is just a continuation of always staying in front of people.
A really good way to keep on a buyer's mind is to ask what they could do better.
If one did not win the contract, then ask the purchasing personnel what they could do better.
The upside of government and corporate business for minority enterprises is that those who work hard win.
Regardless of one has heard, there is no easy contracts or orders just because a business is minority owned.
However, it does provide a path to compete and win for those who stay at it.