You may find this hard to believe, I did at first, but if you want to really grow and take your business to the next level, you can’t do it alone. You need support and you need help. The key decision for MWBE firms is where do we get help from and who do we surround ourselves with? There is an old saying in my culture, “Show me who you are walking with and I’ll tell you who you are.” The implication is that we tend to pick up the habits and beliefs of the people we spend the most time with. That said, it goes without saying that who we chose to surround ourselves with in our business relationships really matter. In fact, I think business relationships can either make us or break us.
All too often I hear some of us talking about how bad things are, or how much the chips are stacked against small, minority and women owned businesses, or that that certification programs are a falsehood. Everyone seems to have a war story to share. Don’t get me wrong, nothing is perfect and there is definitely room for improvement with MWBE certification programs. I’ve learned if you believe something is not going to work, then it won’t – that’s universal law. So the more you speak negatively about something, the more you’ll see evidence that what you believe to be true is in fact true.
Does this sound familiar? This growing frustration and noise about what’s not working and who is not getting business? Honestly, someone is getting the business and I believe that MWBE certification is a tool that MWBE firms can use to create real revenue and profits for our companies, the trick is surrounding yourself with the right people. Here are a few recommendations to help you get started:
Eliminate Negative, Toxic Relationships
We are all human and there is certainly a time and place to vent about negative situations and problems and issues that all small, minority and women owned firms face. That said, if you find yourself having the same conversations over and over again with the same people, it may be time to rethink the people you are spending time with. Surround yourself with people who are positive and solution oriented. High achievers see problems and opportunities and use them to their advantage.
Where are you getting your business advice?
It took me years to figure this out, but everyone has an opinion about what MWBEs should and should not be doing. In fact, for a period of time early in my career, I blindly followed advice from any number of people who were in positions that were supposed to be helping me until I realized that the best advice really comes from successful people who are experts in their respective fields. Today, I am careful about who I take advice from, especially when it comes to how to do business as a small, minority and woman owned firm. For example, if I was hiring a new accountant; my preference would be a certified MWBE (because I walk my own talk) with a solid track record of working with other MWBEs in professional services (my field). See how this all makes sense? I
Model Other Successful MWBEs
Instead of listening to what’s not working – choose to focus your attention on what is working for other small, minority and women owned firms. If you see another MWBE that is doing well, or has recently won a new contract or an award, introduce yourself. Start a positive conversation about what’s working well. Smart and successful MWBES are always looking for partnerships with other MWBE firms and are not afraid to share information or resources.
Join a Mastermind Group.
One of the most powerful tools that I have found is the Group Coaching & Mastermind business model. We offer a mastermind program as part of the MWBE Success Business Boot camp. The program provides education on the reality of MWBE certification along with proven strategies on how to increase sales through certification. However, what’s even more powerful than the education is the peer accountability and support of other MWBEs who challenge each other to set powerful goals and more importantly, to accomplish them. We share resources and provide each other with honest feedback that ultimately leads to increased sales and profitability.
Mentorship
I often say that as a small business, you don’t know what you don’t know. After over three decades in business, I can honestly say that I learn something new each and every single day. Most recently, I joined a group that mentored other women; I chose to be a mentor and to be mentored. Being mentored is a wonderful experience, even for the most seasoned business owner because you can truly gain first-hand knowledge from someone who has walked the path ahead of you – it’s invaluable. Don’t under estimate the power of being a mentor either, as a mentor, you’ll find yourself doing research and coming up with examples to show your mentee – you just become better in the process.
