HOW TO DEVELOP AN EFFECTIVE COST ESTIMATING STRATEGY FOR GOVERNMENT BIDS
The basis for developing an effective cost estimating strategy starts with a good business plan. A well thought out business plan will force you to consider key elements that are the foundation of cost estimating that includes cash flow projections, budgets, profit margins and sales goals. In my opinion, it …
Read MoreMWBE SUCCESS TIP: BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR CAPACITY
I remember years ago when I first got certified as a minority and woman owned business enterprise (MWBE), I was so excited; I literally thought the sky was the limit. I remember downloading various lists of buyers and sending out several mailings announcing my certification and providing an overview of …
Read MoreMWBE SUCCESS: 5 TIPS FOR INCREASING SALES IN 2015
Analyze Sales from 2014: taking into consideration where sales are coming from, profitability and activities that are contributing or not contributing to results. What is the return on investment from your marketing, business and networking activities? Are you doing what is necessary to drive sales? If not, what is holding …
Read More5 Tips for Follow up – 8th Annual NYC Procurement Fair
I was truly inspired yesterday after attending the NYC Procurement Fair as Mayor DeBlasio and members of the MWBE team shared their deep connections to entrepreneurship and diversity. I am always energized and grateful for the opportunity to connect with government buyers, gather information and network with other MWBEs – …
Read MoreMWBE DISPARITY STUDY
I am sure you are all aware of published MWBE disparity studies and reports that indicate in many instances large corporations and some government agencies wrongly assume that MWBEs are incompetent, lack capacity and resources to provide the level of service they require. As certified MWBES, we need to be …
Read MoreCAN HIRING A PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM IMPACT MWBE SUCCESS?
I’ll never forget the best piece of advice I received from Angela Jia Kim, owner of Om Aroma Spa and Savor the Success, when I asked the question, “Should I hire a PR firm?” Angela shared that at times she had multiple PR agencies working for her, and that PR …
Read MoreMWBE CERTIFICATION REQUIRES STRATEGY
In my interview with Adrienne Mitchell of MarketWatch Radio, I talk about the importance of having strategy to maximize your certification. Here are some of the highlights of the discussion. Know Your Capacity: all too often I see MWBES trying to go from zero to a million overnight and that’s …
Read MoreMWBE – Self Sabotage – 5 Things You May be Doing that is Sabotaging your Business
This article is targeted to small, minority and women owned businesses that are in the beginning stage of their business and want to take their companies to the next level. I wanted to share some of the mistakes I have made, and some of the mistakes I consistently see other …
Read MoreCould Your Business Benefit from Having a Coach or a Mentor?
When I started running, I had the opportunity to work with a coach and I turned it down. I did not see the benefit of having a coach, after all – how hard could it be, right? You put one foot in front of the other and just run. Well, …
Read More5 Tips for Increasing Past Performance for Small, Minority & Women Owned Businesses
Many small, minority and women firms find themselves challenged by requirements in bids and proposals that require a firm to demonstrate palpable past performance in order to win government contracts. I am often asked by my clients, “How will I ever win government contracts if no one will give me …
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