MWBE Business Course: Deadline December 11
Benjamin Franklin said: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” At a certain point in the life cycle of a business, an investment in a business course, or coach, or combination of both will aid in growing your business. These professional coaches or programs are often pricey—you get what …
Read MoreNew York City Spends $1 Billion with MWBE Firms
It’s a good (and lucrative) time to be a minority-owned or women-owned business in New York City. Recent reports indicate the City has spent $1 Billion with MWBE firms, a $400 Million increase in just two years. The bigger picture indicates there is a tremendous opportunity for MWBE firms looking …
Read More5 Tips to Generate a Six-Figure Income with Discretionary Spending
As a small business owner or “solopreneur,” a lot of effort is required to balance the books—and a lot of strategy is needed to generate a six-figure income. One such strategy is to work with government agencies with discretionary purchasing authority. What is a discretionary purchase? A discretionary purchase …
Read MoreDo 20% of MWBEs Win 80% of the Work?
I recently reviewed the results of the New York State Disparity Study—and without surprise—it reveals that doing business with the government can still be a challenge for MWBEs. What I found most interesting was that in a lot of circumstances, the study reported that contracts are awarded to the same, …
Read More5 Tips to Increase Proposal Win Rates with Government Agencies
A large part of my business is advising folks on how to win proposals from government agencies. As mentioned in my last article, government agencies are typically the largest purchasers of goods and services throughout the United States. There is much business to be earned. I hope my tips below …
Read MoreGovernment Contracts for Minority- or Women-Owned Businesses in New York City
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio made a commitment to award $16 billion of government contracts over 10 years to small minority- or women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). At this year’s Procurement Fair, he reiterated this promise. The importance of this commitment is that it creates opportunities for small businesses. …
Read MoreHow to Get Paid As a Subcontractor
It has been my experience that subcontracting can be an excellent way for MWBE firms to increase market share while gaining valuable experience and past performance that is often required to do business with government agencies and large corporations. That said, when I suggest subcontracting to my clients, I am …
Read MoreAre You Talking Yourself Out of Your Next Big Deal?
Last week I was on a coaching call with a client, sharing several new bids that came up in an emerging market. Although the bid descriptions were not a direct match for the business, it was an opportunity to introduce the business and get in on the ground floor of …
Read MoreWhy are you bidding on Projects You Are NEVER Going to Win?
Here is a simple tip about doing business with the government. Government agencies are risk adverse – they are not going to take a chance on companies that don’t have a proven track record of experience with contracts/projects of similar size, scope and complexity. Similarly, government agencies will not do …
Read MoreNYS MWBE Program is Targeting Professional Services
Would it surprise you to know that 53% of New York State’s overall spending is on professional services? Well, it’s true – New York State spends more on professional services than any other category and there lots of opportunities for small MWBE firms. In fact, NYS recently announced a new …
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