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July 23, 2020   |   Episode #: 9

Episode 9: Selling to the Government

In this episode, I cover some critical steps to get you started selling your services to the government. The process begins by understanding that city, state, and the federal government release procurement forecasts, an annual list of what they’re buying and planning to spend for the coming year. Educating yourself …

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July 1, 2020   |   Episode #: 8

Episode 8: Running a Small Business with Mildred Tolentino

My guest in this episode is Mildred Tolentino, President and CEO of MTO-PROS, a construction management company in New York. We discussed several topics, from tactics on adapting to COVID-19’s effects on our businesses, finding opportunities, and more. We briefly touch on the importance of identifying as professionals, and not …

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June 15, 2020   |   Episode #: 7

Episode 7: Managing Your Business and Finances with Lynn Karam

My guest in this episode is Lynn Karam, founder of LEK Management. Lynn shares what she has learned during her many years in business about getting certified and what expectations that small business owners have with the process. We go on to discuss business owners’ fear of looking into finances, …

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June 8, 2020   |   Episode #: 6

Episode 6: Discovering the Management Team You Need

In this episode, I discuss the importance of finding the right management for your organization and reveal some facets of that process that I had to learn through trial and error. As it turns out, you need to discover more about yourself and what you need in a manager if …

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May 25, 2020   |   Episode #: 5

Episode 5: Moving Forward Purposefully with Fran Biderman-Gross

In today’s episode, I sit down with Fran Biderman-Gross, CEO of Advantages. She talks about pivoting your business and strategies to adapt to market changes by sharing her journey since founding her company in 2002. We also talk about the critical distinction between pivoting vs. finding and focusing on your …

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May 18, 2020   |   Episode #: 4

Episode 4: Responding to RFPs

This episode is a quick look at some best practices for RFPs (Requests for Proposal). These meticulously-structured documents are key in landing contracts with government agencies and large corporations. I’ll explain the importance of outlining your RFP, market research, and things to keep in mind, such as ensuring a project …

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May 14, 2020   |   Episode #: 3

Episode 3: Basics of Subcontracting

 Is subcontracting right for you? I discuss the importance of partnering with other MWBEs to augment each others’ strengths, increase profits, and how this allows both sides to add value to their own clients. I’ll also share advice about how and when to choose opportunities, the importance of being …

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April 20, 2020   |   Episode #: 2

Episode 2: Light at the End of the Tunnel

   Podcast Show Notes It’s no doubt that this has been one of the most challenging times — for our country, for our small businesses, for our families — and yet, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Today, I’m sharing some key thoughts and practices for you …

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March 24, 2020   |   Episode #: 1

Episode 1: Introduction

  Podcast Show Notes I’m Jean Kristensen, and I help minority- and women-owned businesses connect to opportunities with government agencies and large corporations. I am passionate about this work because I understand the impact that receiving a large contract can have on a small business. My goal is to provide …

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