FORT LAUDERDALE – The number of black-owned businesses continues to grow. In fact, according to the United States Census Bureau, there are 1.9 million black-owned businesses in the country. In observance of Black Business Month, commemorated in August, Broward College’s Director of Supplier Relations and Diversity, Dicky Sykes, is offering tips for starting, maintaining and growing a successful business.
Have a strategic multi-tiered plan-of-action for reaching an audience. Begin by analyzing several different methods to introduce a new business to others, including customer referrals, word-of-mouth or traditional advertising. Remember, a website is one crucial element that allows businesses to communicate consistent brand messaging, build credibility, showcase their work, and highlight customer feedback and testimonials.
Stay connected. Social media allows businesses to share their message and foster community involvement. It is another critical business development tool and opens a line of communication with customers. In addition to social media outreach, surveys and focus groups are also useful in determining customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction. Without proper customer feedback, a business will never truly serve its audience.
Connect with the local community by volunteering or sponsoring an event. Consider making in-kind donations, or providing financial assistance or personal time. The key is creating a relationship of reciprocity. Collaborating and interacting with others in the community is critical to expanding and growing a business.
Apply for minority-owned business certification. Having a minority-owned business certification can help businesses become known to their target market, and help them gain access to federal, state and local contracting opportunities. Certification is one method that organizations utilize in the vendor vetting process. Also, both the State of Florida and Broward College offer “Vendors in the Spotlight” opportunities, matchmaking efforts to enhance strategic alliances with major corporations, a supplier database and first-tier referrals to end-users seeking to utilize new suppliers.
For more information about Broward College’s Supplier Relations and Diversity program, visit http://www.broward.edu/community/vendor/Pages/supplierandvendor.aspx or contact Angela Nicoletti at 954-201-7939 or [email protected]
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