1. Overcoming the Challenges of Supplier Diversity
In the July issue we discussed some of the challenges facing diverse suppliers today
in trying to engage with supplier diversity programs. The first challenge is
determining what certification is right for your business, next is keeping track of the
different databases to register in and then updating them annually. Competition has
become more intense since the definition supplier diversity for most of Fortune
1000 now includes companies owned and managed by; persons with disabilities,
LGBT and Veterans. With so many diverse companies for a corporation to consider,
a supplier has to really stand out. While there are set-aside programs managed by
the federal government for small diverse businesses, there are none in the state,
local or private sectors.
Not all communities embrace supplier diversity. Hawaii doesn’t have a program to
recognize diverse businesses. Central Florida does have a long history of promoting
supplier diversity dating back to the mid 1980’s, when it was awarded a council of
the National Minority Supplier Diversity Council. Location can be a benefit to
diverse suppliers.
Being a certified diverse supplier does not guarantee anything. At best, it is just
another tool in a business owner’s toolbox. As any contractor will tell you, it takes
hard work and proper use of the correct tools to finish a task. You might use a
hammer to pound a nail but wouldn’t use it to tighten a screw. How can you make
the most out of this unique tool?
1. Network with other diverse suppliers. Get to know those that have been
successful and pick their brains. Find out what works and what doesn’t.
Become a regular at supplier diversity events. Volunteer to assist at these
events. The more people that know you, the better your chances are for
opportunities. What really matter’s are the relationships.
2. Get to know your supplier diversity advocates. Concentrate on those that
best match up with your company and listen to their advice. Be patient.
Opportunities take time to materialize. Persistence can pay off in the end.
3. Take advantage of courses offered to assist small and diverse businesses.
Learn what the SBA, SCORE, HBIF and the ethnic chambers provide that can
help your business. You can benefit from government programs to
understanding new social marketing techniques to new accounting
structures to free scholarships or grants for everything from legal services to
marketing plans to free web site construction.
Central Florida is a hot spot for entrepreneurism. It is also a community rich in
diversity and offers many advantages to diverse suppliers. One great benefit it has
over other areas is the National Entrepreneur Center that houses some of the above

2. organizations. It also has corporations and government agencies looking to do
business with diverse companies. They understand that the benefits in supplier
diversity are: innovative thinking, providing solutions, high service levels, as well as
making the local economy strong by providing jobs and keeping more money in the
community. The smart suppliers know that to succeed, they must properly use
every device in their toolbox. Supplier Diversity can be an important tool.