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VOBs & SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
conferences and events. Through VIB alone we secured at least one new regular customer per quarter, and we also increased our visibility as general-session presenters on supplier diversity at the 2021 VIB National Conference. Black Box Safety put time, money and energy into engaging with these organizations, approaching each with a sense of how our goals and values align with theirs. That investment paid off not only in great opportunities - putting our name in front of Disney, Shell Oil, T-Mobile and other market giants - but also motivation to reach and exceed our own expectations.
The Process
When applying for diversity supplier certifications, begin with the end in mind. Define your target market and evaluate which certifications that market will value. For example, if you manufacture garden and patio decor and want to expand distribution, consider certifications accepted and valued by big-box retailers. NaVOBA certification puts you in front of their corporate sponsors, which include Lowes Home Improvement. Many large buyers post a list of accepted certifications on their website, and you can also ask them directly. Next, evaluate honestly which certifications best reflect the status of your company and whether you meet their requirements. Certification is a rigorous process managed by government agencies or third-party agencies that advocate for the development of disadvantaged-owned businesses. Each has its own conditions, but most require a business to be at least 51 percent diverse-owned. Some require that the owner be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The application process does have associated costs, and you should also set aside time to navigate the documentation, screening, interviews and on- site visits needed to prove that your company is qualified. For businesses that qualify, the advantages of obtaining diverse supplier certifications far outweigh the costs of earning them. Business partners admire this classification, and certification is alluring to diverse supplier programs. It is not an easy process: it takes not only time and money, but also perseverance and patience to earn these certifications. However, for Black Box Safety, diverse supplier certifications opened doors enough to be well worth the effort and hard work.
Source: Black Box Safety
When applying for diversity supplier certifications, begin with the end in mind. Define your target market and evaluate which certifications that market will value."
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BuyDiverse Podcast is powered by The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council . CMSDC connects Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American-owned businesses with corporations and government municipalities that seek to diversify their services and intentionally support them. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #BuyDiverse BuyDiverse Podcast is powered by The Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council . CMSDC connects Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American-owned businesses with corporations and government municipalities that seek to diversify their services and intentionally support them. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. #BuyDiverse
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