By: Sean-Reed McGee
The vision that this little Black boy had of becoming a businessman was crystal clear, though the path to get there was anything but. I was five or six years old when I first dreamed of becoming a dealmaker—someone who connected others for something bigger than myself. A man who used business to create opportunities for himself and others. Yet often, the doors to those opportunities remained stubbornly narrow. Entrepreneurs are typically bigger- than-life dreamers. To launch those dreams, we need the right connections —from financing to key believers to educated advisors.
I discovered that one tool to help open doors is becoming certified as a Minority Supplier. These recognized qualifications for women, veterans, people with disabilities, or minorities have propelled thousands of small businesses toward success by increasing their visibility. Frequently, the greatest challenge for small businesses is capturing the attention of customers and buyers. Jumping up and down, waving our hands about our products might create momentary awareness but won't sustain interest.
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