Episode 003: LEVERAGING DIVERSITY CERTIFICATION TO WIN CONTRACTS WITH HEATHER COX OF CERTIFY MY COMPANY

 

As entrepreneurs and small business owners, we could all use a competitive advantage to tip the scales in our favor and win more contracts—and small and diverse business certifications provide one route to gaining that advantage. What are the major certifications? How do you complete a successful application? And what are the benefits to becoming diversity certified?

Heather Cox is the co-founder and President of Certify My Company, the national leader in transforming Fortune 1000 supplier diversity programs into profit centers. A tireless advocate for diversity, Heather is passionate about making the business world reflect the real world, and in her role as a Diversity Certification expert, she supports eligible suppliers in the process of becoming diversity certified and maximizing the benefits of certification.

Today, Heather joins me to discuss the benefits of doing business with diverse demographics in terms of ROI and economic development. She speaks to the Big 5 certifications, explaining how the major organizations perform due diligence as well as the subcontractor opportunities available to certified businesses. I ask Heather about the misconceptions around certification, and she shares the significance of accurate documentation in the application process. Listen in for Heather’s insight on certification as a valuable tool—not a magic wand—and learn how to take full advantage of the benefits of diversity certification!

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

  • How Heather’s background in the circus prepared her for entrepreneurship

  • The origin story behind Certify My Company

  • Heather’s insight on certification as a tool, not a magic wand

  • The financial benefits of diversifying your supply chain

  • The Big 5 certifications (women, minority, LGBT, veteran and disability)

  • Who is eligible for a small or diverse business certification

  • The importance of accurate governing documents in qualifying for certification

  • How certification serves as a business development tool for your customers

  • How certification can tip the scales in your favor

  • The value of tapping into the diversity ecosystem at conferences

  • How certification can strengthen your relationship with existing partners

  • How inaccurate governing documents lead to technical rejections

  • The strength of a WOSB designation in conjunction with a WBENC certification

  • How to determine the most effective certifications for your company

  • The industries that are most favorable to diverse business certifications

  • How to leverage contracts with existing companies as a certified business

 

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Episode 004: Learning Corner: 5 Common RFP Response Mistakes – with Lisa Rehurek

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Episode 002: DEVELOPING RFP SYSTEMS THAT UNSEAT INCUMBENTS & WIN CONTRACTS WITH AMY SCHUMAN OF MYERS AND STAUFFER