Kamau's Business Blog Page - The World's 1st Black and Minority Business Blog!
Saturday, June 26, 2004
THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF NETWORKING PARTIES
Cleveland, OH - The term 'networking' is quickly becoming one of the most over used words in the English language. This is especially true in the African-American community. In fact, it seems that almost every event marketed in our community is touting 'networking' opportunities as a key benefit. Unfortunately, networking is becoming associated with such a wide array of social situations that it makes it easy to lose sight of how it benefits our people, communities and businesses. While socializing is a major part of networking, it is important not to let the social aspect prevent us from maximizing potential opportunities.George C. Fraser is a world-renowned networking expert who has authored two books on the subject. According to Fraser, "In the African-American community, the line between networking and socializing is virtually indistinguishable; one is not exclusive of the other. However, if making meaningful connections is really your objective at events, it is important to acknowledge that it might not necessarily happen over one drink or a couple of appetizers. Effective networking is about building substantive relationships, and that is something that takes place over time."
Fraser contends that in order to maximize your time at any function you should keep the following in mind:
Know Who Is Going To Be There. You cannot attend every event. For this reason, it is important to spend time investigating the events that will provide you with the best opportunities to make contact with individuals that you would like to meet. Knowing ahead of time will provide you with ample opportunity to refine your approach and agenda. Having a plan of action is not calculating. It is smart, as it ensures that you will not waste anyone's time or your own. Remember, you are as much interested in letting someone get to know you as you are in getting to know them.
Don't Try To 'Network' With Everybody. Be focused. Target your attention to a few specific people. It is impossible to get a sense of who or what someone knows if you don't take time to fully engage him or her in conversation. Be careful to avoid merely 'collecting' business cards in the name of effective networking. If you have failed to get an accurate sense of how you can work with a person in the future, then you have missed a valuable opportunity. Additionally, if you do have a productive conversation with an individual, you will not know the appropriate way to follow-up or reconnect down the road in a way that doesn't appear forced or inappropriate.
Find A Connection. The most interesting conversation you can have with someone is about him or her. Make the conversation about them so that you can make a connection. You want to get to know the person. If you want a person to be impressed with you, be impressed with them. People love to be recognized and appreciated. If, for example, the person you are talking to is a golf fanatic, talk about golf. If they hail from a certain city, engage them on that topic. In the event that they mention something that you are unfamiliar with, ask questions and really listen to the responses. Undoubtedly, you will find something in their answers that will help you establish a connection.
"Establishing and nurturing connected relationships is a process that is based on mutual respect and appreciation. It is not about just finding out what someone can do for you, but what we can do for each other," says Fraser. "Networking in its truest form is about human resources, information, and ideas working together to benefit the collective."
George C. Fraser is Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of FraserNet, Inc., and the best-selling author of Success Runs in Our Race and Race for Success. FraserNet's mission is to lead a global networking movement that brings together diverse human resources to increase opportunities for people of African descent. FraserNet, Inc. publishes SuccessGuide Worldwide-The Networking Guide to Black Resources. In 2004 the Ford Motor Company and FraserNet, Inc. will present "PowerNetworking 2004: Building Bridges, Building Businesses. Building Prosperity." This event is the third annual networking training conference and will be held June 24-27 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Friday, June 25, 2004
YOUNG AFRICAN-AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURS CONTINUE TO TAKE THE FILM INDUSTRY BY STORM WITH THE LAUNCH OF BABYGIRL FILMWORKS, LLC
New York, NY - BabyGirl Filmworks, LLC, an independent film production company, was founded in March of 2004, by Actor, Writer, Producer, and Director, Pharah Jean-Philippe.Pharah is quoted as saying, "We are interested in creating films that illustrate how our world really looks. The face of America has changed considerably and we believe that the American Cinema should reflect that. We want to create movies that are fair in its assessments and yet do not rely on stereotypes to tell its story. We like to tell stories that help us express our struggle to understand ourselves, and the world around us. It is my hope to create work that will excite, inflame and heal the African Diaspora at large with an emphasis on women. We at BabyGirl Filmworks love the profound laughter that comes from character and social insights. We're all for finding the simple truths within our complex lives. Right now, our challenge is to create innovative movies that satisfies, yet breaks the rules of cinematic tradition."
BabyGirl Filmworks objectives are to create a safe haven where industry professionals and students alike can meet, explore and produce works that enrich, inspire and provoke them and their audiences. They seek help in their mission to develop work that documents where they are today as a people and as a global community.
Hitting the ground running, BabyGirl Filmworks, LLC is currently in pre-production for a short film entitled "Till Death Do Us Part" which is slated for film festivals and art houses throughout the country later this year. Merely a few weeks ago, this screenplay also notably won great acclaim as one of the chosen finalist of The American Gems Screenwriting Contest. BabyGirl Filmworks, LLC is a young company with vigor, and experienced seasoned professionals with a tenacious visionary perception of the film industry and where it should ultimately be taken.
WANTED: POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR MINORITY JOBSEEKERS
Huntsville, AL - Diversity Employment Solutions, Inc. (DES) WWW.MY-DES.COM, is an Internet based employment portal with a diversity emphasis. As our economy attempts recovery in the job sector, they posted more than 12,500 new job opportunities in response to a growing demand from various client Corporations projecting an increase in diversity hiring, particularly those from qualified minority and women jobseekers. These postings were added in mid June 2004 as they completed their 2nd Qtr Career Café.Diversity Employment Solutions' interactive site allows qualified women, physically challenged, and minority candidates from diverse backgrounds to post their resumes totally free of charge to the portal. Once a jobseeker is registered as a user, they may search and directly apply for positions via the portal from various registered employers.
"We are excited to see this increase in the number of job listings at this point, hopefully it will get more qualified minorities connected with opportunities they deserve," said Kris Smith, Director of Diversity Employment Solutions. Smith added, "We are further pleased to see companies like The Kroger Co., Mid-South Division step up to the plate as a new Diversity Leader with our portal. Kroger Mid-South Division has shown as aggressive effort in establishing diversity and inclusion within its organization."
Diversity Employment Solutions will continue with its 3rd quarter Career Café bringing employers and jobseekers online for real-time virtual interaction and interviews. DES will also continue its visits to various onsite locations to continue promoting the importance and benefits of a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce. The organization also provides diversity training, workshops, seminars, and lectures on a variety of complex diversity related issues.
For more information on services for jobseekers wishing to apply for positions, and employers wishing to post opportunities, please visit our website at www.my-des.com
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Federal Government Revises Small Business Contracting Numbers Upward
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that the federal government was making a $3 billion upward revision to the total number of prime contract dollars awarded to small businesses in the 2003 fiscal year. The new total of $65.5 billion represents a 23 percent jump over fiscal year 2002 and sets a new record for small business prime contracting. The revised number also confirms that the federal government exceeded its own statutory requirements for small business contracting in 2003.The $65.5 billion that was awarded to small businesses in 2003 represents 23.6 percent of the total number of prime contract dollars awarded by the federal government. “The prime contracting totals that the federal government is announcing today represent a victory for America’s small business owners,” SBA Government Contracting Senior Adviser Emily Murphy said. “Not only did the government meet its own stringent statutory goals, but it broke records by awarding more contracting dollars to America’s small businesses than ever before. President Bush has made a commitment to America’s small business owners, and this record $65.5 billion sends a message that he is keeping that commitment.”
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Tuesday, June 22, 2004
ETHNIC GIFT CATALOG: ENTREPRENEUR GOES OFFLINE TO EXPAND PROFITS ONLINE
New York, NY - Mudcloth pillows, African candles, soapstone sculptures, ethnic bed linen. Quick, know where to find them? Stumped? Yuwanda Black of EthnicVendors.com had the same feeling. This fed her desire for an ethnic gift catalog.
With all the talk about the riches of the Internet, those who are online every day forget that the bulk of consumers are still offline. So, even though a business may have a web presence, offline marketing must be combined with online efforts to grow.
Ms. Black relates, "I love ethnic products and I spend untold hours seeking them out. Every time I receive a Victoria's Secrets or Lillian Vernon catalog, I moan under my breath about how handy it would be to have a catalog devoted totally to ethnic products. I mean, it's not like you can walk into WalMart and find a mudcloth pillow."
During her searches, Yuwanda says she discovered phenomenally beautiful items of all kinds - home décor, beauty products, art & crafts, etc. -- from many talented vendors. She says, "I was simply stunned at the bountiful supply of gorgeous products to be had."
An avid catalog and Internet shopper, Yuwanda decided to bite the bullet and publish a gift catalog by reaching out to merchants and manufacturers of ethnic products.
She explains, "As most consumers are still offline, vendors must advertise via direct mail, which can be expensive. Many vendors of ethnic merchandise tend to be smaller, online enterprises. So, I reasoned that a gift catalog featuring numerous vendors will allow them to reach offline customers cheaper than if they went it alone."
The end result is that consumers get a rich, varied supply of merchandise from which to choose. And, vendors reap the benefit of driving offline consumers to their online stores - expanding profits.
Ms. Black states that her vision is to grow the catalog to be the ethnic equivalent of a Victoria's Secrets or Lillian Vernon - making all things ethnic available with the turn of a page or the click of a mouse.
Yuwanda sums up by saying, "Just the idea of this type of catalog excites my senses and warms my soul. It will allow those of us who like ethnic products easily accessible choices." Now just imagine that!
To receive your copy of the catalog (mailed in early November), go to EthnicHomeDecor.com or EthnicVendors.com and sign up via the subscriber box.
VENDOR NOTICE: If you sell, make or promote an ethnic product, log on to EthnicVendors.com to see how you can feature your items in the upcoming 2004 Ethnic Vendors Holiday Catalog.
Yuwanda Black is available for radio, magazine, television and online interviews. Contact her at 646-279-0833 or info@EthnicVendors.com
US-BASED CALL CENTER POSITIONS ITSELF TO COMPETE WITH OVERSEAS OUTSOURCING
New York, NY, 6/17/2004 - Outsourcing is a hotly debated issue in the news these days mainly because of the belief that outsourcing is the root cause of American job loss and downsizing, as well as undermining the competitive edge of many US small businesses. This issue is being directly addressed by Gayle Santana, President and Founder of PVS Network. Ms. Santana aims to keep some of the outsourced jobs and business stateside with the introduction of her new service, The Virtual Call Center. "The PVS goal is not to eliminate jobs, but to provide services that align with the current staff of American companies, allowing them to focus on other more strategic bottomline areas.PVS also creates a staff for emerging businesses when they can't afford to hire one on a full time basis. PVS Network never outsources outside the US." according to Santana. PVS Network, already known for its innovative concept of providing businesses with administrative support services and project management virtually (remotely), is adding this service to a line of affordable products that can provide a business owner with the necessary tools to turn a small business into a bigger one more rapidly. Santana states, "Traditionally when you think of using a call center, you think of inside sales or customer service. While we do provide lead qualification (qualifying your leads according to your specs and getting you a meeting so you can close the deal), the possibilities for using this service are endless".
When asked how her service allows developing businesses to grow more rapidly Ms. Santana states "many businesses have customers that they don't reach out to regularly. PVS can call, update contact information and remind everyone that they are there. This usually results in on the spot business. Most businesses today have a website, but following up on inquiries and requests is important, but most often neglected. This is another way the virtual call center can help. Sometimes just letting your customers and potential customers know they are valued by receiving a response or a call from you can make all the difference. And letting them know about new services and products as well as reminding them about old ones can't hurt."
While the hourly rate PVS charges is fixed, the number of hours you want to dedicate to your campaign is up to you. "Even a small campaign can yield tremendous results," says Santana. Her pricing structure makes her services affordable for growing businesses.
PVS Network is already known as an innovative company that provides virtual support for small businesses (see http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/2/prweb102809.htm, www.theebonycactus.com May 21st 2004 edition).
For further information on the services of PVS, please contact Gayle Santana, gayle@pvsnetwork.com, or call (718) 977-0092 and please do visit the website, http://www.pvsnetwork.com.
