Does your company have a supplier diversity goal in place?
We get it, it can be tricky to find a minority-owned business supplier that meets your supplier diversity goals and can provide solutions to your unique needs. But with a few tips, you can make the process easier and find the perfect business partner. In this blog we share three things to keep in mind when looking for a minority-owned business supplier.
Here are 3 tips to consider to help you make the best decision with a minority-owned business.
1. Create a shortlist of vendors.
The first thing to look for in a minority-owned business is that it has an owner who is a member of the minority group. That’s not always easy to find, so you’ll need to do some research.
The easiest way to start your search is online, where there are several databases with information about businesses owned by minorities. You can also go old school and visit the Chamber of Commerce to learn about locally owned minority businesses.
Once you’ve found some potential candidates, it’s time to review their website before making any phone calls or visits, this will give you a sense of how they present themselves and to learn more about their business. And once you do contact them, be sure to ask how long they’ve been in business. The fact that a company has existed for many years is another indication of its stability and viability.
2. Diversity within the workplace.
The second thing to look for in a minority-owned business is diversity within their workplace. This can be done by scheduling a meeting at their facility and touring their shop.
Make sure to check for more than just signs or certifications hanging on the wall. The more racially diverse the company’s staff is, the more you can trust that they are practicing what they are promoting.
3. What do their existing customers say about them.
The third thing to look for in a minority-owned business is that it has good reviews on sites like Yelp, Google, and other similar sites around the web. Many customers will write what they think of a company on websites like these, and you can use that information to make your decision.
It’s important to note that bad reviews don’t necessarily mean that the business isn’t great, some people are just never happy. There are good companies out there with bad reviews but just dig a little further before giving up on them.
The most important thing.
In closing, there are all sorts of reasons to work with a minority-owned business. It strengthens your brand reputation, helps make a positive difference in the local economy, and creates more jobs for minorities.
Finally, it’s important to note that you should never get involved with a business or organization just because it claims to be owned by members of a minority group, so check the facts before partnering with an organization that might not actually promote equal opportunities in the workplace or in public.
Whether they’re black, Latino, Asian, Native American, or women-owned and whether they were founded yesterday or 40 years ago, when it comes down to it, the most important thing is the business understands your needs and provides what they promise.
We are ready to help.
D’Andrea Visual Communications is certified by the National Minority Supplier Development Council as a minority-owned business supporting clients in the tradeshow, branded events, retail, entertainment, and restaurant industries.
We pride ourselves on our large format and offset printing capabilities and have won multiple awards in quality and execution. If you are looking for a full-service visual solutions partner that can provide your company with all their printed needs, we can help.
