MBOD 2010 Attendees Learn How to Keep and Add New Business
W
ith the recession on the minds of small and minority-owned busi-
nesses, Southern California Minority Business Development Council’s (SC- MBDC) 34th annual Minority Busi- ness Opportunity Day (MBOD) offered engaging seminars on how firms can keep and add new business and ex- pand their brands. The event also provided the 1,000-
plus attendees with networking oppor- tunities at the business fair as well as the chance for suppliers to meet one- on-one with corporate procurement professionals. MBOD 2010, held February 25 at
the Pacific Palms Conference Resort in Industry Hills, CA, was focused on giving minority business enterprises (MBEs) “the tools and inspiration to stand out from the crowd and access to corporate procurement professionals and other MBEs so they can grow their business during these tough economic times,” according to SCMBDC Presi- dent John W. Murray, Jr. “Now, more than ever, the key to
keeping and winning business is add- ing value to customers and staying rel- evant,” he says.
Engaging speakers
The day began with a presentation
on “What buyers value: winning new business and keeping your customers happy” by John Ballotti, senior direc- tor, global procurement of Mattel. He shared survey results of the Top 10 traits valued by buyers. These include thoroughness, trust/ honesty, market knowledge, innovation/cost-saving ideas, consistency, problem-solving, rush deliveries, availability, being a buyer’s advocate and flexibility. To keep customers, Ballotti says an-
swer the phone and follow-up, solve current problems before seeking new business, avoid back-door selling, gain knowledge of the customer’s business
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Brand strategist Chris Bryant talked about remaining relevant in challenging times.
and offer unsolicited cost-savings. Next, Theresa Barrera, vice presi-
dent, supplier diversity of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., discussed what it takes to do business with the world’s-largest retailer. These include: do your home- work - research the company, under- stand what you can afford to do, know your capacity and don’t over-commit, be competitive, have financial stability and a proven track record, offer quality
Celebrating 18 Years of Diversity
products and services and be properly insured. Both Barrera and Ballotti stressed
the importance of being certified as a minority business enterprise. “If you’re not certified, get certified,” says Ballot- ti. “It makes a difference - it validates a company’s status and it shows a com- mitment to our supplier diversity pro- gram.” The final speaker, Chris Bryant,
HISPANIC NETWORK MAGAZINE 13
SCMBDC corporate members and others participate in ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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