• Social Enterprise… A Business with a Blogging Conscience

Everything has intended and unintended consequences. As the world’s population increases due to better health care and nutrition delivery, the unintended consequences include increasing poverty rates and environmental damage. Out of these unintended consequences has grown an industry made up of soci...

• Suppliers Go Deep Into the Market with Multi-Channel Networks and YouTube

The Multi-Channel Network is a growing phenomenon that takes YouTube to a new level of influence. It is an advertising model that holds great promise for suppliers pursuing brand awareness.- By Wilfred Smith

• The Social Capital of Online Communities is Embedded in Trust

Enterprise social capital accrues from online communities designed to build participant trust and active participation. It begins with trust building.- By Joshua Ferdinand

• Financial Services Industry, Technology and Supplier Innovation

The conservative financial services industry is experiencing a technological transformation accompanied by increased cyber security risks. This sets the stage for supplier innovation. - By James Hsu

• The Power of Collaboration

The Power of CollaborationSavings, Strategic Growth, and Enhanced Capabilities All Come From Collaboration

• Meeting the New Hiring Challenges of Global Onboarding Programs

Diversity managers know intuitively that diversity programs add value to the organization. Applying the ROI Methodology proves it through metrics.

• Managing Human Capital Risks The Case for Minority Suppliers

Managing Human Capital Risks The Case for Minority SuppliersBy Anaga DalalSuccess for a minority or woman-owned small business is more than just a function of your market share, or the strength of your product: it is also—in large part—a function of the cohesiveness, productivity and motivation of a...

• Understanding Dodd-Frank’s Minority Supplier Provisions

Tucked Into Dodd-Frank Are New Rules and Opportunities For Minority Businesses

• The Virtual Organization: Network of Relationships for Innovation

The true power of the virtual enterprise will not be fully unleashed until large corporations understand the importance of virtual networks to disruptive innovation. It is networks of relationships that hold the future of innovation.

• Corporate Sustainability in a World of Diverse Suppliers

Corporate Sustainability in a World of Diverse Suppliers Bringing the Buzzword To Life In Real-Life Business Partnerships

• A Winning Strategy: Anticipating and Managing Disruptive Innovation

Disruption is often considered a negative force that threatens business success. In an age of constant change, disruption has become a path to innovation.

• Minority Businesses Need to Be Eco Sharp

Minority Businesses Need to Be Eco SharpIn the Oregon town of Lake Oswego, an African American company is developing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that reduces aircraft weight and eliminates the need to carry onboard fuel. This UAV aircraft uses renewable solar energy with rechargeable ultracapac...

• Building a Business Case for Strategic Supplier Relationship Management

Building a business case for investing in strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) can be challenging. It is a matter of measuring value through quantification of financial and relationship results.- By Sherry Bloom

• Strategically Managing Supplier Price Increases

The negotiation process for supplier price increases should focus on strategic issues, rather than simply price. A company needs a negotiating strategy that is more about improving supplier performance than just trying to minimize costs.

• Performance Management: Setting goals and measuring success for growth in a flatter world

In a competitive market, how do companies make sure they are staying ahead of the curve and succeeding in providing the best possible service for their client? “If you’re without any benchmark, you really don’t know how you’re doing,” says Albert Chen, CEO of Telemon Corporation. Performance managem...

• Growing Supplier Capacity through Leadership Development

Growing Supplier Capacity through Leadership DevelopmentHigh performing suppliers need high performing leadership, and client organizations are helping them develop the right skills for success.

• CEO Murray Martin Showcases Diversity at Pitney Bowes

Pitney Bowes is well known for being a leader in the development of mailing, shipping and postage equipment and services. Customers also know the company is a leader in software development including location intelligence applications, secure tracking, data management and document composition and im...

• Purpose-Driven Leadership: A Pathway to Diversity and Inclusion

Throughout the business world, diversity and inclusion are terms which are alternatively embraced and dreaded. While most businesses acknowledge that diverse and inclusive organizations are important for long-term business success, creating such an environment is easier said than done. Entrenched ...

• How to get your brand inside that exclusive club available only to the market leaders

In the town of Montclair, New Jersey, there is a trendy and exclusive nightclub called Divas. It resembles something you might find across the river in the Big Apple and, just like they do over there in Manhattan, every Friday and Saturday night, a bunch of hopefuls line up outside behind a velvet r...

• As more suppliers become bigger players, succession planning becomes a hot topic

As more suppliers become bigger players, succession planning becomes a hot topicLittle is known about how many small businesses actually have succession plans. But one thing is for sure, as more women and minority companies become successful succession planning is becoming a hot topic. The need to b...

• Cost Effective Approaches that Create Business Value

Cost effective approaches to creating business value go beyond traditional resource reductions. They focus instead on ways to empower each of the components in an integrated organization.

• Strategic Partnering for Success and Innovation

Minority and women business enterprises (MWBEs) are often hampered by barriers between where they are and where they want to be. On one side, you have established corporate practices barring historically underrepresented businesses, like MWBEs from becoming suppliers. On the other side, there are ot...

• Emerging Economy of Bangladesh Offers Range of MWBE Opportunities

According to the statistics maintained by the United States CIA, Bangladesh is growing economically. That is remarkable considering the many well known problems the country grapples with, including violent storms, a weak infrastructure and a largely agricultural based economy. Don’t be thinking thes...

• The Value of Strategic Supplier Relationship Management: Building the Business Case

Formal supplier relationship management (SRM) systems are becoming more popular in the market place. With the advent of web-based technologies and cloud computing, the stand alone system is no longer the only option. Businesses can now build end to end SRM systems for evaluating and managing their...

• Letting the Market Drive the Corporate Sustainability Model

Letting the Market Drive the Corporate Sustainability ModelMarket driven sustainability models recognize that external forces are driving a need for supplier alliances that compound results.

• Developing Leaders with Global Agility

Lessons for US and Global Women and Minority Businesses. By Sherry Bloom

• Mobility: New Horizon of Supplier Opportunities in the Auto Industry

The auto industry is ever adapting to new technologies to meet the needs of digital generations in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Disruptive technologies include diverse mobility applications which are creating new opportunities for innovative suppliers. - By Wilfred SmithTechnolo...

• Wanted: Food and Beverage Industry Suppliers Ready to Innovate and Collaborate

The food and beverage industry is one of the most volatile industries found today due to a mix of complex factors like climate change and changing customer preferences. It is the ideal setting for innovative and collaborative suppliers to start or grow their businesses.------By James Hsu

• Offshoring or Domestic Outsourcing in the Financial Services Industry

The financial services industry continues to face headwinds in the post-Recession era. In an effort to cut costs, the big question is: Offshoring, domestic outsourcing, or both?- By James Hsu

• Smart Grid Where’s the Value?

Smart Grid Where’s the Value?The energy companies that provide us with the heat and electricity we use in our homes have been criticized a lot in recent years. Experts have said that the billing systems and price rises that these corporations impose on consumers are underhand, and unclear to consume...

• Using External Big Data to Drive Insights into Opportunities

Using External Big Data to Drive Insights into OpportunitiesExtracting business insights from external Big Data is a complex challenge. Companies mastering that challenge are discovering new opportunities that enhance competitiveness.

• The Big Picture: Comprehensive Measurement of Inclusion of Veterans

The Big Picture: Comprehensive Measurement of Inclusion of VeteransHistorically, the results of veteran and other inclusion programs have been measured in a piecemeal manner with metrics offering information about factors like recruitment totals and spend per FTE. Metrics that give a more comprehens...

• Volkswagen’s CFO Hardy Brennecke Adds Family to Cultural Diversity Goals

Volkswagen’s CFO Hardy Brennecke Adds Family to Cultural Diversity GoalsYou can get a whole new perspective on diversity by talking to Hardy Brennecke who is the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Volkswagen Group of America. His area of responsibility includes the entire U.S. b...

• New Era of Value Creation Through Corporate-Aboriginal Economic Unions

New Era of Value Creation Through Corporate-Aboriginal Economic UnionsBuilding economic bridges between corporate Canada and Aboriginal businesses benefits the country as a whole. Creating successful value-creating alliances is just common sense.

• Keeping Diversity and Inclusion Programs Moving Ahead

Putting a diversity and inclusion program in place and reporting benchmarked results does not guarantee progress. Results must be connected to improved strategizing and decision-making

• Outsourcing Risks Overcoming Barriers to Achieve Great Results

Start by finding partners to build long-term relationships

• Best Practices and Benchmarking for Supplier Diversity

Best Practices and Benchmarking for Supplier Diversity

• Small Manufacturers Eying the Industry 4.0 Transformation

Small Manufacturers Eying the Industry 4.0 Transformation Industry 4.0 is thought of as an event that applies to large manufacturers because it includes stepping into the realm of sophisticated technologies like AI and IoT. The truth is that Industry 4.0 is as valuable to small businesses as it is t...

• The Virtual Organization: Network of Relationships for Innovation

The true power of the virtual enterprise will not be fully unleashed until large corporations understand the importance of virtual networks to disruptive innovation. It is networks of relationships that hold the future of innovation.

• Using Leadership Skills to Build a Great Supplier Program

Using Leadership Skills to Build a Great Supplier Program To build that great supplier program, it is absolutely essential that you position your company in the correct light. An effective leader knows that the true advocates of his company are not only the staff that work there but also the custom...

• Building a Brand Around Sustainability Key to Technology Success

Sustainability is quickly becoming a watchword for minority firms looking for contracts in the technology industry. Clients care about the environmental impact all the way down the supply chain, and minority owned businesses that can help provide solutions to sustainability issues are in high deman...

• Both Sides Now … Financial Services Industry Opportunities for MWBE Customers and Suppliers

The financial services industry is going through a major shake-up initiated by the recession. Its focus is on rebuilding customer brand loyalty and strengthening sustainability, and that equates to MWBE opportunities. - By James Hsu

• Building Capacity Through Relationships with Financial Services Companies

Leveraging relationships with financial services is a strategy for capacity building. It is a way to break down hurdles to accessing the capital needed for growth. - By Wilfred Smith

• Gaining a New Perspective on the Dodd-Frank Act

From any perspective the implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act has been frustratingly slow. For savvy businesses, suppliers and consultants, it offers a sea of opportunities. - By Ravi Singh

• Best Practices in Social Media

With the first quarter of 2010 over, reports are now emerging that highlight the best practices for the year in social media. However, these reports are often dismissed by smaller firms and diverse businesses as somehow not applying to them. This is a mistake. Whatever the size or nature of your ...

• Protecting Ethics, Human Rights and Environmental Sustainability in Global Supply Chains

Protecting Ethics, Human Rights and Environmental Sustainability in Global Supply ChainsMany companies require their suppliers to accept a Code of Conduct addressing ethical behavior, human rights and environmental sustainability. For business leaders, the challenge is ensuring the words are put int...

• Need for Financial Services Cybersecurity Presents Business Opportunities

The financial services industry is under cyberattack, and usually from unknown sources. The need for innovative approaches to cybersecurity has never been greater. - By Donna Benjamin

• Financial Services Companies Forging Better Relationships with Suppliers

Financial Services Companies Forging Better Relationships with SuppliersDifferent Metrics Involve Creative Approaches

• Managers Know Intuitively that the ROI on Diversity Recruitment is Good for Business

The new hire must learn the employer’s business methods and job responsibilities, while also adapting to a unique culture.

• How the World’s Biggest Corporations Are Making Themselves Sustainable

Sustainability often means taking care from the top to the bottom of the supply chain. Here, the unique sustainability approaches of companies of all types are showcased.

• Financing and Managing Business Growth

In today’s business environment, minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) face steep challenges and unprecedented opportunities. By most accounts, minority communities will comprise some 40% of the U.S. population by the middle of the century. And yet, minority companies currently make up a sma...

• Meeting Diversity and Inclusion Goals with Philanthropy

Meeting Diversity and Inclusion Goals with PhilanthropyNew Developments in Effectively Separating ‘A’ hand out/hand up

• Supply Chains and the Case for Inclusion of People with Disabilities

“Supply chains” and “people with disabilities” are two terms that are not commonly used in the same sentence. Now there is growing realization that inclusion in the supply chain can accelerate progress socially and economically. - By Jeremiah Prince

• Turning Online Video Content into New Business

YouTube has been the acknowledged innovator and powerhouse in online video. Now an expanding industry, it offers innovative entrepreneurs new business and revenue opportunities. - By Karen White

• Global Companies Need Local Strategies for Entering Emerging Markets

One global investment strategy does not fit all, especially in emerging markets where there is so much uncertainty. A good strategy is going global by going local. - By William Bell

• Medtronic Accomplishments in Supplier Diversity Space are Just the Beginning

Medtronic Accomplishments in Supplier Diversity Space are Just the BeginningMedtronic has developed a world–class global supplier diversity program by embedding supplier diversity in the organization's DNA. It is an impressive effort producing results that are the envy of other companies across...

• The eBook Revolution is a Source of MWBE Business Growth

The eBook Revolution is a Source of MWBE Business GrowthOne of the best ways begin a discussion on the eBook revolution and how it provides business growth opportunities for minority and women business enterprises (MWBE) is to talk about marketing in the age of the Internet. A lot has changed in a s...

• The Equalizing Power of Golf and Lessons for Business Growth

The Equalizing Power of Golf and Lessons for Business GrowthIn golf, players of all skill levels form teams or play each other. For this reason, a variety of numerical methods have been developed to represent each player’s skill level, past successes and standing compared to other players. For golfe...

• Working with Suppliers to Meet the Green Imperative

Supplier sustainability metrics and scorecards are once again a trending topic as companies both large and small continue to make the green imperative a part of their business planning. Large corporations, well aware of their position in the public eye, market their supplier sustainability as a con...

• The Real Impact of Dodd-Frank For MWBEs

The Real Impact of Dodd-Frank For MWBEsFor All The Hype And Chatter, What Does Dodd-Frank Really Mean For MWBEs?

• Counting Best Practices in the Financial Services Industry

The financial industry is a key economic engine, meaning support for supplier diversity does matter. Leading companies are implementing key best practices to ensure progress. - By Donna Benjamin

• Seamlessly Aligning Procurement and Business Strategies

Seamlessly Aligning Procurement and Business Strategies A successful procurement strategy is one that seamlessly integrates business strategy with procurement objectives. In order to truly maximize cost savings, procurement strategy must operate in sync with business strategy and evolve into the fut...

• Using Social Media As a Resume Builder for Small Businesses Ready to Grow

When discussions turn to resumes, the topic usually concerns resumes for individuals. Resume building means adding accomplishments that promote a reputation by presenting experience and education. Typical accomplishments include earning an award, holding a responsible position, getting a promotion, ...

• Very Poor Countries on the Wrong Side of a Growing Logistical Divide

Very Poor Countries on the Wrong Side of a Growing Logistical DivideThe gap between developed and developing countries has been a global concern for decades, but skyrocketing oil prices and the general growth of world markets threaten to widen the gap between the developing and least developed count...

• Motivating Suppliers Through Motivated Supplier Diversity Executives

Procurement can negotiate a good price with suppliers, but that is not enough to realize the full savings, innovation, and capabilities that suppliers can bring if corporate executives brought leadership best practices to supplier relationships. Being satisfied with a good price can lead to supplier...

• Growing Through Green:Mercedes Electric Delivering Solutions One After Another

Growing Through Green:Mercedes Electric Delivering Solutions One After AnotherBy Elizabeth ThomasAgainst the backdrop of a tumultuous national economy marked by failing enterprises and budget setbacks, Mercedes Electric Supply is thriving — and even poised to expand.

• Getting Business Results by Using Brand Sponsorships to Reach Consumers

Brand sponsorships can lead to significant revenue growth by reaching consumers based on their passion for an event or special interest. The key is designing a value-generating program and activating the sponsorship by fulfilling promises. - By Karen White

• Entering Supplier Joint Ventures With Eyes Wide Open

Joint Ventures offer remarkable opportunity for two or more companies to leverage their strengths and minimize weaknesses. In doing so, new value is created.

• Eyes on Home Integrating Aboriginals into the Canadian Labor Force

Eyes on Home: Integrating Aboriginals into the Canadian Labor ForceOne of the solutions to Canada’s labor shortage is found right at home. Aboriginals are underutilized and employers need talent, so developing a set of strategies for successful market integration is needed.

• Leveraging Shared Services as a Platform for Growth

In today’s economic environment, it doesn’t make sense to duplicate services that can be consolidated. It also doesn’t make sense to financially support separate administrative functions at separate divisions or operations or in different locations when centralization would bring cost effective oper...

• Negotiating a Supplier Contract Through the SRM Lens

Contract negotiations with a supplier is the point at which a business should begin building a positive relationship for the long term. The negotiation process is about much more than price. It is about developing a collaborative association to create value for the supplier and buyer. - By Lena Hara...

• Opportunities for MWBEs in Emerging Market of South Korea

South Korea has been near the top of every list of emerging markets for several years, and that means emerging opportunities for minority and women owned businesses (MWBEs). As the United States economy continues its transition from a domestic-based to a global-based economy, only the businesses tha...

• Shared Services: Creating a Service Culture

Global businesses need more than cost cutting strategies to remain competitive. The shared services model offers a comprehensive approach to achieving efficiency, cost reductions, higher quality, and increased service levels. - By Debra Jenkins

• As More Corporations Move To Improve Their Supply Chain, The Challenge Is For Minority Companies To Keep Up With Changes

For most minority- and women-owned businesses, being a supplier for a large corporation presents a conundrum of sorts-maintaining their identity as a relatively small, diverse organization, while functioning at the speed and efficiency required by their customers. This is especially true today, as t...

• Getting the Best Returns on Investments in Supplier Relationships

Suppliers generate value for their customers, but how does the corporate customer know it is getting the highest returns from supplier relationships? Measuring the ROI of investments in supplier relationships delivers the insights for good decision-making.

• Supplier Diversity: Retail Offers Contract Variety and Extensive Opportunities for Minority Firms

Supplier Diversity: Retail Offers Contract Variety and Extensive Opportunities for Minority Firms The retail industry has been facing some tough quarters as a result of the recent recessionary period, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t still opportunity for minority firms. The most recent data (2009...

• Capitalizing on Synergies between Supplier Diversity and SRM

By definition, strategic suppliers are key to an organization’s ability to succeed. In a multicultural, global business environment, organizations should emphasize the ‘R’ in SRM and nurture strategic relationships with diverse suppliers. - By Sharon Ross

• Using Technology for Smart Sourcing to Make Smart Decisions

Using Technology for Smart Sourcing to Make Smart DecisionsTraditional procurement functions have measured success in terms of savings and timely materials or product deliveries. Smart sourcing can turn procurement into a strategic organizational partner through tech-based measurement of ROI and th...

• Mauritius Gets A Second Look And Investors Like What They See

Historically, the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, French and British played a role in the history of Mauritius. Today international investors are rediscovering this ideally located, independent island gem in the Indian Ocean. - By William Bell

• Leveraging Social Media to Find Customers and Suppliers

Social media is evolving into social business, implying business intelligence. Conducting social business includes deliberately turning social media into an integrated tool for customer and supplier recruitment.

• Minority Supplier Opportunities in the Cloud

The cloud is much more than a workspace for minority suppliers - it can also be an opportunity space. Cloud computing is a major IT systems trend that top corporations are very interested in exploring. As more nimble adaptors than many would-be competitors, minority firms have the ability to look ...

• Creating Long-Term Supplier Relationships of Value Through Negotiations

Creating Long-Term Supplier Relationships of Value Through NegotiationsNegotiating with a critical supplier can be turned into an opportunity to create value through a long-term collaborative strategic supplier relationship. The key is to get the partnership going on solid ground from day one of the...

• A Passion for Entrepreneurship Takes Corium Solutions around the World

The entrepreneurial effort can head down many different paths. For Corium Solutions that path went global but only after grasping a series of events as opportunities.

• CT Lottery and WSP Collaborate to Create an Industry Leader

CT Lottery decided to become an industry and state leader in supplier diversity. Collaborating with Winston Strategic Partners was the winning strategy for accelerating the process. - By Andrew Hale

• Best Practices in Procurement Apply to All Businesses Without Regard to Size

Best Practices in Procurement Apply to All Businesses Without Regard to SizeStagnant profits and decreasing profit margins led to a surge in activity for procurement experts throughout the world. Businesses large and small began to focus more on cost efficiency, and relied on some of the industry’s ...

• Accelerating The Innovation Agenda: Tapping into Innovations with Suppliers

Innovation is something that should always be on the agenda for any business relationship. However, for many supplier relationships, there is little urgency for innovations within an established framework that is working reasonably well. Unfortunately, while falling into secure balance may be a co...

• Enforcing Tier 2 and Lower Supplier Programs to Ensure Minority Participation

There are two dangers associated with the tier system of MWBE reporting. First, creating a tiered system gives companies ample opportunity to pass off, to the Tier 1 suppliers, the responsibility for building a strong MWBE supply base. Second, information about MWBEs can too easily “disappear” beyon...

• First Step to Doing Business in Asian Countries? Get Familiar with ASEAN Economic Community

First Step to Doing Business in Asian Countries? Get Familiar with ASEAN Economic CommunityPull out the thesaurus and look up synonyms for the word “growth.” That is how Southeast Asia is increasingly described.

• The Business of Helping Others Find Their Vitality

Jo-Ann James, CEO of Vital Management, MedFit Rehab and Vital Steps, believes in the power of exercise for shaping our health destiny. One of her favorite expressions is “Exercise is medicine.” - By Valerie Gomez

• Pushing Progress for WBEs with Measures & Accountability

Pushing Progress for WBEs with Measures & AccountabilityCorporations are working to increase the utilization of women-owned business enterprises as suppliers. A variety of measures and accountability policies are key to maintaining forward momentum.

• Next Generation Leaders Must Be Citizens of the World

Globalization is having an enormous impact on businesses as interactions are culturally diverse and cross borders and organizational boundaries. Only leaders who develop a global mindset will thrive. - By Dave Desouza

• Identifying Great Leaders Why Some Small Businesses Thrive and Others Don’t

Identifying Great Leaders Why Some Small Businesses Thrive and Others Don’t- By Morris BocianWikipedia defines Leadership as the process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task…..

• South Coast Paper Thrives Through Capital Shortage, Hurricanes and Recessions

South Coast Paper’s growth was earned through efforts focusing on viability in manufacturing plants, and through effective sales and marketing. But real success was achieved through innovative sustainability efforts revolving around meeting customer needs. - By Sharon Rossm

• Strengthening Inclusion and Diversity by Fostering a Culture of Empathy

North American businesses spend billions of dollars every year on D&I initiatives, yet many fail to move the needle. Something is missing, and it could be a lack of empathy. - By Daniel Perez

• How to Do Business with Financial Companies

How to Do Business with Financial Companiesby Anaga DalalOne of the key industries that offers promise to minority- and women-owned businesses (MWBEs) is the financial services industry, which has a broad consumer and customer base. For many Americans, building a relationship with your local bank o...

• Balancing Strategic Sourcing With Supplier Diversity

Procurement professionals are faced with the challenge of securing business savings using a variety of strategies. These strategies include: establishing quality competitive bidding standards, analyzing product specifications, global sourcing and working with business departments to blend procuremen...

• Going the Distance with Global Purchasing

Global sourcing and purchasing is standard practice today, but it adds new complexity to supply chain management in terms of freight, cost management, logistics, compliance, and various risks. Managing these factors upfront means not waiting for problems to develop. - By Shaniqua Thomas

• Businesses Taking the Lead in Reducing Global Carbon Emissions

It is not government but businesses that are leading the charge to reduce global carbon emissions. They realize it is good for people and equally good for business to take the leading role in making an impact on meeting global climate targets. - By Andrew Hale