Gov. Contracts, Intl. Business, and Overcoming “Entrepreneurial Fears” Presented at Nat

Oct. 25, 2010 - PRLog -- “Micro-purchase” contracts with New York City government agencies, valued at less than $5,000, don’t have to be put out to bid and can be great door-openers for larger government contracts.  

Global business opportunities, with 95% of the world’s consumers living outside the United States, are a viable, revenue-generating alternative to the struggling domestic market.

There are three “absolute must-haves” for entrepreneurs to succeed in this economy and grow their business to the next level.  

These and other business survival tips were presented at the 8th Annual Women’s Business Leadership Conference sponsored by the National Minority Business Council, October 19th.  “New York’s most savvy business women and men attended this conference to hear expert advice and insider information from a wide-range of speakers,” said John F. Robinson, president & chief executive officer of the National Minority   Business Council.  

Karenann Carty, Ed.D., dean of academics for Monroe College, was Chair of the Conference. Dawn Henning, vice president , CPLC Education Centers,  is Chair of the Women’s Business Committee which produced the event.

Jacqueline Wales, author, motivational speaker and career coach was keynote luncheon speaker at the conference attended by more than 150 business owners and sponsored by BNY Mellon Bank, Monroe College, New York Power Authority, Aequor and CPLC Education Centers, and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.  She focused her remarks on overcoming the fears that hold people back professionally and personally.  “FEAR is just an acronym for ‘False Expectations Appearing Real’”, said the author of “The Fearless Factor”, a self-published book on how to “overcome fears, doubts and anxieties that stop you from being your best self now”.  Overcoming these fears, Wales said, requires three ‘must-haves’: “The freedom to make choices, fail your way to success, and the right or wrong attitude.”

Providing clarification on how to do business with the City of New York was Colleen Galvin, assistant commissioner, Division of Economic and Financial Opportunity, New York City Dept. of Small Business Services.  

“NYC Business Solutions is a suite of services designed by the New York City Department of Small Business Services to help businesses start, operate, and expand in New York City. Our services are provided at no cost, regardless of the size or stage of your business,” Galvin explained.  She added that the daunting nature of obtaining the correct business licenses and permits can be made less so by reviewing the information provided at the Web site NYC Business Express (www.nyc.gov/BusinessExpress)  She also strongly recommended certifying with the City as a minority or women-owned business looking to do business with New York City government agencies and departments.

Dawn Bruno, a senior trade specialist with the United States Dept. of Commerce, noted that, “The current dollar devaluation means that U.S. goods are cheaper, giving the U.S. a competitive advantage when exporting. The United States currently has free trade agreements with 17 countries and President Obama's National Export Initiative has a goal of doubling U.S. exports by 2015.  This could provide excellent opportunities for U.S. small businesses,” predicted Bruno.  “The top four conditions to ‘go global’ include management commitment, in-depth experience with the product or service needed, an adequate cash flow, and a capacity and capability to produce products or provide services wanted internationally.”    

How to grow and expand a business ethically was the focus of remarks by Roberta Harris, DPS, dean of the King Graduate School, Monroe College.  “In business, one can be guilty of unethical behavior without doing anything personally unethical.  People often place lower standards on their behavior in business than in their personal lives.  They rationalize that ‘it’s just business—nothing personal.’ However, business ethics are the key to profits,” noted Harris. She offered guidelines for establishing business ethics. “Do clients and customers trust your business ethics? Would you buy from a company you don’t trust? Treating employees, customers, vendors and the public in an ethical, fair and open way is not only the right thing, in the long run it's the only way to stay in business.”

Attendees also heard presentations on social media and how it should dovetail with traditional marketing strategies.  A show of hands by conference attendees indicated that at least half of the audience used all or some of the most popular social media tools.  
NMBC President Robinson concluded the conference by remarking that, “I’ve been associated with the NMBC, this nearly 40-year-old organization, since its founding in 1972. Our members are smart business women and men who have what it takes to run their own business and survive in difficult economies. They are one of the Tri-State Region’s greatest resources.”
               

(Photo Caption): Pictured left to right, front row:  Karenann Carty, Monroe College, conference chair; Dawn Henning, CPLC Education Center, chair, NMBC Women’s Business Committee, and Claire Scanlon, BNY Mello, vice-chair, NMBC Women’s Business Committee. Second row: Colleen Galvin, New York City Department of Small Business Services; Jacqueline Wales, author, “The Fearless Factor”, John F. Robinson, president & chief executive officer of the National Minority   Business Council, and Gregg L. Reid, Esq., Reid Rodriguez & Rouse LLP, chair, NMBC Board of Directors.