If you are a small business owner looking to expand your business, then you need some advice on how to get started with taking on bigger projects. There are a few things that you can do to set your foot on the right path. Small and big enterprises reap huge benefits when they take on the larger projects but there’s a big question that is looming in the background. How to get involved?
According to the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy’s research, there are some strategies that will give you the right impetus on the business front. If you follow these guidelines then you will surely be able to get that big project you have been dreaming of.
- Register yourself on the contractor portals.
Don’t overlook the vendor registration process and contractor portals. When trying to do business with government agencies and larger contractors it is important to set up your company’s profile in their company’s database. This is an elementary step that must be taken first. This step should be taken before you approach a contract specialist or a prime contractor to solicit business opportunities. If you haven’t registered yet make sure you do that first before going forward.
- Identify your potential allies
Don’t overlook the business-to-business opportunities. There are alliances that could be formed with companies that have complimentary business services and offerings. If you are a successful business owner you already know the importance of networking. It is the single most important thing to do. Building relationships can lead to joint ventures and teaming agreements. Branching out to form bonds with other companies can also make you lucrative when you re applying for the giant projects.
- Make investments for your online presence
Don’t overlook your online presence. Your future lies on the internet and the better reviews you manage to get online, the better your repute will be in the market. Plus you can cater to customers and have a customer service that is online based too. It will be beneficial going forward. According to the research of the experts, businesses today function just like the consumers – they will seek out your reputation on the online forums to find out your services. So if you don’t have online presence, you could be losing out on a good number of customers.
- Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Don’t neglect word of mouth contacts. Here’s one thing that you should not ignore – no matter how much you have online presence you still need to go to that workshop, you need to attend conferences and never miss out on a single opportunity to broadcast your products. One third of the large businesses choose their suppliers through contacts that are made in the industry events. Don’t take them lightly. Take that opportunity first.
Yolanda Cowart
Consultants, Cowart, Government Contracting Consultants, PinellasFlorida PTAC at Pinellas County Economic Development
Specialty: Procurement
Yolanda Cowart has more than 20 years of experience in public service at the local and municipal levels. Early in her career, she worked as a human resources and relations professional while serving as a liaison to the business community and advocacy groups. Her prior experience includes being a human relations specialist for Lee County Government, and an equal opportunity director for the City of Fort Lauderdale. Her background combines public service and human relations experience with hands on leadership in equal opportunity, supplier diversity, business certifications programs, organizational training and development, and managing workforce diversity principles. Cowart is the procurement specialist for the Florida PTAC at Pinellas County Economic Development. She connects businesses to resources and tools for state, local, and federal contracting opportunities. She is a Certified Procurement Professional (CPP), a Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), and a Certified Verification Counselor. She graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor of arts in political science and history.