Getting REAL

visit to Michigan Minority Procurment confenrece

Our company, WIT Inc. is a MMBDC (Michigan Minority Business Development Council) member for last 10-12 years. Last Thursday I got chance to attend the MMPC fair organized by MMBDC at Cobo hall. This must be my 5th or so time attending the fair since we became the member of the council.

For many years, I have gone to different booths of large companies and have been told to fill out different forms at their web-site and have been assured that diversity person will forward the information to the "right" person in the organization. Guess what, I have never heard from that "right" person ever.

This year my attitude was different, I told them exactly what we do and asked them if they can connect me to the "right" person in IT who might be interested in learning more about our offering and then I will fill out the forms. The jury is still out if I will be able to make connection with the "right" person this time, but chances look better than ever. Just because I was very clear in what I wanted and was able to tell the person at the booth that I have been in the business long enough and am for "Let's get REAL or let's not PLAY"(Mahan Khalsa).

I think the best thing these diversity managers can do for an MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) is to unlock the door of the organization. It is MBEs job to open the door, enter through the door, walk on the Runway (without stumbling) and eventually get chance to compete for the business.

That's all I ask, and I am sure that's what majority of the minority vendors want. Nobody is or should be looking for hand out.

I am grateful to an organization like MMBDC, which is helping minority business knock on the door.