An impressive panel of Supplier Diversity experts brought together by the FCC.

DIR took the time to listen to this impressive panel of Supplier Diversity experts and recommends that you do, too. The FCC‘s Office of Communications Business Opportunities (“OCBO”) hosted a Supplier Diversity Conference and Workshop focusing on private sector business opportunities for small, minority and women-owned businesses on July 30, 2014.

"Representatives from private industry, specifically telecommunications and technology firms (Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, Comcast, and Microsoft) discussed their organizations’ contracting procedures and provided insight on how small businesses should navigate the procurement process generally."

From approx. 18 to 26 minutes [18-26M; all times mentioned are approximate!], each executive recaps the process to join in the consideration for future business.

At about 38M, AT&T and Verizon spend considerable time talking about specific future opps.

The importance of Second Tier opportunity and reporting is mentioned at 57M; comments on the rather impermeable advertising industry start at 61M; "Do's and Don'ts" are at 76M including the importance of supplier branding at 80M.

Highlights include candid, but pointed, words of advice to small and diverse-owned businesses including:

• Be Strategic: research and be aware of future opportunities and directions a corporation is headed; make sure you're in alignment
• Tailor your value proposition to each corporation; supplier diversity teams can help you navigate through this process (at about 24 min.)

Here's the link. It's a fantastic 90 minutes of free! expertise on breaking in to major corporations. Please recommend and pass along. Thank you.

FCC hosted Supplier Diversity Panel

16th Annual Best Practices in Supplier Diversity Strategies and Initiatives ... coming soon!

NOTE: Earlybird registration ends soon! Register now at Diversity Information Resources to take advantage of the special rate.

Join us for the 16th Annual Best Practices Seminar
August 24-25, 2011
The Westin San Diego

Who Should Attend?
- Public and Private Sector Supplier Diversity Professionals
- Purchasing Managers and Buyers; Vice Presidents of Materials and Purchasing
- Lead Staff with responsibility for implementing Supplier Diversity Programs
- Graduates of DIR's "Building Strategic Phases of a Supplier Diversity Process" Seminar

Program Topics
Strategy and Communication
* Aligning Supplier Diversity Strategic and Communication Plans with Corporate Plans
* Communicating to Internal and External Stakeholders
* Integrating Supplier Diversity within the Supply Chain Organization

Measurements and Goals
* Aligning Supplier Diversity M&G with Corporate M&G
* Counting Spend: What to Include, What Not to Include

Government Contracting and Reporting
* SBA Updates: WOSB Program, SDB Self Certification, etc.
* Leveraging the Supplier Diversity Plan within the Government Practice Group

Professional Development
* Strategic Thinking: How to Affect Change and be Successful; Positioning Yourself as a Leader in the Organization
* Creating Your Brand as a Supplier Diversity Professional

Supplier Diversity: A Global View

Supplier Engagement
* Successes, Opportunities, Obstacles

Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
* Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD) Overview

Supplier Data Management Solution