In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces guest Sharon Maker, an expert in supplier diversity. Sharon shares insights from her career path, emphasizing the importance of positioning small businesses for opportunities with large companies. The discussion highlights major certifying bodies crucial for small businesses seeking to enhance their marketability and competitiveness.

Sharon Manker, M.Ed is an award-winning supply chain, supplier diversity, and inclusion strategist with two decades of experience. She is an author and the Founder of Advocating for Change Unapologetically LLC. Sharon has received numerous accolades, including 2020 Corporate Advocate of the Year, Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC), Diversity Champion of the Year, Women’s Business Enterprise Center (WBEC-EAST), Veteran Advocate of the Year, National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC). She was also recognized as one of 2021 DiversityPlus Magazine’s Top 15 Women in Power Impacting Diversity. She is dedicated to influencing meaningful change for individuals and businesses facing unprecedented odds. For more information: https://sharonmanker.com/

Listen to the podcast below:

This week on SmallBizChat Podcast:

Supplier diversity programs ensure that women, veterans, minorities, and LGBTQ businesses have equitable opportunities to bid on contracts, promoting inclusivity within the supply chain ecosystem.
Leveraging networks and certifications from organizations like WeBank and NMSDC can significantly enhance a small business’s chances of securing contracts with major corporations.
Embracing the concept of “failing forward” allows business owners to learn from their mistakes and continuously innovate, ultimately driving sustained growth and success.

Resources Mentioned:

Online Courses:  https://SmallBizLadyAcademy.com

Connect with Sharon Manker:

Website:  https://sharonmanker.com
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/UnapologeticallySharon
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonmanker
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/therealsharonmanker

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The post The SmallBizChat Podcast: How to Leverage Supplier Diversity to Grow Your Business with Sharon Manker appeared first on Succeed As Your Own Boss.