Support your advocates
By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
I advocate for business advocates. You know the people that suit up in armor daily to fight for Black-owned businesses. Noted, all folks in Diversity & Inclusion, Purchasing, or Outreach positions are not equal. Some are new to the space. Others view the work as simply a 9 to 5 job, Black-owned businesses be damned.
Then there are the advocates who fiercely fight for small and Black-owned businesses. People who work behind the scene to help your business develop and grow. Advocates who are dedicated to supplier diversity. Folks who battle their colleagues to make sure Black companies are represented in the purchasing scheme. Folks who recommend your business to others. How do you support them? How do you recognize their efforts? Do you take their steps for granted?
Here is are a few ways to reward those advocating for you:
- Send a thank-you note.
- Send a small gift or gift card to a Black-owned business (check the organization for spending limits).
- Please send a note to the advocate’s leadership team alerting them of your advocate’s efforts to assist you.
- Publicly thank the advocate on social media, on your website, or in a newsletter.
- Advertise in Black media about how advocates are helping to grow your business.
Business advocates are essential. I strongly suggest you show your appreciation. Everyone positively responds to gratitude and thoughtfulness.
Just my thoughts…
rwb
