First, I need to say that if you own a minority business and you should join NMSDC http://www.nmsdc.org . The organization is comprised of Corporate Members (such as Fortune 500 companies) and Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). The main focus of NMSDC is to encourage the Corporate Members to buy goods and services from the MBEs. NMSDC is also a certifying organization- which means when a Corporate Member is looking for a certified minority business, they will expect you to have a NMSDC certification.
My company has been a member for a few years and I have attended seminars, conferences, and matchmaking events sponsored by my local chapter. I have found these events to be very useful for regaining energy as an entrepreneur more so than for landing contracts. However, revitalization is key. I have read that the number one obstacle for entrepreneurs is isolation. The NMSDC events help me overcome that isolation by putting me in touch with other entrepreneurs- where we end up sharing our success stories and lessons learned. The national conference, held annually, is particularly motivating because people attend in mass. I thought I heard that it was larger than the NAACP conference- all that I know is that it is HUGE. It is awe inspiring to see the awards given, when categories go from $1 million in revenue $25 million and above.
Bull riding at NMSDC Conference- Dallas, TX
Another plus are the social events at the National Conference. At one party during the Dallas convention, they had mechanical bull riding. All eyes were fixed on it- people started taking bets on how long each person could stay up there…anyway, needless to say, I beat everyone there and stayed on the longest. Believe or not, it was an effective marketing tool, people remember me to this day- no contracts yet from it, but I will keep you posted…