No Action Yields No Results

Supplier Diversity Results Require Proactive Action.


This entry is short - deliberately. A new year has dawned and the first several days have elapsed. Yet, how many firms, among the numerous corporations with diversity, inclusion, cultural awareness and supplier diversity initiatives, can point to either: 

• tangible results for 2009?
• goal-anchored plans for 2010?
  

DMMI Associates can, of course, assist companies of varying sizes with planning and implementing a value-add based set of Diversity Management Services.
Our overarching objective is to help you. Toward that beginning... See the new set of resource links in the right-hand margin of this blog.

Diversity Program Management Services

An opportunity to move toward doing more - It's a Win-Win

E-mail us if you are seeking help with managing your Supplier Diversity objectives. 


© 2010 DMMI Associates LLC – All rights reserved

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Supplier Diversity and Process Improvements: In Lights

Supplier Diversity and Process Improvements: Shown In Holiday Lights.


This is a time of year that I absolutely adore. All the celebrations, decorations, lights, and music are simply delightful. Celebrating another anniversary of Christ's birth is a joyous, festive season. So, what does this have to do with Supplier Diversity, you ask? It's a stretch, but work with me. 

For the ninth year in a row, the Roderique family in St. Charles County of Missouri, will be displaying lights on their home. Since 2006, they have been "synchronizing the Christmas lights to 'dance' to Christmas songs." 


Each year, more lights, more color, and more variations are added. Voila: Diversity! The objective being for the show -- the outcome -- to be better each time.


Where does the Continuous Improvement piece come in?
Just watch... Here are three of the light shows, each set to my favorite rendition of Deck the Halls, by Mannheim Steamroller. Each of the three shows demonstrates change for the better, from one to the next. NOTE: There are a few logistical challenges -- cars passing, sound quality -- but it is, after all, a free show. 



Last, but not least, this homeowner also knows something about documentation. From the inception of this annual effort, pictures, stories, and videos tell you all about the journey and many of the challenges. We can't ask for more, now can we?

2006


2007

2007 - Mannheim Steamroller - Deck The Halls from Never Enough Lights on Vimeo.

2008

2008 - Mannheim Steamroller - Deck The Halls from Never Enough Lights on Vimeo.

2009 -- added 12/24/2009. See if you can spot the "improvements."



Enjoy these videos and have a very Merry Christmas, too.



E-mail us if you are seeking help with managing your Supplier Diversity objectives. 


© 2009 DMMI Associates LLC – All rights reserved

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One Key to Successful Supplier Diversity Strategies: Feedback

Supplier Diversity Success Keys: Performance Feedback.


Have you ever heard a buyer or project manager lament about their company's diverse suppliers? "We wish we could do more business with diverse suppliers. It's just that the ones we have now can't seem to ______ (fill in the blank).  
Is this a sign of supplier performance problems or an indication of a feedback problem? Perhaps both, but the first will likely not improve without correcting the second.

How will a supplier know what areas to improve without clear, constructive feedback? 
In an article published earlier this year by Industry Week, titled "Who's Keeping Score" the author spells out some strategies that apply across the board in supplier evaluations. If your strategic objectives include strengthening corporate supplier diversity relationships and inclusion, this is a good place to start. 

In your conversations with current and potential diverse suppliers, be able to articulate what is expected. Know what is, or can be, quantifiable and then, measure it. Get input from each internal stakeholder and touchpoint at your firm. This provides not only relevant data, but also keeps the staff involved. Part of the value of building those supplier relationships is derived from substantive information flowing in BOTH directions. Create a feedback loop that will add value; it will be well worth the investment of time and resources. The dividends will appear almost immediately.



Look to DMMI for assistance with your win-win approach to designing and managing Diversity Programs. Supplier Diversity equals cost and revenue returns, not merely socio-economic response.




E-mail us if you are seeking help with managing your Supplier Diversity objectives. 


© 2009 DMMI Associates LLC – All rights reserved

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Supplier Diversity - A "Big Corporate" Example

An Example of a "Big Corporate" Supplier Diversity Success Story at Chevron.


This story of a Fortune 50 corporation partnering with a WBE firm impressed me enough that I chose to share it. Sandra Floyd, who owns OUTSOURCE Consulting Service in Oakland, California, is experiencing successes on two levels. Her firm supplies services to Chevron, as a MWSBE vendor. The relationship has also positioned both companies to give back to the community. Thus yielding a Triple Win for key stakeholders: 

1. A large corporation is successfully working toward meeting diverse supplier participation goals.
   
2. A small business is able to thrive and grow with a large, stable client in its customer base. 
3. The community wins through job creation and a creative give-back project.
   

See the 1-minute video at the bottom of this linked web page on the Chevron website for the full story.

This illustrates the type of approach DMMI uses in designing Supplier Diversity Programs. Through meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders, our clients realize both tangible and intangible Returns on their Investments (ROIs).



DMMI is uniquely positioned to understand the perspectives of both the small business, meeting the demand to be ready, willing, and able to compete, as well as those of larger firms looking to conduct business with them. Watch our video below to see how we may be able to help you and your company.

Diversity Program Management Services

E-mail us if you are seeking help with managing your Supplier Diversity objectives. 


© 2009 DMMI Associates LLC – All rights reserved

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Supplier Diversity - A Rising Tide Does Lift All Ships

If the rising tide lifts all ships, why is Supplier Diversity controversial?


The quotation "A rising tide lifts all ships" is credited to President John F. Kennedy.
This is one of several proverbs popularized by the Kennedy family. It is generally used in economic contexts, the tide being that of prosperity.
"As they say on my own Cape Cod, a rising tide lifts all the boats. And a partnership, by definition, serves both partners, without domination or unfair advantage." Source: Answers.com 

DMMI uses a win-win approach to designing Diversity Programs. After all, something is in it for everyone and we cannot afford to leave anyone out. See this related post.



DMMI is uniquely positioned to understand the perspectives of both the small business striving to be ready, willing, and able to compete, as well as those of larger firms looking to conduct business with them.

More and more government entities are recognizing that their tax bases and the overall well-being of communities depends upon embracing diversity and inclusion. I think they are correct. Don't you?



E-mail us if you are seeking help with managing your Supplier Diversity objectives. 


© 2009 DMMI Associates LLC – All rights reserved

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