Getting Certified as a Minority Owned Business - What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know

I’m so excited to announce that we’re ending 2022 on a high note: Last month, we got the news that we’ve received a Minority Business Enterprise Certification. 

This opens new doors for us that will allow us to really show what we can do and what an impact our team can make with our work.

This certificate has really made me think about how far we’ve come and the organizations and people that have supported us along the way. Starbucks, for instance, took a chance on us when we were still in our early days – not just because we’re a minority-owned business, but because they believed in our capabilities and the way we delivered. We’ve had a partnership with them for over 4 years now, and it’s been a rewarding and exciting relationship that has allowed us to continuously evolve and learn as an agency.

Reaching this point really has me reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey. I think often when we reach milestones, we tend to assume that’s all we need to level up. But with this certification in particular, I immediately told my team one thing:

This is just getting us in the door. This is only one piece to the puzzle. What’ll keep us around is how we continue to deliver and execute. 

I think this is a critical lesson for an entrepreneur at any stage of their career: a certification or title may get you in the door, but it doesn’t guarantee lasting business. But here are a couple of things that do:

Make relationships your ultimate goal 

One of the first things I realized when I started my entrepreneurial journey was that people were going to be the biggest key to success. If you’re just starting out as an entrepreneur, you’re probably getting tired of hearing about the importance of networking. Unfortunately, it’s common advice because it’s true!

What people don’t tell you as often is that there are two types of networking: the kind that’s purely transactional, and the kind that’s relational first and foremost. The latter is the type that’s going to get you far (that is, as long as it’s authentic). 

When I think about my team’s proudest moments, my first thoughts are those we’ve built with clients that have allowed us to truly grow as creatives and professionals. Our lasting partnership with the Warriors, for example, began with us offering our services at no charge simply because we were so passionate about the work and the relationship. Those early days laid the foundation for the fulfilling partnership we hold with the Warriors to this day.

This may go against the grain of what any business coach might tell you about gaining clients, but here’s the thing: I’ve always approached relationships with the mindset of asking what value I can provide for that person – not what I can ask them for. Sometimes we forget that the people we meet in a work context are real people and are going through different life challenges, just like we are. Being able to be real and connect as a person first allows you to build authentic relationships that are not all centered around work.

If I really look back at how I have been able to build these relationships, I think this has been the key. Simply being open and transparent allows people to open up and has led to some cool interactions and relationships. Of course, it doesn't work all the time – but most of the time, it does.

Deliver, deliver, deliver

One thing to know about my team: we’re always going to deliver. Whether it’s a client we’ve worked with for years or days, we give 100% to everything we touch. 

For any milestone you hit or achieve, take that as a sign it’s time to push the boundaries of your creativity with both new clients and longtime partnerships. The work you deliver should be better than ever and open your team up to new ideas that will set the stage for stronger future collaborations and refreshed current partnerships. After all, like I said, healthy partnerships are the ultimate prize – and no matter how much business you have gotten from these partnerships or how long your partnership has lasted, you are only as good as your next execution. 

A lot of people get complacent over time and, in doing so, unintentionally put themselves at risk of someone else coming in and getting the business. Stay on your toes! 

I’m so proud of my team – I’m proud of their brilliance, their authenticity, the way they show up for each other no matter what. I’m also proud of what a diverse group I’ve been lucky enough to work with here at Kurieo.

If you know me, you know I’ve always considered my community to be my strength. Advocating for young talent, teaching others what I’ve learned on my journey and giving back to the people who supported me along the way – especially those with stories like mine. 

I hope this story has given you a few things to think about as you embark on your own entrepreneurship journey. I’m cheering you on! 

Peace.