Working Wednesday: Ohio Business Matchmaker Event for 2012

I know some followers of this blog do not live in Ohio. My apologies. Hopefully some of this information you will be able to use. However, this blog's original intent was to help small businesses in Ohio, especially where there are limited resources to assist them.  I feel I need to connect with them specifically and let them know I still think of the small rural counties and those who strive so hard to keep their communities alive. I believe, of course, this information is also beneficial for many others.

The Ohio Business Matchmaker Event will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Nutter Center on Wright State University Campus in Dayton. The hours are 8:00am - 4:00pm. See the website: www.ohiobusinessmatcher.com.

This is a great event for small businesses. You have the opportunity to meet with some very important government contractors and perhaps continue that discussion further, possibly developing into a sub-contractor. Also, government agencies are there themselves and you can introduce yourself to them directly. You get 10 minutes to give your elevator speech, and believe me it is no more than 10 minutes. The "buyers" are sincere. They want to hear from small business and your ideas. There are procedures to become a business operating with the state and they can help you with that right there.

This business is conducted inside an arena. You are on the "basketball floor" with stadium seating surrounding you. Allow time to make observations, network, etc. For example, other rooms within the Center are set up for seminars, displays, etc. There are so many people there that I would suggest going up into the seating and see where are the most popular booths, follow the traffic patterns, etc.

Remember this is about government contracts. This is not about private industry. The question, "What can you do for me?" is still valid, but you are entering the government culture and it has its own set of values, traditions, etiquette, codes, etc. You have to meet their criteria, even if you are talking to a government contractor. Government fiscal policies are not private fiscal policies. Don't be afraid to ask what would be the difference when talking to a contractor, because they will understand since they work in both worlds.

But go, even if it is just for the learning curve. It may expand your knowledge which will help your business with local ideas for expansion. By understanding the language/culture, talking with those like yourself and making connections, and getting advice/ideas, your company can then compete better with confidence.