Another MUST HAVE marketing plan....

marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

I have recently been working with a few local area organizations that help Veteran owned businesses. One thing they ALL agree on is that we should have "Veteran owned business" prominently displayed on ALL of our business forms (website, letterhead, business cards, etc.) There ARE companies/clients out there that will PREFER to do business with a veteran owned company.
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Often imitated but never duplicated

Tater_68 · Posted: Jan 26 2008 Post subject:

If I was on the fence about two good companies I would take the vet owned one, but I'm a vet myself so I have a soft spot Smile

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BBQMAN · Posted: Jan 26 2008 Post subject:

marvsbbq · BBQ All Star Joined: 15 May 2005 Posts: 6186

I was also talking to them about doing business with the Federal Government. For those of you that want to do business with them... there is some good info on how to get into that area. (If you would like some info PM me and I will email you what I have.)

The Federal Government has LOTS of needs for small caterers like ourselves but you MUST be registered with them to even get considered. Here is SOME info for you to consider....

Doing Business with the Government � where do I start?

1. Get a computer (or access to one) & get on the Internet! You must at least have an email address.
2. Find your DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number. This process is free of charge and should only take a few minutes. You can get this number by calling Dun & Bradstreet at (866) 705-5711
3. Find out your NAICs codes. These are codes that describe what your business does. Use the U.S. Census NAICs website at http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html to determine your NAICS codes.
4. Register with the Central Contractors Registration. Their website is located at http://www.ccr.gov/ . Companies who want to do business with the Federal Government are required to be registered in CCR. After 24 hours you will be issued a CAGE code and TPIN (keep this in a safe & confidential place).
5. After signing up for CCR, be sure to fill out the additional information provided by the SBA to register in the Dynamic Small Business Search at the end of the CCR website. This provides a database for you to market your company and for government contractors and prime contractors to use when they are looking for vendors.
6. Find your local PTAC by visiting the website at: www.washingtonptac.org . Your local PTAC is a valuable information resource for doing Government business. They will assist with registrations, answer questions and usually offer great seminars and workshops.

7. To find out where your local SBA office is located visit the U.S. Small Business Administration website at http://www.sba.gov Your Company may qualify for SBA procurement certifications such as HUBZone, SDB or 8a. They also have information to assist Veteran owned businesses. SBA is an excellent procurement resource and offers seminars and assistance to companies interested in doing business with the government.
8. Most Federal agencies have positions especially designed to assist small businesses. Find out if the agencies you want to do business with have a Small Business office you can contact for assistance. www.osdbu.gov
9. Sign up to receive bids from FedBizOpps Vendor Notification System at http://www.fedbizopps.gov or through the Bid Match program at you local PTAC Outreach Center.
10. Visit the General Services Administration website at http://www.gsa.gov . Check out the GSA schedule and see the variety of goods and services listed.
11. Don�t forget about your local government agencies and entities. Check with your local cities, ports, school districts, counties and other local agencies for information on their purchasing practices, small works rosters, vendor lists, etc.
TIPS TO REMEMBER:
1. Print out online applications and fill them out on paper before doing them online.
2. Always keep copies of applications you have done online, mailed and faxed in. And be sure you write down the dates you submitted the applications on the copies.
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Often imitated but never duplicated

kingconsulting · Posted: Jan 26 2008 Post subject: Re: Another MUST HAVE marketing plan....

If I had to decide between two I would pick the Vets. Even though I haven't had the privilege of serving our country.

allsmokenofire · Posted: Jan 26 2008 Post subject:

http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8291&highlight=government
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Mike
Team Enoserv

river Q · Joined: 04 Oct 2007 Posts: 12 Location: Gold Bar, WA.

Marv Wrote: