Master Your Certification - Diversity Masterminds®

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Liz Whitehead, co-founder of Diversity Masterminds®, located in Silver Spring, MD, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Through my company Diversity Masterminds® I work with the owners of diverse companies to find new opportunities and maximize their business development efforts.

Most of my clients have a certification, such as woman-owned (WBENC), veteran-owned (NVBDC), or small business (SBA). I help my clients leverage this certification to help their businesses grow.

Tell us about yourself

I come from a big family, which is really a big network that’s a loving and supportive safety net. Growing up, whenever I needed help, there was always someone in the family I could reach out to, so I learned very early on to “use my network.”

When I started my career, building business connections and relationships was something that came naturally to me, but I came to realize that creating a network is something many people struggle with. I created my business development consultancy and the Diversity Masterminds® course as a way to teach other people how to build - and utilize - a network to meet their goals.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My business is all about empowering people, so I feel a huge sense of accomplishment whenever I see one of my clients land a new contract.
That said, I was especially honored to be recognized with the WBEC DMV Women's Business Star Award in 2021. I worked for that organization for many years and then started my business to serve those business owners, so it felt like a lifetime achievement award for me.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Preparing for the unpredictable. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that things can change in the blink of an eye. My business is very focused on connecting with other people, and there is great value in meeting face-to-face. All of that went out the window in 2020, and I not only had to find a new way to build relationships for myself, but I also had to teach my clients to do the same thing.

While it may be a given that business owners need to be adaptable and resilient, few people talk about the emotional toll that comes with overhauling your business. In fact, I have a whole web series about it with my business partner, called Business UNusual, where business owners talk about these challenges.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Never underestimate the value of your network, but also be aware a network is more than simply having connections on LinkedIn. A network is about relationships.
Figure out who you need on your team. This may not mean employees. It could be vendors, partners, or advocates you can leverage to make your business operational.
Be your own best customer. Sometimes it’s difficult to do for ourselves what we do for others, but make sure you take your advice and are a leading example to your clients.

I'd love to talk about how I look at the future of my business and diverse business owners in general. Increasingly, companies are looking not only to the business owner but also the values and sustainability. That's why I'm launching a course this Fall to help business owners align their values with their business goals.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.diversitymasterminds.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/12PointFive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lcwhitehead12.5/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LCullenDC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizwhitehead/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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