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SBA assistant administrator, Hispanic entrepreneurs share workplace tips
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Ana Recio Harvey Assistant Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration
A who's-who of DC Hispanic entrepreneurs gathered Thursday night at Sun Trust Bank, steps away from the White House, to share their strategies to get a handle on workplace issues that can help or hinder company success.
The event, hosted by the National Society of Hispanic MBAs, in partnership with Sun Trust Bank and the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, kicked off with a keynote address from Ana Recio Harvey, the Assistant Administrator for Women Owned Businesses for the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Panelists included Tony Jimenez, President, MicroTech; Javier Quiroga, Partner, To Your Taste Catering; Guylaine Saint Juste, Vice President, Sun Trust Bank; and, Gabriela Santamaria, Director, Support Functions. They shared best practices for an optimal workplace.
Have a workable business plan
Assistant Administrator Ana Recio Harvey learned first-hand what can happen when there is no written business plan in place. An entrepreneur, Harvey hit a wall when she won a substantial contract, but had no cash flow to manage daily operations and meet staff payroll while waiting to be paid by the client. With a little help from the Agency for which she now works, the SBA, Harvey was able to get back on track, keep her staff, and create a stronger workplace. Having a detailed, workable business plan, according to Harvey, helped her plan, capitalize, and grow her business.
Engage the right team members
Having the right people to do the right jobs is key to short and long-term success, and a less tense work environment. Managers who clearly identify expectations, and seek to place employees in suitable roles make a great combination. Gabriela Santamaria, founder and director of Support Functions, said that placing employees in roles that match their talents, skills, and abilities means that the employer "does not have to solve every problem." Capable employees can resolve issues that may come up in the workplace or with clients.
Javier Quiroga admitted that he "hired the wrong person" to manage his accounting needs, which ultimately affected his revenue, staffing, and operations. Thankfully, after doing a little research, Quiroga identified a more qualified accounting professional, who helped him recoup money overpaid to the IRS, and has helped the company with its overall financial stability.
Leadership is essential
Leading by example was the resonating theme among the panelists. "Know your strengths and weaknesses," Gabriela Santamaria opined. Guylaine Saint Juste said that one of the best marks of leadership is employing delayed gratification. Citing Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Saint Juste believes that "patience, resilience, and perseverance" are the top leadership skills.
Ultimately, if a manager has a passion for the work the company does, it will naturally affect the workplace. "Get up in the morning and love what you do," said Tony Jimenez. "If you don't like your work, it will show in what you do."
Visit www.ksgsc.com or www.Twitter.com/KesiStribling for more strategic business and workplace tips.
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