MyFloridaMarketPlace for Vendors

Agenda MyFloridaMarketPlace Registration Overview Overview State of Florida Purchasing Next Steps to Maximizing Marketing Efforts to Florida State Agencies Resources

MyFloridaMarketPlace Overview MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) is the State of Florida s online procurement system Single ecommerce conduit between state agency buyers and vendors Agencies use MyFloridaMarketPlace to complete their operational purchasing processes

MFMP Vendor Benefits Equal access for Florida veteran, women and minority-owned businesses Electronic Invoicing (einvoicing) Single point of registration that enables vendors to receive notifications of all executive state agency formal solicitations for any selected commodity code 24/7 access to more business opportunities and information Improved quality and accuracy of interactions with the state Customer service support available to provide realtime assistance

Commodity Codes Florida uses the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) commodity code set comprised of eight digits. Commodity Codes are a series of numbers that describe goods and services. When buyers solicit bids or quotes, MFMP distributes notifications based on the classification you selected. In addition, state purchasers use commodity codes to notify applicable vendors of upcoming bids and solicitations. When registering, select commodity codes that generally fit the goods or services you provide.

DFS W-9 requirements The Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires all vendors who conduct or wish to conduct business with the State of Florida to submit a Substitute Form W-9. DFS validates Vendor Tax Identification Number (TIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Completed through DFS website

Agenda MyFloridaMarketPlace Registration Overview Overview State of Florida Purchasing Next Steps to Maximizing Marketing Efforts to Florida State Agencies Resources

State Purchasing Overview Informal Purchases (equotes) Less than $35,000 or RFP from State Term Contracts No requirement for competitive bidding or advertisement Agency Customers use MFMP equotes to request quotes Formal Purchases/Solicitations Greater than $35,000 Require competitive bidding Buyers post solicitations using MFMP Sourcing and the Vendor Bid System (VBS)

Where does your business fit? State Purchasing Overview Consider: What is your specialty? Are you ready to fulfill commitments of a multi-year contract? The answers above will assist you in developing your marketing plan for state agencies.

Agenda MyFloridaMarketPlace Registration Overview Overview State of Florida Purchasing Next Steps to Maximizing Marketing Efforts to Florida State Agencies Resources

Maximizing Marketing Efforts Your first steps as a vendor are to: Register with MyFloridaMarketPlace Complete your Form W-9 validation through DFS website Complete your Certified Business Enterprise certification, if applicable

Maximizing Marketing Efforts Why develop a marketing campaign specifically for State of Florida agencies? MFMP has approximately 80,000 registered vendors. Marketing builds name recognition. You have worked hard to develop your business model. Marketing allows you to display your talents and strengths.

Marketing Plan basics Maximizing Marketing Efforts Standalone plan outside of the general business plan. Detail your business marketing goals. Include measureable outcomes to determine when you meet your goals.

Maximizing Marketing Efforts Five Steps to Creating a Marketing Plan Step One: Look Inward Step Two: Look Outward Step Three: Focus on Strategy Step Four: Set Measureable Steps Step Five: Review and Revise Often

Step One: Look Inward Maximizing Marketing Efforts Define Goals Goals document where you want to go (your roadmap) Document goals Involve all business partners in this process Brainstorm your Strengths and Weaknesses All businesses have natural strengths and weaknesses Defining strengths allows you to narrow your focus Defining weaknesses finds opportunities to address as you execute your marketing plan.

Step One: Look Inward Maximizing Marketing Efforts Brainstorming allows you to put everything down: Everything is open for discussion at this stage. After reviewing the brainstorming results session: Prioritize the list. Plan to act on highest priorities first.

Step Two: Look Outward Brainstorm your business s Opportunities and Threats -- External things you cannot control, but you can predict Opportunities could include: -- New Trends -- News Products -- New Markets Maximizing Marketing Efforts

Step Two: Look Outward Maximizing Marketing Efforts Threats could include: Competition Technological advances that put your company at a disadvantage Develop a list of customers that represent your ideal market

Maximizing Marketing Efforts Strengths & Weaknesses Target Customers

Step Two: Look Outward Maximizing Marketing Efforts 1. Word Hook is a repeatable catch phrase from ad to ad 2. Character Hook uses a hero, villain, or victim to embody a key attribute of your brand 3. Repeatable Theme situation that plays out again and again calling out the need for your product 4. Consistent Brand Layout a unique, design look that repeats elements at each touch point

Step Three: Focus on Strategy Maximizing Marketing Efforts Merge the two lists you developed Determine where the intersection is between your strengths and your target markets Keep only priorities strategic to your business Keep only customer groups from your target market

Step Three: Focus on Strategy Maximizing Marketing Efforts Narrow your focus: To align most with your business s identity. To be most attractive to your target market. Determine where your strategic focus, target market and priorities meet.

Step Four: Set Measureable Steps Maximizing Marketing Efforts For your marketing plan to be successful you must establish concrete and measurable results in your plan. Review your metrics monthly. Track and measure results. Tracking can include: Leads generated. Additional sales presentation. Phone calls, sales calls, quote requests. Hold your team accountable for the tracking.

Step Five: Review and Revise Often Maximizing Marketing Efforts Review your marketing plan often. Make revisions as your business changes. As your business matures, review your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Adapt your plan as necessary.

Maximizing Marketing Efforts Search the Internet to find basic marketing Many available formats: -- YouTube Videos -- PowerPoint Presentations -- Website Articles on Industry Web pages Small Business Administration (SBA) website has a variety of articles on different aspects of marketing http://www.sba.gov

Search for local public relations, communications, marketing and advertising firms in your area Maximizing Marketing Efforts -- Ask your colleagues about marketing firms they use or have used -- Find a firm that fits your company s needs

Where to Find Business Opportunities Maximizing Marketing Efforts There are several online resources where business opportunities can be located - Vendor Bid System (VBS) for all open, formal solicitations - MFMP Sourcing for all informal equotes and DMS State Purchasing formal solicitations

Maximizing Marketing Efforts Where to Find Business Opportunities Vendor Bid System (VBS)

MFMP Sourcing -- Select the Public Access button -- Any open solicitations will display on this page -- You can review the solicitation specifics and determine if you want to bid -- If you do not have the applicable commodity codes, you will need to add them to your MFMP VIP account Maximizing Marketing Efforts Where to Find Business Opportunities

Summary MFMP Registration Review your Commodity Codes in your MFMP registration to make sure they fit your business Make sure your business has a valid Form W9 on file with DFS Make sure your VIP account is up to date Designate your company s Solicitation Contact is correct.

Summary Purchasing Types Florida agencies have two levels of purchasing Formal (>$35,000) Informal purchases (< $35,000) Determine which level best matches your business s abilities

Summary Marketing Plan Find the intersection of your priorities and customer groups Focus on these customers Set measureable steps Measure your steps often Remember social media s importance

Agenda MyFloridaMarketPlace Registration Overview Overview State of Florida Purchasing Next Steps to Maximizing Marketing Efforts to Florida State Agencies Resources

Resources Florida Small Business Development Council http://floridasbdc.org/ The Florida SBDC Network has access to robust databases, business research resources, and knowledgeable experts who can help you successfully navigate the obstacles that come with the stages of the business life cycle. Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center http://fptac.org/ The Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Program was established in 1985 to assist any business located in Florida (small or large, profit or non-profit) interested in obtaining contracts with the Department of Defense (DOD), other federal agencies, state and local government agencies, and government prime contractors.

Training In-person workshops and online webinars are offered on a regular basis for MFMP vendors. Register for these trainings on the MFMP U website. The MFMP U website provides additional useful tools such as frequently asked questions, online recorded trainings, job aids, manuals and links to MFMP applications.

MFMP Customer Service Desk When you have questions about MFMP, feel free to contact our Customer Service Desk. Phone: (866) 352-3776 VendorHelp@MyFloridaMarketPlace.com http://myfloridamarketplace.com Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time