Although March is women's history month, believe me when I saythat this article has nothing to do with recognizing women forbeing outstanding women. In fact, I have had the completedapplication to become an MWBE (Minority- and Women- Owned BusinessEnterprise) in a folder on my desk for the past six years. No joke.I originally looked into it because the vice-president of mycompany asked me to do so, thinking it might open doors for us. Sowhy is it still sitting on my desk? My company seems to qualify,but I have never sent it in.

Was I afraid a site visit from the certification squad woulddisqualify us because we don't have Kleenex on every staff member'sdesk for those emotional moments that are an inevitable part ofbeing a woman-owned enterprise? Or was it because we might berejected for aspiring to actually grow as a business, rather thanremaining a micro-business? Or was it because I wasantisocial and did not want to make lots of new “best friends” atgatherings of myriad women's business groups? You know theones—where you can learn how to manage up (because you are clearlynot in charge) or where you can get a great support network that“speaks your language?” No. I have not submitted my company forMWBE certification because I have been working hard to get mycompany recognized—for all the right reasons. Read the complete Inc. article by Vanessa MeritNornberg, president of Metal Mafia, a wholesale body andcostume jewelry company.