Since diversity is the hot topic in business circles of every type of industry, from advertising to venture capital, more and more African Americans are creating diversity opportunities by starting their own companies to provide contract services and products to minority as well as non-minority companies. Detroit National Black MBA Association member Anthony Miles says entrepreneurialism and the NBMBAA have been key in opening doors to a promising business future. Rolling out caught up with the astute businessman at an NBMBAA meeting in Detroit recently and he offered his thoughts on business and success.
Why did you decide to establish your own company?
I’ve always had that entrepreneurial spirit, and it was reinforced when I went to Northwood University in Midland which focused on entrepreneurialism. I had an opportunity when I left the Delphi Corporation to start my own business — so I made the most of it.
What does your company do?
We provide sales solutions to other companies. I am a manufacturers’ representative and also a sales and marketing consultant. A.E. Miles & Associates provides sales solutions to companies that want to come over and market their products — basically, in terms of distribution and pricing to get them into certain target markets.
What is your career background?
I have been in the automotive industry my whole career. I am a car guy and I love cars.
Name three keys to success?
Find a good mentor, someone who is successful and someone that you can learn from. Also be diligent in everything that you do. Work hard and things will come to you. And educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the business that you are in
How important is networking?
Networking is very important, because when you surround yourself with people that are successful, some of that will rub off on you. Like my mother used to say, ‘You are part of the company that you keep.’ Networking allows you to benefit from the experiences of different people — and those people will also extend themselves to help you.
Why did you join the NBMBAA?
Being a member of the MBA is a big benefit to me. It’s a source for networking, and access to resources. I talk to people in the NBMBA who have different opinions than I do, but we share similar goals and values. It presents me with different perspectives. I look at some situations differently, because of the MBAs I talk to in the organization. It’s been very, very good.
What’s next for you?
Going into new markets. I just had a conference with the military in Stoney Heights, [Michigan]. Defense is an area that I’d like to get more into. So that’s one of my next steps. The other is to maybe branch out globally into some other markets in China and India. There is a lot of opportunity out there.
