|
|
|
FEATURED ENTREPRENEURS
|
|
Mark Wyche is a 1997 Morehouse graduate, now taking small businesses by
storm with his innovative business and technology solutions venture.
Join us as we learn more about Mark and his company, MWi, Inc.
By
Tamara Lazier
THE HBCU NETWORK:
Mark thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. What is MWi, Inc.?
Mark Wyche:
MWi, Inc. is a business and technology solutions provider. We offer an extensive
portfolio of business and technology solutions designed to improve the efficiency
of small businesses through the application of information resources. Our focus is
to enhance our customers' business performance, as well as enable new
opportunities for them.
THE HBCU NETWORK:
Where did the idea for MWi come from?
Mark Wyche:
I have a background in supporting companies and solving their problems. I've found
that small businesses do not leverage technology as effectively as they could. It
could help improve their infrastructure, business operations, and
relationships. I'm trying to add a technology component to their businesses.
THE HBCU NETWORK:
How do you find customers?
Mark Wyche:
I generally find customers through trade shows, references and targeted
marketing efforts. Typical clients would be dentists, lawyers and realtors - but MWi is not limited to those industries. I get a
profile of how they do business, then create a vision of how they can do business more
efficiently (i.e. electronic billing, online sales, business information
management).
MWi has a number of partnerships, which are effective in generating new
business leads. The Commonwealth of Virginia also promotes MWi as a
minority-owned business.
THE HBCU NETWORK:
That minority classification should be a great boost for your company! What was
your inspiration for entrepreneurship? Family? School?
Mark Wyche:
I would have to say that there are a number of influences. My family
always taught me to be independent, create opportunities for myself and
put myself in the best possible position to be successful. I have had an
interest in technology since childhood. The combination of my education
at Morehouse (Business Administration) and Syracuse (Information
Technology Management) really helped me to pull it all together.
In my full-time job with Hewlett-Packard Company, I consult and work on a
number of engagements that involve customers who each have unique business
requirements. As a result, different solutions are necessary to meet those
requirements. I am able to take that experience and apply it to the
unique needs of small business owners.
THE HBCU NETWORK:
When do you plan to jump head on into this business full-time?
Mark Wyche:
Based on the accomplishments I've made and milestones I've set, I believe
I can do it within two years. Not being able to fully dedicate your time and
energy to your business can rob you of momentum and prevent you from
committing the necessary resources required to effectively grow your
business.
Committing myself full-time to MWi is important because MWi's success
hinges on its ability to win and evolve. Winning is generating new
business and demonstrating value, service and commitment to MWi clients.
Evolving is expanding MWi's capabilities, the size of the opportunities
MWi pursues, forging mutually favorable partnerships, and creating greater
recognition for MWi.
THE HBCU NETWORK:
Where do you hope to see MWi in five years?
Mark Wyche:
By then, I'd like for MWi to be a recognized small business solutions provider. I'd
like to have a lot of success stories under my belt that minority
businesses can identify with and benefit from. In fact, I'd even like to
have the big boys (Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Dell) saying that they support us.
I want to create opportunities that the larger companies either have not
had the time, resources or desire to focus on.
THE HBCU NETWORK:
What's the most difficult part of being a business owner?
Mark Wyche:
Selling the business value of technology solutions. Most people think that technology
automatically means 'complicated' and 'expensive.' I have to convince them of the value
and benefit.
The methodology and analysis are very focused - I'm putting myself in their shoes and
presenting a proposition specifically tailored for their businesses.
THE HBCU NETWORK:
Since we are the HBCU Network, we have to ask - what's your most memorable HBCU experience?
Mark Wyche:
Definitely the friendships I made day after day and year after year. Things I've done
and learned...
But if I had to choose just one moment, it would have to be graduation. The entire
time we were in school, we had bits and pieces of the HBCU experience. Graduation
gave me the chance to reflect on those experiences and in a very brief moment -
put all of those experiences together and capture the essence of the HBCU
experience.
THE HBCU NETWORK:
What advice do you have for aspiring business owners?
Mark Wyche:
If you're a business owner or just thinking about it, be creative in how you approach
it. Do you sell a product or a service? Think of how you can make it better. Simple
solutions can help you improve your business. Don't be intimidated by it.
of course.
THE HBCU NETWORK:
Do you have any parting words for the HBCU community?
Mark Wyche:
The HBCU experience is highly valuable. Take time to reflect on all that
you've done and experienced; the people you've met; and recognize the
value in that.
If people take that time to reflect and truly appreciate their experience
- support for HBCUs will never wane. HBCUs as a whole
are a very important institution to have in this country.
THE HBCU NETWORK:
Thank you for sharing with us, Mark.
Mark Wyche:
It's been my pleasure.
Contact Info:
Phone: 703-670-4372
E-mail: info@mwiweb.com
URL: http://www.mwiweb.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
