Small Business Success Tips

Are you just starting your journey into HHS as a small business government contractor? Join us today to streamline your process.Visit GovCon Chamber Agency Profile: HHS | Department of Health and Human Services ✅ Today's topics:Start with org charts to prepare for doing business with HHSResearch your customer to uncover agency mission, challenges and goals (needs)Strategic plans and annual reports offer talking points with buyersRegister in HHS vendor portalConnect with HHS professionals on LinkedIN✅ Join us on Linkedin to onnect with other small business owners talking about Contracting with HHSWatch replay: Kickstart Your Journey into HHS as a Small Business–––––––––––––––––––––––––HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federa

Government contracting Labor Categories or LCATs, are key to making sure you have the right people in your government contracting jobs. They categories are predefined roles and responsibilities within a project, including the qualifications someone must have to fit an LCAT.✅ Today's TopicsA high-level overview of LCATsHow to look at labor categories in general (hourly rates, FTE calculations)How to find rates of competitors– including on GSA contract vehicles✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDINLCATS 101 for Government Contractors | Intro to Labor Categories–––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's Daily LinkedIn Live and YouTube training have been viewed over 1 Million x.​ ​#e

People think the 8(a) small business program is a golden ticket. Too many qualified SBA-certified 8(a) small business government contractors never learn the basic sales techniques for government contracting. Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows how to strategically use your 8(a) status for better business development.8 Tips for 8(a) Small Business Government Contractor SuccessBe collaborative with your BOS – Business Opportunity SpecialisTarget agencies who have demonstrated willingness to work with 8(a) firmsSay NO to contracts that are not in your 'sweet spot'Build 24 Strategic Relationships for mutual growthBe Highly Visible to Buyers 15:14 ➢ Pursue 8(a)s in their 7th – not 9th – yearMeet monthly with your informal board of advisors (7 mentors)Create an easy to follow one-page business plan for growth and sales✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDINEngage with us on LinkedIn and meet other 8(a) certified firms looking to grow. 8 Tips for 8(a) Small Business Government Contractors to Succeed––––

The federal government says it wants to level the playing field so small businesses have a shot at federal dollars. Will SBA socio-economic contracting program really help your small business? Which is best: HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSB? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell starts with a reminder that tags do not determine your success in government contracting.What are the SBA's Contracting assistance programs and why do they exist?When Should You Pursue the HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, WOSBAre the Small Business Programs a Golden Ticket? Myth vs Fact Using SAM.gov for Set-Aside profilesThe real data is shown in USA Spending and separates the hype from the reality✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN➣Guide to SBA HUBZone, Woman-Owned, Veteran-owned and 8(a) certified Small Business Programs–––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' fo

If you are just getting started as a government contractor or aren't making money yet… this training is for you. Government contracting is not a secret, it's just a process. Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell starts with a reminder that that government contracting is NOT a 'get rich quick scheme." Starting a sustainable business to create generational wealth takes time and relationships. It is not just transactional.There are 3 growth stages of a contracting businessDetermine what you sell and where the demand might beTest the narket before you go 'all-in'Officially create your company only when you are sure you are committed and your plan is viableThe best way to earn your first revenue and build experience is as a subcontractor. You can do this with another small business, or with a large prime contractor. When you subcontract, you avoid the bureaucratic burden associated with contracting and can focus on developing your product and reputation.✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN➣ How to Get Star

There are more than 100,000 separate contract vehicles used for federal contracting. How do you know where to find one to start selling to the government? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explainswhat a contract vehicles and how they are used?What are the 10 Common Goods CategoriesWhat is Category Management?What are the Category Vehicle Tiers?What types if Contract Vehicles are used?How to get the contract vehicle used to purchase what you sell✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDINContract Vehicles Made Easy for Government Contractors✅WHAT IS A CONTRACT VEHICLE?A contract vehicle is a streamlined method the government uses to buy goods and services. A contract vehicle is a contract, or group of contracts, that provides a streamlined process for government agencies to place multiple orders for certain products and services with a pre-selected vendor or group of vendors.REFERENCE @GSA https://www.gsa.gov/sell-to-government/step-1-learn-about-government-contracting/ways-you-can-sell-to-government––––

It is possible to become a successful federal government contractor – even if you don't have past performance experience in the federal space or if you only have commercial experiences.Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains the difference between contracts and past performance and how to present your company to demonstrate your expertise event if you don't have the performance history that government buyers usually look for.In this training, Neil McDonnell will explain:How to have a clear, focused niche offer so that people understand what you sellWhat do you need to demonstrate 'past performance'?What kind of experience are buyers looking for?Subcontracting as the fastest path to revenue and building experienceHow to find companies where you can subcontract your servicesHow to write case studies to show how you brought solutions in previous situations✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN How to Win Government Contracts with No Past Performance–––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, p

Most new small business government contractors follow a predictable growth pattern. They have a quick burst of #contracts and revenue, and then crickets. Did that happen to you?Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains why so many small businesses get stuck when they are growing their government contracting business and what you can do to restart your success.✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN➣ Why Government Contractors Get STUCK and Don't Grow–––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's Daily LinkedIn Live and YouTube training have been viewed over 1 Million x.​ ​#experiencemattersAs B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts wo

Even though a government contract vehicle has been awarded, you can still participate in the contract as a subcontractor. In this training GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains:What are the top myths about contract vehicles?Why Contract Vehicles are the right way to build your government contracting business?The 5 Step Process to become a subcontractor on existing teams with your preferred contract vehicleHow To Get On Contract Vehicles (step by step online search)✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN ➣ How To Get On 'Awarded' Contract Vehicles | It's Never Too Late(live event by Neil McDonnell–––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's Daily LinkedIn Live and YouTube

Imagine if you could write emails that get responses from federal buyers? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shares his templates for emailing federal buyers and government agencies.Learn to write emails that get answered and start conversations. Overview to the Art of Email for Government ContractingRules for emailing government buyersWhat do federal buyers really think when they get your email?The Bell Curve of email engagementTemplates – the perfect email framework including subject and signature linesCustomize your email template to the acquisition professional What should you do if federal contracting buyers don't respond to your emails?✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN ➣ How Government Contractors Should Email Federal Buyers (templates included)–––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​

The majority of federal agencies say they support women owned businesses ... but they don't actually use the set-aside and sole-source tools designed for that reason!Year after year, we can see that the #wosb businesses who are landing government contracts did so in full and open competition, not because the government was committed to the official federal goals.The exception is the Army. The ARMY leads the way with women owned businesses contracts.Why it is important to hold federal agencies accountable to their contracting awards and what are the MYTHS related to this program?How the Government takes credit for more contract awards using #wosb Set-Asides than really happens? (*gaslighting)How much does the government spent using Sole Source and Direct Awards? #wosbWhat are the top #naics codes used for #wosb contracts?* Learn more here: https://www.govconchamber.com/wosb✅ JOIN 100 HAVING THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDINWhich Agencies Award the Most Government Contracts to Women-owned Business Owners? (#wosb)–––

Where can you find the right federal buyer in the right federal agency? Today we'll walk step by step to help you find the right person who can help you with your government contracting goals.Too many amazing small business government contracting vendors say they struggle to find the names of federal buyers to call. Where can I look to find the right buyer for my contracting business? Free Download of Government Small Business SpecialistsPhone directories for federal agenciesWho can help me with my 'targeting' activity?✅ JOIN 100 HAVING THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN➣ "How I Find Federal Agency Buyers | Steps for Government Contractors" –––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's

Why do federal buyers ignore small business government contractors like you? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows:20 reasons why federal buyers may be ignoring you and what you can do to fix the situationWhy federal buyers ignore small business government contractors | Inbound reasonsWhy Federal Buyers Ignore You | Outbound reasonsHow to instantly improve your marketing and business development activities to get their attention✅ Join the discussion on LinkedIn:"Why Federal Buyers Ignore Government Contractors Like You" –––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's Daily LinkedIn Live and YouTube training have been viewed over 1 Million x.​ ​#experiencemattersAs B2

LinkedIn is the only accepted social media platform accepted by the government. Small business government contractors with strong personal and company profiles can start building professional government contracting relationships. Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows:How to find federal agencies on LinkedInHow contractors demonstrate subject matter expertise and knowledge before meeting with buyersHow government contractors can engage with federal buyers using Linkedin✅ Join the discussion on LinkedIn:"How Government Contractors Use LinkedIn to Find Federal Buyers | LinkedIn Networking" https://www.linkedin.com/events/7152076083641683968/comments/–––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (fe

The real purpose of a government contracting capability statement is to get you a meeting with federal buyers. Capability statements are the most important marketing tools for small business government contracting.A well-written statement will open doors and persuade government small business specialists to connect you with program officers.➣ Join the 100+ government contractors who attended our live training on LinkedIn and engage in the comment to expand your network. "The 6-Second Capability Statement That Lands Federal Buyer Meetings" ✅ In today's live training, Neil McDonnell shows:02:20 ➣ Introduction to Capability Statements05:19 ➣ What is the purpose of a Capability Statement?07:49 ➣ What are the essential sections for a 6-Second Capability Statement?13:00 ➣ How should you format a single page Capability Statement?14:05 ➣ Examples of good capability statements for government contracting16:19 ➣ Worst mistakes small businesses do with their Capability Statement23:31 ➣ How to Use Your Capability Statemen

Do you know how to find and interpret federal agency Long-Range Acquisition Forecasts?LRAFs offer a wealth of market research for government contracting small business business development. Long Range Acquisition Forecasts signal anticipated business needs for each agency. ✅ Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows how to identify critical information in federal agency budgets that will help their business development activities. Engage with other government contractors in today's live event:• https://www.linkedin.com/events/7152075085292457984/comments/ –––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's Daily LinkedIn Live and YouTube training have been viewed over 1 Mil

As a small business contractor, don't limit your research to RFIs, Sources Sought, or RFPs to learn about government contracting opportunities. Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows how to identify critical information in federal agency budgets that will help their business development activities. ✅ Join the discussion on LinkedIn:• "How I Help My Customers Get Value from Federal Agency FY2024 Budgets"https://www.linkedin.com/events/howihelpmycustomersgetvaluefrom7152074693032755200/–––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's Daily LinkedIn Live and YouTube training have been viewed over 1 Million x.​ ​#experiencemattersAs B2G technology business owner for 25+ y

USA Spending is an essential tool for government contracting market research.In today's government contracting training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains how to identify and understand spending patterns and government contracting trends, as well as information about other government contractors who might be potential teaming partners. USASpending.gov gives government contractors access to massive amounts of information about your buyers – everything you need for government contracting business development.✅ Join the discussion on LinkedIn:• "Step-by-Step Guide to USASpending for Government Contractors in 2024" https://www.linkedin.com/events/7152074266853720064/comments/–––––––––––––––––––––––––✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors co

In today's government contracting training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell deep dives into the contracting award data for the SBA's 8(a) business development program to showing exactly how much government funding and contracting is going to 8(a) firms.Join the discussion on LinkedIn:"Top Federal Agencies Who Love 8(a) Small Businesses Government Contractors" https://www.linkedin.com/events/7149542942259507200/ ✅ SEE ALSOGovCon Chamber blog: "11 Ways Federal Buyers Will Find Small Business Contractors in 2024"https://www.govconchamber.com/blog/11-ways-federal-buyers-will-find-small-business-contractors-in-2024–––––––––––––––––––––––––HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of CommerceSmall business owners​ trust Neil to​ show them HOW to earn federal government contracts and subcontracts.​A passionate 'evangelist' for business development​ in the federal marketplace, Neil has helped 1000s of small business contractors collectively win over $3B (federal contract value)Neil's Daily LinkedIn Live

Do you know the 11 best places where Small Businesses learn about upcoming federal government contracting opportunities? How can you complete unless you know when and where to look? Opportunities lead to Sales.Join the discussion on LinkedIn:"How Small Business Government Contractors Will Find Opportunities in 2024" | https://www.linkedin.com/events/7149542812332552192/comments/✅ In today's training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains:How to create your clear focused offer (in advanceWhich of the 3 federal revenue streams you should be in (subcontracting vs prime contracting)The best11 places to find 'slam dunk' opportunities that fit your core competencyHow to never miss a contracting opportunity in your sweet spot✅ SEE ALSOGovCon Chamber blog: "11 Ways Federal Buyers Will Find Small Business Contractors in 2024"https://www.govconchamber.com/blog/11-ways-federal-buyers-will-find-small-business-contractors-in-2024–––––––––––––––––––––––––HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Comme