Federal Sales and Government Contracting (Neil McDonnell)
Business & Economics Podcasts
With over 25 years of hands-on government contracting experience, Neil McDonnell is a leading small business advocate in the federal marketplace. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the US Army, Navy, US Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House.
As president of the GovCon Chamber of Commerce, Neil hosts daily LinkedIn live training and teaches the strategies and skills required to build relationships with federal buyers and teaming partners that lead to federal revenue.
Neil also brings together leading experts in federal government contracting in order to help small businesses grow as government contractors.
Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow.
Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts.
Find out more at https://www.GovConChamber.com
HOST: Neil McDonnell
Neil is a small business owner, mentor, coach and trainer committed to helping small businesses achieve their goals. He is a motivational speaker, trainer and vocal advocate for the potential of American small businesses. His passion is drawn from his personal experience serving in the US Army, from providing contracting services to various government agencies, and from the many successful and failed companies he has founded since his youth.
Connect with Neil: https://LinkedIn.com/in/Neil-McDonnell
Location:
United States
Description:
With over 25 years of hands-on government contracting experience, Neil McDonnell is a leading small business advocate in the federal marketplace. As a small business owner, he has personally won and supported government contracts for the US Army, Navy, US Air Force, HHS,VA, Transportation, Interior, Energy and the Executive Office of the White House. As president of the GovCon Chamber of Commerce, Neil hosts daily LinkedIn live training and teaches the strategies and skills required to build relationships with federal buyers and teaming partners that lead to federal revenue. Neil also brings together leading experts in federal government contracting in order to help small businesses grow as government contractors. Neil is famous for making complicated topics easy to understand, helping businesses 'find their niche' and for providing specific, achievable, actionable steps any business owner could follow. Discover how small businesses can research opportunities, build relationships, promote their capabilities, request small business set-aside (SBSA) opportunities and secure government business contracts. Find out more at https://www.GovConChamber.com HOST: Neil McDonnell Neil is a small business owner, mentor, coach and trainer committed to helping small businesses achieve their goals. He is a motivational speaker, trainer and vocal advocate for the potential of American small businesses. His passion is drawn from his personal experience serving in the US Army, from providing contracting services to various government agencies, and from the many successful and failed companies he has founded since his youth. Connect with Neil: https://LinkedIn.com/in/Neil-McDonnell
Language:
English
Episodes
How to Get Meetings with Federal Buyers
2/20/2024
Trying to catch the attention of federal buyers who decide on contracts can feel like trying to get invited to a super popular party. You want them to notice you and say, "Yes, let's meet!"
✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains
✅ Join us on Linkedin to onnect with other small business owners talking about buyer meetings.
How to Get Meetings with Federal Buyers Engage in the comments from the live training
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:27:07
Know Your Value Proposition as a Government Contractor in 2024
2/19/2024
Your Value Proposition is your unique selling point, that thing that sets you apart from your competition.
Learn to write a strong value proposition that tells federal buyers and prospective teaming partners why your small business should be their preferred vendor.
✅ Today's topics:
✅ Join us on Linkedin to onnect with other small business owners talking about Value Propositons.
WATCH REPLAY:
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:22:24
Unlocking Federal Set-Aside Opportunities for Small Business Contractors
2/19/2024
The federal government prefers to contract with small businesses whenever possible. Contracting officials can use federal set-aside opportunities and sole-source contracts to help their agencies meet their small business contracting goals.
Federal agencies reduce competition down to small groups of government contractors by using set-asides. For example, contract opportunities might be set-aside so only HUBZone, WOSB, or SDVOSBs can compete.
✅ Today's topics:
https://www.usaspending.gov/#wosb#HUBZone
✅ Join us on Linkedin to onnect with other small business owners talking about set-aside opportunities
WATCH REPLAY:
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:24:55
Which Agencies Love Black-American Owned Small Business Government Contractors
2/19/2024
In 2023, Black American Owned Small Businesses were awarded only $5B in federal contract dollars – that's LESS than 1% of the $745B total federal contract dollars.
➣ 14% of America are Black-Americans ➣ 14% x $745B = $104B ... that's $100B short of actual contracts awarded.
✅ GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell reveals–
https://www.usaspending.gov/
✅ Join us on Linkedin to onnect with other small business owners talking about Contracting with HHS
Which Agencies 'Love' Black-American Owned Small Businesses
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:25:11
Kickstart Your Journey into HHS as a Small Business Contractor
2/19/2024
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:
✅ Join us on Linkedin to onnect with other small business owners talking about Contracting with HHS
Watch replay: Kickstart Your Journey into HHS as a Small Business
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:25:04
LCATS 101: Intro to Labor Categories for Government Contracting
2/19/2024
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 Topics
✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN
LCATS 101 for Government Contractors | Intro to Labor Categories
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:28:29
8 Tips for 8(a) Small Business Government Contractors
2/14/2024
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.
15:14 (7 mentors)
✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN
8 Tips for 8(a) Small Business Government Contractors to Succeed
✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
Duration:00:24:53
Do SBA Programs for Small Businesses actually help wosb hubzone sdvosb etc?
2/13/2024
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.
USA Spending
✅ 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 Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:28:00
How to Get Started in Government Contracting
2/12/2024
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 business
The 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 Started in Government Contracting
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:24:01
How to Get the Most from Contract Vehicles as a Government Contractor
2/12/2024
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?
✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN
Contract 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
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:20:03
How to Win Government Contracts with No Past Performance
2/12/2024
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:
✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN
How to Win Government Contracts with No Past Performance
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:23:55
Why Small GovCons Stop Growing and How to Start Growing Again
2/6/2024
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 Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:26:30
5 Steps to Becoming a Subcontractor on 'Awarded' Contract Vehicles
1/30/2024
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:
✅ 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 Commerce
#governmentcontracting
As technology business government contractor for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:25:54
How to Email Federal Buyers about Government Contracting
1/30/2024
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.
✅ JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN
➣ How Government Contractors Should Email Federal Buyers (templates included)
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:27:13
Which Agencies Award the Most Government Contracts to Women-owned Business Owners?
1/30/2024
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.
#wosb#wosb#naics#wosb* Learn more here: https://www.govconchamber.com/wosb
✅ JOIN 100 HAVING THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN
Which Agencies Award the Most Government Contracts to Women-owned Business Owners?#wosb
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:26:28
How To Find Federal Agency Buyers | Steps for Government Contractors
1/24/2024
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.
✅ JOIN 100 HAVING THE CONVERSATION ON LINKEDIN
➣ "How I Find Federal Agency Buyers | Steps for Government Contractors"
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:26:59
20 Reasons Why Federal Buyers Are Ignoring You!
1/23/2024
Why do federal buyers ignore small business government contractors like you? Today, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell shows:
✅ Join the discussion on LinkedIn:
"Why Federal Buyers Ignore Government Contractors Like You"
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:26:40
How to Use LinkedIn for Government Contracting Networking
1/22/2024
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:
✅ 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 Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:27:03
Create a 6 Second Government Contracting Capability Statement to Get Meetings
1/22/2024
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 Statements
05:19 ➣ 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 contracting
16:19 ➣ Worst mistakes small businesses do with their Capability Statement
23:31 ➣ How to Use Your Capability Statement to get meetings?
✅ Visit our blog to learn "How to Write a 6-second Federal Contracting Capability Statement"
→ https://www.govconchamber.com/blog/6-second-government-contracting-capability-statement
–––––––––––––––––––––––––
✅ HOST | Neil McDonnell, president GovCon Chamber of Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:27:08
Beginner's Guide to Federal Agency Long-Range Acquisition Forecasts | Government Contracting
1/19/2024
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 Commerce
#experiencematters
As B2G technology business owner for 25+ years, Neil successfully won contracts worth hundreds of millions for the Department of Defense and civilian agencies, including ...
Duration:00:27:49