Thinking about getting certified as a minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned, or HUBZone business? In this episode, learn the core qualifications you need to know before you apply. Whether you're eyeing federal or state-level program certifications, this episode lays out the essentials in a clear, no-nonsense way. What “small business” really means Why ownership and control matter — and what can trip you up The role of licenses, income, and decision-making Special rules for citizenship vs. g...
Jun 17, 2025•25 min
🎧 Episode Summary: What if you could turn a struggling business into a $1M success in just 60 days? That’s exactly what Chuck did—with no special certifications and a limited budget. In this episode, find out the step-by-step process that helped Chuck land over $1M in government contracts in just two months. From finding the right opportunities on SAM.gov to writing proposals that win, this story is packed with insights you can apply to your own business today. 💡 What You’ll Learn: How Chuck w...
May 29, 2025•23 min
🎧 Episode Summary: Just listening won’t land you contracts— action does . In this episode, Rick challenges you to step up and stop waiting. Want to grow your business? The #1 way to do it is by making the U.S. Government your customer. Small business certifications like 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, and HUBZone open doors to powerful contracting opportunities . But do you qualify? Rick breaks down the common qualifications, including ownership, control, net worth limits, citizenship, and more. He also cl...
May 19, 2025•17 min
This is an old episode that I am re-posting. (An oldie but goodie you might say). A lot of people have questions about certifications - how they benefit you, how you qualify etc. One of the best ways I have seen in my 40 plus years as a consultant, to accelerate your growth in the government market, ios to get a certification and know how to leverage it. This podcast helps you with that. For more help, check out my new book on Amazon, The Sole Source Advantage: How Small Businesses Can Bypass Co...
May 15, 2025•25 min
Visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com for more info and help with proposals and certifications. Choosing the right certification is a key to success in winning government contracts! In this episode, find out: How to choose the best certification for your business? What to do if you don't qualify for a certification? Plus, answers to listener submitted questions. As always, you get much more including inspiration for targeting the government market. So listen and act on what you are hearing. P...
Oct 29, 2024•22 min
Visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com for more info and help with proposals and certifications . " What is the best approach, in sequence to get started with winning government contracts? " That's a great question and there is a three step road map that I take clients through that takes them from having never done work with the Government to success in the Government market. In this podcast episode, I will share this road map with you, and you can use it to win in the Government market. Visit...
Oct 25, 2024•22 min
Visit www.winninggovernmentcontracts.com for more info and help with proposals and certifications. Small Business Certifications are keys that open doors to winning government contracts . Many people don't understand what certifications are, or how they can benefit them in business. Find out in this episode! As always, there will be practical advice, tips for success, and motivation. Listen and be inspired to pursue Winning Government Contracts We will cover - What is certification? How can cert...
Oct 23, 2024•25 min
The Government market presents the best opportunity for small business growth. Learn why in this podcast. 1. Why Government Contracts Are Your Path to Success Statistics reveal a 48% chance of hitting $1 million in annual sales Real-world success stories: From $150K to $33M and beyond The government market advantage: Reliable payments, preference programs, and more 2. Debunking the Myths: Why Many Shy Away from Government Contracts Fear of the unfamiliar Reluctance to learn new systems How to ov...
Oct 03, 2024•25 min
In this episode, we dive deep into writing two crucial sections of your government contract proposal – The Executive Summary and Technical Approach. 1. Executive Summary Key components: Tips for addressing agency needs Highlighting key benefits 2. Technical Approach Detailed plan development Addressing RFP requirements Proposing innovative solutions Review and editing process When writing a government contract proposal, focus on these key elements: craft a brief, powerful executive summary; alig...
Aug 20, 2024•13 min
Writing government proposals can be intimidating, but with the a common sense, structured approach, you can do it! This episode breaks down the initial steps of proposal writing, offering practical strategies to overcome writer's block and start crafting a winning proposal. Break it down: Learn how to approach proposal writing in manageable steps Free writing technique: A method to overcome writer's block and generate ideas Key sections decoded: Master the Executive Summary, Technical Approach, ...
Aug 05, 2024•22 min
Writing government proposals is challenging, but it's essential for winning contracts. This podcast series demystifies the process. We'll cover strategies to help you tackle RFPs effectively and improve your proposal writing skills. Let's get started on your path to writing winning proposals. Crack the RFP code: Learn to dissect and understand government RFPs Master the art of proposal writing: A step-by-step approach that takes eliminates guesswork Beyond the proposal: Strategies for building r...
Jul 19, 2024•20 min
Capture Management is a foundational business practice that is as close to a prerequisite to success as you can get. Key Points: Capture Management is crucial for winning government contracts, involving market research, strategic planning, and proposal development The seven key components of Capture Management are: Market Research, Capture Planning, Positioning and Strategy Development, Teaming and Partnerships, Proposal Development, Review and Refinement, and Submission and Follow-Up Effective ...
Jul 08, 2024•16 min
Why bother doing business with the Government? It's a foundational question. Surely the red tape isn't worth it. Or is it? Find out in this episode. Key Points: Statistics show that targeting the government market dramatically increases a business's chances of hitting $1 million in annual sales Government contracts offer stability, predictable revenue, and opportunities for growth The government is the largest customer in the world, spending over $600 billion per year on contracts Programs for s...
Jul 04, 2024•18 min
Mastering Government RFPs Ever felt intimidated by government contracts? In this episode, I break down Request for Proposals (RFPs) into actionable steps that you can follow. Whether you're a seasoned contractor or just starting out, you'll discover insider tips to give your proposals a competitive edge. Key concepts: The anatomy of an RFP: What to look for and how to analyze it effectively Pitfalls to avoid when responding to government RFPs Strategies to make your proposal stand out from the c...
Jul 01, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 5