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Rick Porterfield

Many small businesses struggle to find new clients and grow.  As a consultant, I have spent 30 yearshelping small firms"hack" into the Government market grow there business more than they ever thought possible.

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Many small businesses struggle to find new clients and grow.  As a consultant, I have spent 30 yearshelping small firms"hack" into the Government market grow there business more than they ever thought possible.

In this class, I will show you the seven step process that I have taken hundreds of clients through.   Here are just a couple of examples of the success my clients have seen using this path: Daniel in Virginia went from $150,000 a year in revenue to over $  Michele in Florida went from $800,000 a year to over $  Lucia in Texas went from $300,ooo a year to over $  These are just a few examples.  There are dozens of others. It's not that hard.  you can do it too. . 

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What's inside

Learning objective

You will learn a proven, seven step path to winning government contracts. i'm a consultant and have taken hundreds through this path with great results.

Syllabus

Discover that the Government market is perhaps the best path for growing your business.

You will understand why doing business with the Government may one of the best options available for growing your business.  This class is an overview of the path to success in Government contracting. You will receive practical information, examples, tips, and encouragement to set you on the path to success. 

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You will learn how to define what goods and services you will sell to the Government.  This is especially important for startups  Some people come to the Government with a "We can sell anything you need" attitude.  Your business probably doesn't have the bandwidth to do it all.   

You will learn whcih registrations will allow you to receive Government awards and payments, and also be found in relevant searches by Government buyers.

You will learn about the various certifications available to minority, woman owned, and veteran owned businesses, how to determine which certification is best for you.

You will learn how to find opportunities, and tips for submitting successful bids and proposals.

Learn about win strategies for Government contracts.

Doing the work may seem like a no brainier, but it isn't.  In Government contracting, there is more to doing the work than just doing the work.  You will learn tips for satisfying all of the Government's requirements in this section. . 

Without this step, the rest is useless!  Learn how to get paid quicker by taking advantage of payment clauses and avoid payment problems that can arise from an improper SAM.gov registration!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a seven-step process for securing government contracts, offering a structured approach to navigate the complexities of government procurement
Shares success stories of clients who have significantly increased their revenue through government contracts, demonstrating the potential impact of the strategies taught
Covers essential registrations needed to receive government awards and payments, ensuring businesses can effectively participate in the bidding process
Explores certifications available to minority, woman-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, helping firms identify and leverage relevant opportunities
Focuses on winning strategies for government contracts, providing insights into effective bidding and proposal techniques
The course name includes the year 2020, which may mean that some of the information is outdated and no longer reflects current government contracting procedures

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Reviews summary

Guide to winning government contracts

According to learners, this course provides a clear and actionable seven-step path to navigating the world of government contracts. Many find it a fantastic guide and a highly recommended starting point for newcomers and business owners looking to expand, particularly praising the instructor's experience and the practical information on registrations and certifications. However, a few students note that despite its title, some of the content may feel dated, potentially requiring learners to verify current systems or processes. While excellent for beginners, some reviews suggest it lacks depth on specific bidding strategies for those with prior knowledge, indicating it's best suited as a foundation rather than an advanced guide.
Instructor's background adds value.
"The instructor knows his stuff..."
"The instructor's experience shines through."
"The instructor clearly has extensive experience."
"The instructor is knowledgeable and passionate."
Excellent for beginners in contracting.
"This course was exactly what I needed to start understanding the world of government contracts."
"Highly recommend for anyone new to this space."
"Useful if you're completely new..."
"Highly recommended starting point."
Structured guide demystifies process.
"The step-by-step process outlined by the instructor is very clear and actionable."
"The instructor knows his stuff and explains the 'seven step path' well."
"The focus on the 'seven step path' is a brilliant way to structure the information."
"The steps are logical and easy to follow."
More depth needed on strategies.
"...I was hoping for more detail on specific bidding strategies and writing proposals."
"It felt a bit too introductory for my needs."
"...the rest was mostly high-level."
Some info might not be current.
"Some sections felt a little dated, particularly references to specific systems or processes..."
"My main criticism is that it is titled 'in 2020', and some content feels like it hasn't been updated since then."
"...some parts might be slightly out of date now, given it's 2023..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Insider's Guide to Winning Government Contracts in 2020 with these activities:
Review Basic Business Principles
Solidify your understanding of core business principles to better understand the context of government contracting.
Show steps
  • Review key concepts like revenue, profit, and cash flow.
  • Understand basic marketing and sales strategies.
  • Familiarize yourself with financial statements.
Read 'The E-Myth Revisited'
Gain insights into building a sustainable business, which is essential for long-term success in government contracting.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the principles apply to your business.
  • Identify areas where you can improve your business systems.
Compile a List of Potential Government Agencies
Identify potential government clients to target based on your business's offerings.
Show steps
  • Research government agencies that purchase your goods or services.
  • Create a spreadsheet with agency names, contact information, and relevant procurement details.
  • Prioritize agencies based on their potential contract value.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Searching for Government Opportunities
Improve your ability to quickly and effectively find relevant government contract opportunities.
Show steps
  • Use SAM.gov to search for opportunities related to your business.
  • Experiment with different keywords and search filters.
  • Track your search results and refine your search strategy.
Develop a Capability Statement
Create a concise and compelling document that showcases your business's qualifications and experience.
Show steps
  • Identify your key strengths and differentiators.
  • Write a clear and concise summary of your capabilities.
  • Include relevant past performance examples and certifications.
  • Design a visually appealing and professional document.
Read 'Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)'
Familiarize yourself with the key regulations and requirements of government contracting.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the FAR.
  • Review the sections relevant to your business.
  • Take notes on key requirements and compliance issues.
Share Your Knowledge with Other Businesses
Reinforce your understanding of government contracting by helping other businesses navigate the process.
Show steps
  • Offer advice and guidance to other small businesses.
  • Share your experiences and lessons learned.
  • Answer questions and provide support.

Career center

Learners who complete The Insider's Guide to Winning Government Contracts in 2020 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Business Owner
Business owners are responsible for the overall success and growth of their companies, often seeking new revenue streams and market opportunities. This course provides a seven-step process to help business owners tap into the government market, as evidenced by the experience of past clients. Business owners can use the course to learn how to define their offerings, navigate registrations, and pursue government contracts, potentially leading to significant revenue growth. The practical tips and examples in the course help business owners make informed decisions and implement effective strategies.
Contract Specialist
As a contract specialist, your primary duty involves the administration, negotiation, and termination of government contracts. This course provides a seven-step process ideal for understanding how to secure government contracts. Winning contracts requires in-depth knowledge of governmental procedures, and this course specifically addresses how to define your services, register your business, and identify relevant government buyers. By teaching you win strategies and how to satisfy government requirements, this course helps you excel as a contract specialist.
Small Business Consultant
Small business consultants often advise clients on growth strategies, market entry, and operational efficiency, and this course highlights strategies for small businesses to tap into the government market. The course's seven-step process for securing government contracts provides a detailed roadmap for consultants to guide their clients. A small business consultant can leverage this course to help clients define their offerings, navigate registrations, and pursue government opportunities. The practical examples and tips offered in the course may allow a consultant to provide actionable advice.
Contracts Manager
Contracts managers oversee the administration and management of contracts, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions. This course offers a seven-step process for winning government contracts, which help manage the full lifecycle of such contracts. This course can show you how to navigate government payment clauses and registration procedures. The course also emphasizes strategies for satisfying government requirements, which is a key for contracts managers.
Sales Representative
Sales representatives focus on generating revenue through direct sales, and this course can refine their approach when targeting government entities. Sales representatives may find the step-by-step method helpful to grow their sales. This course helps sales representatives understand government procurement processes, define their offerings for government clients, and develop winning sales strategies. By learning how to navigate government requirements and submit successful bids, sales representatives can expand their market reach and increase sales.
Proposal Manager
A proposal manager oversees the entire process of creating and submitting proposals, particularly in response to government requests for proposals. This course concentrates on winning government contracts through a proven seven-step path. It helps you learn how to find opportunities and how to submit successful bids, which are critical skills for a proposal manager. With its emphasis on understanding government requirements, this course may also help you ensure compliance and increase the chances of winning bids.
Procurement Manager
A procurement manager is responsible for acquiring goods and services for an organization, often dealing with government contracts, providing a strong foundation for future success. The steps that this course covers, such as registering with the right agencies and choosing applicable certifications, can prove beneficial to a procurement manager. The course may serve as a practical guide to assist procurement managers in navigating the intricacies of government procurement processes.
Business Development Manager
The role of a business development manager is to identify and pursue new business opportunities to drive revenue growth, and this course may provide a pathway towards successfully targeting government contracts. Business development hinges on understanding market dynamics and customer needs, and this course emphasizes understanding the government market, defining what goods and services to offer, and navigating required registrations and certifications. Understanding the nuances of government contracting, as covered in this course, helps you formulate winning strategies and manage government relationships.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. This course offers a unique perspective on the government market, which may lead to new sales. Market research analysts can use this to evaluate the potential for government contracts, identify target agencies, and assess the competitive landscape. The course helps market research analysts provide data-driven insights to businesses looking to expand into the government sector.
Government Relations Specialist
A government relations specialist fosters relationships between an organization and the government entities, advocating for policies and initiatives. This course helps individuals learn to navigate the government contracting landscape, making it easier to identify opportunities. It also helps you learn about certifications and business registrations, which are essential for building credibility and accessing government markets. A government relations specialist can leverage this course to better understand the nuances of government procurement.
Program Manager
Program managers oversee the coordination and implementation of projects and programs typically aligned with organizational goals. This course may equip program managers with the insights needed to pursue government contracts. Program managers can learn the seven-step process, how to define their services, how to register, and how to find opportunities. This can assist them to ensure the successful execution of government-funded projects, as well.
Account Manager
Account managers maintain relationships with existing clients and aim to expand business opportunities within those accounts. This course may enable account managers with government clients to better understand procurement processes. Account managers can use the course to deepen their understanding of government requirements, identify new opportunities within existing accounts, and ensure client satisfaction. This also provides useful tips for payment clauses and SAM registration.
Compliance Officer
Compliance officers ensure that an organization adheres to laws, regulations, and internal policies, and this course may help them navigate government contracting requirements. This course teaches government requirements and certifications. Compliance officers can use the course to ensure their organization meets all necessary criteria for government contracts, mitigating risks and ensuring regulatory adherence. The course helps compliance officers stay informed about changes in government policies and procedures.
Grants Manager
Grants managers oversee the application, administration, and reporting of grants, often for nonprofit organizations or government agencies. This course provides insights into government contracting processes, helpful for grants managers seeking funding opportunities. The course can help grants managers understand government funding cycles, navigate application requirements, and ensure compliance with grant terms. Doing so helps grants managers secure funding and manage grant-funded projects effectively.
Operations Manager
Operations managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities within an organization to ensure efficiency and productivity. This course offers insights of how the government works thus improving operations overall. Operations managers can learn to optimize processes, allocate resources effectively, and ensure compliance with regulations, specifically government. In turn, the course may enhance their ability to manage and improve organizational performance.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Insider's Guide to Winning Government Contracts in 2020.
Provides a foundational understanding of building a successful small business. It emphasizes the importance of systems and processes, which are crucial for fulfilling government contracts efficiently. Reading this book will help you approach government contracting with a strategic mindset. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

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