Earnest Consulting Group

9 Key Mistakes to Avoid When Selling to Government Agencies

December 10, 2024 | Government

Selling to government agencies can be a great addition to your overall sales plan, but with it comes its own challenges. Government buyers operate within strict guidelines, and even small missteps can derail a deal. Understanding the common pitfalls can help you sidestep trouble and position your business as a trusted partner. Here are the nine most critical mistakes to avoid when selling to government agencies: 1. Ignoring the Importance of Relationships While government contracting emphasizes fairness, relationships still matter. Understanding the agency’s culture, priorities, and decision-makers can give you an edge. What You Can Do: Build relationships with government…

From the Exciting to the Daily Grind: 7 Ways to Overcome Post-Conference Blues

November 26, 2024 | Communication, Government

Conferences can be electric—especially in a city like New Orleans, where the SAME Small Business Conference was held last week. With over 6000 attendees, you dive into engaging sessions, forge meaningful connections, savor the local cuisine, and leave buzzing with inspiration. But when the last beignet is eaten, and the lanyard comes off, you’re back to reality: catching up on missed work, processing a whirlwind of new ideas, and grappling with a nagging feeling that you’re not doing enough to maximize the experience. On top of all that, the week back was shortened due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Welcome to…

Mastering Your Government Sales Strategy: A Three-Phase Approach

November 12, 2024 | Events, Government

I know firsthand the hurdles that come with government sales, and I've been in the trenches myself. A solid strategy isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential. Whether you're already seeing some success or just beginning your journey with federal sales, below are the three phases essential for a strong government sales strategy. These proven steps can make a real difference in your approach to government contracting. 1. Research The research phase helps answer key questions: Who buys what you sell? What unique value do you provide? Which contract vehicles will connect you with your target customers? We’ll explore practical tools…

5 Reasons the ‘Nov New Year’ Strategy Will Supercharge Your Goals in Business and Beyond

October 29, 2024 | Government

As each new year approaches, we tend to set lofty goals only to watch them fizzle out by February. Why not rethink the timing altogether? Imagine getting a head start on your resolutions in November, positioning yourself for a powerful close to 2023 and a strong start to 2024. The "Nov New Year" mindset isn’t just a calendar shift; it’s a strategic advantage in both professional and personal arenas—whether you're focused on closing government contracts or establishing healthier routines. Here’s why starting your new year in November can transform your results, giving you two extra months to build momentum while…

Sales Objections You Won’t Hear in Government Contracting

October 22, 2024 | Government

In the commercial world, you’re used to hearing a wide range of objections from potential buyers. But in government contracting, many of those familiar objections just don’t apply. If you’re making the jump from commercial to government sales, here’s a look at the top 8 objections you’ll hear in the commercial sector but won’t encounter in the world of government contracting. 1. It’s not in the budget this quarter. In commercial sales, budgets can shift from quarter to quarter, timing everything. But in government contracting, budgets are locked in annually. Once the funding is there, they move forward, and quarterly…

Mindset Matters: Cultivating the Right Attitude for Success in Government Contracting

October 16, 2024 | Government

In government contracting, mindset and attitude are everything. The right mindset can set you apart, build stronger relationships, and lead to sustainable success. Let’s explore some attitudes best left at the door—and those that will open doors. Attitudes to Leave at the Door: Don’t Be the FAR Police: Agencies and contractors have to follow the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), but coming across as a stickler for every detail may prevent a contract from being awarded but it doesn’t mean it will be awarded to you. Instead of looking for catch 22s and pulling the protest trigger, look for ways to…

A Letter to My 28-Year-Old Self: 7 Pieces of Advice After 20 Years in Government Contracting

October 10, 2024 | Government

A Letter to My 28-Year-Old Self: 7 Pieces of Advice After 20 Years in Government Contracting Dear Rich: October 4th marks a milestone—20 years since your first contract award on that very first contract. I can still picture that day: 28 years old, just six years out of college, filled with excitement and a good dose of fear. Now, two decades later, I want to share a few things I’ve learned along the way. If I could send a message back to you, my younger version of myself, here’s what I’d say. 1. Keep Your Integrity at the Center of…

Top 10 Most Common Paradoxes in Government Sales

September 24, 2024 | Government

Government sales are a unique challenge where success often comes from managing conflicting priorities and balancing seemingly opposing truths. These paradoxes can accelerate your path to winning contracts or slow you down if misunderstood. Let's dive into the top 10 most common paradoxes in government sales. 1. Do Your Research, But Don’t Get Romanced by Data To excel in government sales, it's crucial to conduct thorough research. Understanding the agency's priorities, the contracting officer's preferred acquisition strategies and the budget landscape is key. However, there's a potential trap: the more data you gather, the greater the risk of getting stuck…

12 Steps to Maximize Matchmaking Meetings with Contracting Officers

September 17, 2024 | Government

Matchmaking meetings with government procurement officials are a golden opportunity to get in front of decision-makers who can help move the needle for your business. To make the most of these meetings, you must be strategic, prepared, and focused on the right steps, from sign-up to wrapping up the meeting. Here’s your game plan: 1. Sign Up Early and Strategically The moment matchmaking opens, jump on it! These slots fill up fast, and the best opportunities go quickly. But don’t just sign up with anyone—make sure the procurement official buys what you sell. A little research goes a long way…

Demonstrating Your Maturity: Communicating Value Through 5 Key Metrics

September 10, 2024 | Communication, Government

In government sales, it's not enough to simply tell contracting officers and program managers what you do — you need to show them the impact of your work with actual, measurable results. Metrics are the proof points that transform your story from just words into a compelling narrative. They demonstrate your value, credibility, and maturity as a business. When you highlight the accurate numbers, you turn an abstract concept into concrete evidence, allowing you to stand out and build trust in your industry. Below, we’ve distilled five key areas where you can effectively communicate your success through metrics to make…