GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell teaches valuable federal sales skills and occasionally interviews government and industry experts who offer advice and insights to help Small Businesses succeed in the federal contracting space.
We typically look for current, federal government employees.
They range from contracting officers or small business specialist at a single installation, to Department level leadership.
We also encourage industry experts to participate, when they can offer true, actionable tips a small business can follow.
Sample agencies that have already participated:
Our listeners primarily include Small Business owners,and their staff, who sell to the federal government.
They are in Guam and the US Virgin Islands, and every state in between.
Interview time is scheduled at your convenience for flexibility.
We budget 60 minutes from start to finish:
Our podcast episodes are normally 30 minutes, but it's more like a guideline than an actual rule.
Typically our podcast interviews are performed over the phone.
You dial into a conference number that allows us to record the call when we're ready, while also minimizing any technical limitations for you.
If we are able to interview you in person, we welcome that chance as well. We have the necessary equipment to record episodes remotely.
Currently we record our podcast episodes with just the host and guest present or on the phone.
We are exploring recording some of these episodes "live" which would allow small businesses to submit questions as they listen to the guest.
Live recordings are currently an "opt in" format, meaning it is up to the guest's comfort level.
Podcasts are distributed using Spreaker as the host provider of our content material.
Each episode is further distributed on:
The podcast interview is done in a conversational style, compared to a rigid presentation style.
Each podcast episode is designed to mimic what a small business representative would experience if they walked into your office and got 30 minutes to chat.
You would talk with them about the basics of their business, then share some tips on how they can succeed in your organization, office, etc.
The true value is your candid advice to small businesses on how they can be successful, or learn more about your organization.
We want to have that conversation with you once, then share it as broadly as we can across the country.
In particular we are trying to reach those businesses who rarely, if ever, would be able to meet with you, and share your wisdom with them.
We provide topic suggestions prior to the podcast for your review and welcome additional topics that you think would help our listeners.
The value to the listeners comes from a discussion between host and guest, so we keep the topics at a very high-level.
And, depending on the role of the guest, the questions would vary. For example, for a leadership guest we would ask questions around mission and strategy. For a small business specialist, we'd ask questions around successfully marketing a small business.
Below is an example of some topics we'd discuss with a small business professional:
We respect the immense time demands on our guests. Because we only discuss your area of expertise, we find the 15 minutes before a podcast starts sufficient.
Our interview will feel like you're having a comfortable 30 minute conversation with a small business who called with questions about your agency.
Prior to your scheduled interview, we'll send some basic read ahead notes to you. Additional materials or preparation are not required (i.e. no slides or handouts).
However, we are happy to put links and materials on our webpage, as you wish.
Small businesses across America
Small Business Success Tips Podcast
Neil McDonnell, Podcast Host
Agency introduction, key information and guidance for the small business industrial base.
Interview style education for small businesses delivered as an Audio Podcast or Video Log (VLOG).
Podcast Interview (conversational style)
60 minute window to include pre and post activity. Interview is 30 minutes.
None normally, as the podcast is recorded with just the guest and host. Occasionally we'll host "live" and 30 minutes Q&A will be added to the 60 minute normal time window.
No live audience. The recorded interview will be posted online for free access to the public.
No media particpation
There is no relationship between the speaker / guest and anyone related to the podcast.
To provide key information and guidance to small businesses to help them present their offerings more effectively, while also learning about your organization.
No cost. Event is provided free as an educational session to the industrial base.
None. Episodes are recorded and distributed through public podcast platforms.
There are no event sponsors. Expenses are covered by the HUBZone Chamber of Commerce.
This is a not for profit activity.
None
N/A - as soon as approval is given, we'll schedule a time for the interview.
None, other than the podcast guest.
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