Govcon Giants12 Marras 2025

301: The Government Shutdown Playbook: How GovCon Firms Survive 2025 with Mark Amtower

In today's episode, Eric sits down with Mark Amtower, one of the most respected voices in the government contracting (GovCon) space. With over 18 years hosting on Federal News Radio and 17 years writing for Washington Technology, Mark shares timeless insights from his decades-long career helping companies master government marketing, branding, and networking. From the days of mailed newsletters in the '80s to the LinkedIn era, Mark explains how visibility, credibility, and consistency still drive business in the federal market. He also dives deep into the state of small businesses in 2025, why consolidation and shutdowns pose new threats, and what GovCon entrepreneurs must do now to adapt, brand smarter, and thrive.

Mark also offers tactical tips on LinkedIn strategy—from optimizing your profile headline and banner to building influence through content, engagement, and authentic relationships. He reveals how only 1% of LinkedIn users post weekly, and why that tiny number creates a massive opportunity for those willing to show up, share expertise, and stand out.

Key Takeaways:

LinkedIn remains the #1 platform for B2B and B2G visibility—with nearly 3 million feds active on the platform.
Small businesses face their toughest market in years—success now requires brand credibility and proactive strategy, not just certifications.
Engagement beats perfection: meaningful posts and personal follow-ups convert better than flashy marketing.

Learn more: https://federalhelpcenter.com/ https://govcongiants.org/

Mark's Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markamtower

Website: https://markamtower.net/

Mark's Podcast: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/shows/amtower-off-center-podcast/

Resources mentioned:

I'm on LinkedIn—Now What? by Jason Alba – Amazon listing: https://www.amazon.com/Im-Linkedin-Now-What-Fourth-Linkedin/dp/1600052541 Amazon

The New Rules of Marketing & PR by David Meerman Scott – Publisher's page: https://www.davidmeermanscott.com/books/the-new-rules-of-marketing-and-pr

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(749)

How Govcon Consultants Track Decision Makers Across Agencies Before Contracts Hit SAM.gov

Finding the government contracting decision maker before an RFP is posted is the difference between a reactive bid and a winning pursuit. In this episode, Randie Ward walks you through the exact resea...

2 Kesä 8min

Why Subcontracting First Is the Smartest Move Before You Pursue a Prime Government Contract

Subcontracting is not a fallback plan in government contracting — it is the fastest way to learn how federal agencies operate, who the key players are, and how to position yourself to win as a prime. ...

1 Kesä 7min

Government Contracting Tools That Help Small Businesses Win More Federal Contracts Faster

Government contracting tools can either accelerate your business or waste hours of your week clicking between SAM.gov, FPDS, USAspending, and Google Sheets. In this episode Eric Coffie breaks down why...

31 Touko 10min

Starting a Government Contracting Consulting Business Around AI Companies in 2026

Marketing a GSA schedule the right way can completely change how a small business grows inside federal contracting, especially when AI and cybersecurity are reshaping every RFI and RFP hitting the str...

30 Touko 8min

How Overhead Costs Will Kill Your Small Business if You Don't Watch Them Carefully

Small business overhead costs are the silent killer that takes down more government contractors than slow sales ever could. In this episode, West Edwards breaks down exactly how to separate cost of go...

29 Touko 9min

Why Most Small Businesses Lose Federal Contracts Before They Even Submit a Bid

Go no go decision speed is the single biggest reason small businesses lose federal contracts they should have won. In this episode Ryan Atencio breaks down how to shred a solicitation in 48 hours, why...

28 Touko 8min

8 Brutal Truths About Government Subcontracting That No One Tells Small Businesses | Ep: 326

Government subcontracting is where most small businesses leave millions on the table, and in this episode Eric Coffie breaks down the 8 brutal truths he learned the hard way about working under prime ...

27 Touko 50min

What Procurement Readiness Really Looks Like Before You Walk Into Any Agency

Government contracting procurement readiness is the difference between being treated like a serious prime and being talked down to by a small business rep who thinks you don't know what you're doing. ...

26 Touko 8min