5 Essential Tips for Succeeding as a GovCon Executive

The government contracting market is highly competitive yet extremely rewarding. Doing business with the federal government can offer many benefits, and working within the GovCon field makes for a fulfilling, dynamic and lucrative career. But in order to get the most out of a GovCon career, executives must be equipped with the right connections, information and tools to succeed.

Here are five tips to help you succeed and grow in the GovCon industry:

1. Build Your Network With GovCon Leaders

In the GovCon market, your network is your key to unlocking new business and driving growth for your organization. In fact, 74 percent of GovCon executives rely on personal relationships as their first or second approach to finding new opportunities, according to the 2024 GAUGE Report by Unanet.

Engaging with GovCon executives is an important step in establishing your brand, building your contacts and gaining essential visibility in the marketplace. Start growing your digital network by adding new LinkedIn connections in your field or area of expertise. 

You can also grow your network within your own company! Don’t pass up an opportunity to meet with or learn from executives in other areas or departments within your own organization. The GovCon executive landscape is constantly shifting, and the connections you make even early on in your career could later prove to be helpful for your professional growth.

You can also attend networking events, conferences and seminars as a great way to grow your network and meet potential partners. More on that later on in this article!

2. Stay Updated On Major GovCon Trends

Federal agencies and military service branches are constantly releasing new strategies, policies and priorities that shape how they interact with government contractors. Plus, the government is always releasing new RFIs, RFPs and contract opportunities, making it extremely important for GovCon executives to stay abreast of the latest government news. 

To stay updated on the latest news, subscribe to GovCon news publications, sign up for email newsletters and follow relevant pages — government officials, thought leaders, government office pages, etc. — on social media platforms like LinkedIn. 

Executive Mosaic’s media properties give you a comprehensive view of the most important GovCon news every day. GovCon’s senior executives and government officials alike trust Executive Mosaic outlets like GovCon Wire, ExecutiveBiz, ExecutiveGov and GovConExec International to deliver the most important, insightful news of the day. 

3. Build and Nurture Your Professional Brand

In today’s digital world, the first impression someone has of you is likely through your online presence. That’s why your professional brand is so important! To stand out in the competitive GovCon market, you need to ensure your LinkedIn is clear, concise and optimized with relevant keywords, metrics and examples of your work. 

Here are some tips for establishing and maintaining your professional brand online:

• Update your past experience section with key accomplishments and responsibilities
• Gather LinkedIn endorsements from those in your network
• Establish yourself as a thought leader by blogging or posting often
• Use a professional headshot on your LinkedIn profile
• Write a compelling, engaging bio that highlights your skills
• Add your certifications to your profile

Another way to establish your brand and communicate your message to industry is to participate in an interview. Interviews can help you gain important visibility in the market and allow potential customers or employers to get to know you and your capabilities better.

Executive Mosaic offers Executive Spotlight interviews through its Potomac Officers Club and 4×24 Executive Leadership Series membership offerings. These customized interviews help GovCon executives gain unparalleled visibility through Executive Mosaic’s vast media footprint. 

4. Foster Relationships With Government Officials

Meeting government officials face-to-face helps to get your company and your professional brand in front of the people and decision makers who matter the most to your business. Government leaders receive a flood of emails, messages and social media comments every day. Stand out by getting some valuable face-time with leaders who work in government agencies you’d like to do business with.

You can meet government decision makers at official agency events, networking events, industry summits and other speaking engagements. 

5. Attend GovCon Industry Events

GovCon events are where it all happens! There’s no replacement for in-person networking, face-to-face meetings, collaborative discussions and dynamic learning sessions. Attend events in your specific business area to gather important insights, expand your network, meet potential partners, speak with key clients and even better understand your competition.

The Potomac Officers Club, GovCon’s leading events and membership organization, offers some of the most elite, productive and effective networking opportunities in the market today. Potomac Officers Club events are only open to GovCon executives who are director-level or higher within their organizations. And you won’t find any service providers or the “professional networking crowd” at Potomac Officers Club events. Check out the Potomac Officers Club’s upcoming events to find your next networking opportunity.