I’ve been learning more about government contracting, and I’m realizing everyone seems to get stuck at different stages. What part has been the hardest or most confusing for you so far? Finding opportunities, picking NAICS codes, SAM gov, proposals, or something else?

Most small businesses jump straight into bidding…but skip the part that actually builds trust with government buyers: Understanding the agency’s problem before offering a solution. Contracting isn’t just paperwork, it’s problem-solving. Agencies award contracts to businesses that show they understand the mission, not just the money. So here’s a question for everyone: When you look at a solicitation, do you try to understand the agency’s real problem first, or do you go straight to the requirements?

Government contracting has many moving parts, and most people end up learning things the hard way. If you’ve tried getting into GovCon even a little, what is one thing you wish someone had explained sooner? Your answer might make the process easier for someone else.

The government doesn’t always choose the “biggest” company…They choose the one that is compliant, clear, and easy to work with. Sometimes a small business loses a simple contract not because they can’t do the job, but because they didn’t explain their capability in the way agencies expect. I’m curious…If you had to improve ONE thing in your business before going after contracts, what would it be?Your documents, your registrations, your pricing, or your past performance?

Sometimes, the world of government contracts isn’t what we expect. From complex processes to unexpected opportunities, there's always something new to discover. What’s one thing that has surprised you about the GovCon process so far? Could be something you wish you’d known earlier or something you didn’t expect! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!