Half the battle is just showing up ~Stephen Hawking
I had the amazing privilege to travel to Hawaii this past week and present to the Native Hawaiian Organizations Association. Perks of the job! While the backdrop was situated smack dab in the middle of paradise, the people I met were equally as beautiful. I frequent the GovCon conference circuit of events to meet and speak with growing government contractors who represent the future of tomorrow’s advancement and progress within federal opportunities. There is a sense of pride in knowing that what you do makes a difference for the greater good and defense of our country. Having pride in where you come from adds to that as well.
I found these leaders to be passionate about their island, both in sharing its beauty with me, and the resources and expertise of their business persuasion as well. Given that Hawaii had such strict COVID protocols which lasted until very recently, this event was planned in record time, and had quite a remarkable turnout despite. All of whom I spoke with were excited to be back in person, and even more excited about the prospective opportunities awaiting. And if they had stayed away, all of the opportunities out there would not have found their way to them. You have to show up if you want to make it happen. You have to put yourself out there and try. You will win nothing if you don’t show up.
Smaller conferences offer a more intimate setting where you can meet people and get more details of their business, or engage agencies with more candid conversation. The breakout sessions also provide attendees access to pertinent information and smaller groups, so question and answer sessions are less intimidating and more inviting to open discussion. Matchmaking sessions are also less threatening in a smaller environment, providing more comfort in making the rounds and connecting with people, information and opportunities that you might shy away from at a bigger event. All in all, you get out of it, just like anything else, what you put into it. And I was impressed with the turnout and the commitment of the attendees who really want to make it work in GovCon.
This industry isn’t for the faint of heart. You have to do your research, understand your buyer, know how to market yourself effectively to them, and then deliver your proposal in a purposeful and precise manner. The best way to learn these processes is to start small so you can have more conversations that build your experience and thus your comfortability with the process itself. But more than that, you have to show up. The more you put yourself out there the more recognizable who you are and what you do will be to the agencies and Primes that need your expertise. Landing in Hawaii isn’t a bad place to network and grow your base. We were grateful for the opportunity to expand our outreach to the great people of Hawaii, and we appreciate the invitation to attend and participate and look forward to being a part of it again next year.
Mahalo!