Takeaways from CEO Panel During AFCEA's Small Business Event

AFCEA International's event on February 9th fostered some great conversations  on hiring, business focus and capture strategies.

My favorite quote of the afternoon: "In the federal marketplace, IT companies are like liquor stores, you can find one on every corner." -- Barbara Gray, Gray Matters Technology. The point? Determine how you plan to differentiate yourself from everyone else.

Other golden nuggets shared:

Your focus as a federal contractor is to get your customer promoted. -- Barbara Gray

Do not name your company after yourself. -- David Kriegman, Z2B LLC. (all on the panel enthusiastically agreed!)

Your company name should have meaning. Customers will ask. Be ready to deliver a memorable story.--Heidi Gerding, HeiTech Services, Inc.

A prospective employee goes through a 6-hour interview process with multiple people to ensure that he/she fits into the company's culture. --Eric Gillespie, .Govini.

Companies should not be looking for business development, they should look for capture strategists.--Barry Landew, Wolf Den Associates, LLC.

I hope I have the opportunity to work with these professionals again!