Podcast appearances and mentions of neil mcdonnell

Federal buyers like AFLCM, use Industry Days to tell us what they need.I use them as ways to identify opportunities that can be won.In this training, you'll learn:• What information is shared during industry days.• How I 'scrub' industry day slide decks to find the most valuable information• Steps I take to turn slides into opportunities___________________________________

Finding staffing contracts in federal agencies is a processIt can seem overwhelming until you know the steps… here's mine. In this training, you'll learn:• How I identified almost 100 'staffing' contracts to pursue in FY2026• How I determine which are the best fit for me• What I do after identifying opportunities that look like a good fit.___________________________________

Federal buyers and teammates are stalking you online.They're trying to find you and decide if you're worth their time.This is called in-bound sales and counts for 99% of your business' growth.In this training, you'll learn:• Where federal buyers go to look you and your company up• What signals tell a federal buyer not to select you• Why teammates and buyers check you out before meeting___________________________________

I just returned from two, back-to-back Defense focused events.Here's how I ensure they have lasting value and how you can too.In this training, you'll learn:• How to triage all the leads you identified from the conference• Short-term steps to take that will turn a lead into part of your network• Long-term steps to make sure your new leads don't fade out of your network___________________________________

Most proposals sound the same in the federal market.Great ones stand out because of clear Win Themes.A Win Theme ensures all of your activity leads to differentiating your company in a way buyers will value.In this training, you'll learn:• What are Win Themes• How Win Themes strengthen proposals sent to federal buyers• Simple framework you can follow to create your own Win Theme___________________________________

Some of the most helpful tools for GovCons are on GSA's site.Successful small businesses master federal tools like those that GSA makes available.In this training, you'll learn:• How to find tools you can use• Which tools will help you as you try to win contracts• Where GSA is going in this 2025/2026 transition___________________________________

I get it. It sucks that the federal government is shut down.But we can't control that, only the actions we take.Here are 5 tips for this week that will ensure we keep moving forward even though our customer is not.In this training, you'll learn:• How to keep your pipeline moving even when agencies aren't buying• The daily habits that separate winners from worriers• What relationships you can (and should) build this week• Why momentum, not funding, is your greatest advantage___________________________________

SAM.Gov is the foundational tool for government contracting.By mastering it's data and how to use SAM.Gov, you will win more contracts.It's not magic, it's just the process for how federal buyers communicate with small businesses.SAM stands for the 'System for Award Management'.In this training, you'll learn:• How to find oppportunities in SAM.Gov• What information is in each opportunity and how it can help you• How to set up SAM.Gov to never miss an opportunity___________________________________

Stop teaming with your friends!That's bad for you and them. You both end up losing too often.Instead, team up with the best company to help you win the contract.Of course that might sometimes be your friends, but often it really is not.You both deserve to win more.In this training, you'll learn:• How to set the criteria needed for a perfect teammate on each opportunity• Why it is important to vet possible teammates before committing• Establish a written agreement early on all key points___________________________________

If you do what all your competitors do, you'll be an also ran.Doesn't mean you won't write a decent proposal, but it does mean you won't appear any different.But it's not that hard to stand out from your competitors by writing better proposals.In this training, you'll learn:• Why starting early matters most• Being success must begin with being clear and compliant• Compelling requires you identifying more than explicit paint points or objectives___________________________________

The WOSB Program should deliver value to WOSBs… but it does not.This is not my opinion, it is a fact based on awarded contracts.And this isn't a complaint, it's a recognition driving me to train WOSBs how to have success despite the certification.In this training, you'll learn:• The facts about the WOSB program• How the SBA gaslights WOSBs• What to do to win contracts as a woman-owned small business___________________________________

I know it can seem like there's nothing we can do while the government is shut down, but that's not the case.Winners make things happen.Others either 'watch it happen' or 'ask what happened'.To survive the shutdown, you need to be one of the companies 'making it happen'.In this training, you'll learn:• What is really shutdown during the FY2026 government shutdown?• What can small business government contractors do now?• 5 things you can keep doing to increase your chances of coming out on top___________________________________

As a government contractor, you'll meet so many people.We call them stakeholders when we group them like you see below.By understanding who they are, you can create plans for meeting them.In this training, you'll learn:• About Federal Buyer Stakeholders• About Teaming Partner Stakeholders• About (free and paid) Supporting Stakeholders___________________________________

Everyone says you need to meet with federal buyers and teammates?But how? Is the most common question.If you can land 1st meetings with a buyer, you can get a 2nd meeting.And anyone who can have two meetings with a buyer has started and is building a strategic relationship that will lead to sales.In this training, you'll learn:• Why you should have 1 intro meeting per day with someone new• How I prepare to contact a federal buyer or teammate• My process for getting the meetings with people I don't know___________________________________

If you do not specialize, you will not succeed.This is true for athletes - they don't play every sport.This is true for doctors - they don't specialize in every part of the body.And this is true with government contractors.In this training, you'll learn:• What is a core competency• Why buyers need you to specialize not be a generalist• Why a lack of a clear, core competency will prevent your success___________________________________

AUSA 2025 is the must-attend event for anyone in the defense sector.But what if you can't make it to DC in person?You can still network and build relationships outside of the three days.When you think about it, how can anyone meet even a fraction of the over 44K people expected to be there?They can't. You and they need a plan for pre and post engagement.In this training, you'll learn:• How to engage with key note speakers and panelists• How to engage with the 750+ exhibitors• How to engage with the expected 44,000 attendees___________________________________

WOSBs should not wait for federal agencies.You can make your owns success when you understand the same process others have followed for years.In this training, you'll learn:• How vital a Clear, Focused Offer is to your success• Why 'Strategic' Relationships opens doors• Steps to take to push opportunities to WOSB set aside___________________________________

The Navy is one of the largest buyers in the federal government, awarding billions in contracts every year to businesses of all sizes.Understanding how they buy, what they buy, and how to get your company in front of the right people is critical to winning work with the US Navy.In this training, you'll learn:• How the Navy organizes and funds contracts• Where to find upcoming Navy opportunities• Key offices and points of contact to build relationships• Best practices for outreach and capability statements tailored to US Navy___________________________________

The vast majority of corporation tax receipts come from a handful of American companies based here. It's because of that overdependence and the increasingly unreliable behaviour of the American administration, that small businesses need to be encouraged and fostered to avoid what ISME refers to as “sleepwalking into economic peril“. The Small Business lobby group also wants a so called “reset on the national minimum wage calculation” All to discuss with Neil McDonnell the Chief Executive of ISME.

Pj speaks to Neil McDonnell of ISME and retailer Willie O'Brien about the survey showing two-thirds of businesses escape crimebut those on the front lines face repeat offenses, legal frustrations, and rising security costs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To discuss this Michele Puckhaber, chief executive of the Crime Victims Helpline and Neil McDonnell, chief executive of ISME.

So long threatened, Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs against more than ninety countries come into effect today. We hear from Mary Sadlier, CEO of Coole Swan Irish cream liqueur; Simon Harris, Tánaiste and Minister for Trade; and Neil McDonnell, CEO of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association.

The Irish Small Enterprise Association has criticised Government proposals to raise personal injury awards by 17%. To discuss this Neil McDonnell, chief executive of ISME and Stuart Gilhooly, a solicitor specialising in personal injury cases and past President of the Law Society

ISME, the national SME representatives, have criticised Government proposals to raise personal injury awards by 17 per cent. The organisation says this will punish smaller businesses, while putting more money into the pockets of lawyers. Speaking to Newstalk Breakfast was Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of ISME.

In this episode of Game Changers for Government Contractors, host Michael LeJeune sits down with Neil McDonnell, president of the GovCon Chamber of Commerce CEO of GovCon in a Box, to explore how contractors can navigate a rapidly evolving federal market. From the controversial DOGE initiative to shifting priorities in cybersecurity and AI, Neil shares blunt, actionable advice on aligning your strategy with what government buyers actually need. Learn why mastering the basics—clear value, strong service, and process discipline—trumps chasing "secrets." Whether you're a prime or sub, seasoned or new, this episode will help you adapt to change, survive market shifts, and position your business for sustainable growth. ----- Frustrated with your government contracting journey? Join our group coaching community here: federal-access.com/gamechangers Grab my #1 bestselling book, "I'm New to Government Contract. Where Should I Start?" Here: https://amzn.to/4hHLPeE Book a call with me here: https://calendly.com/michaellejeune/govconstrategysession

Businessman Denis O'Brien has blasted working from home as “...a load of nonsense”.He claimed Ireland's reputation as a place to do business is at risk, and working from home is now a threat to the economy, because it has caused a loss of competitiveness, energy, creativity and ideas.What do you think? Should we all be returning to the office?Joining Andrea to discuss is Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Larissa Feeney, CEO of Kinore.

Professor Janice Walshe, Consultant Medical Oncologist, St Vincent's University Hospital and Neil McDonnell, CEO of the ISME, who represents Small and Medium businesses

Tom Fitzgerald, Unite Regional Coordinating officer, and Neil McDonnell, ISME Chief Executive join Matt to discuss trade union Unite's call for Climate Leave in the event of extreme weather.Unite is seeking a meeting with the Minister for Enterprise to bring their requests into the conversation for future legislation.Listen here.

Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME and Sarah Furno, joint Owner and Cheese Maturer of Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers react to Donald Trump's US tariff announcement.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has said that tens of thousands of jobs in Ireland could be at risk if US trade tariffs are introduced in early April. But, what does this mean for us, and what is the reality of these job losses?Joining Kieran to discuss is Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME and John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor in Economics at Trinity College Dublin.

Many Irish retailers have given up challenging shoplifters stealing from their stores due to the number of defamation actions being taken, according to a group representing small and medium enterprise.Neil McDonnell, chief executive of Isme, estimates defamation cases are costing small businesses in Ireland up to €70 million each year. He joins The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button!

Laura Bambrick, Social Policy Officer with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and Neil McDonnell, CEO of the ISME, who represents Small and Medium businesses

The high cost of childcare is driving people, particularly women, out of the workforce and is damaging recruitment according to a new survey from Dublin Chamber.Karen Clince, chief executive of Tigers Childcare, and Neil McDonnell, chief executive of ISME, join The Last Word to discuss the challenge faced by employers and what can be done to address high childcare costs.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

How to Get Federal Agencies to Use Your GSA Contract Vehicle for GovConsDuring 'Capture' you have the ability to influence the contracting officer on which contract vehicle they'll use. Join Neil and Andy Kirkpatrick of GSA as they discuss tips for making your GSA MAS work for you✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains:Why General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Awards Schedules (MAS) matter to federal agency contracting officersSigns an agency would be open to using you GSA MAS for their requirementSteps you can take to get a federal agency to use your GSA MAS contract vehicle✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online.https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

RFI and Sources Sought How to Avoid the Black HolesOne of the biggest complaints government contractors have is that their RFI responses go into black holes. If you've experienced this, where you submit a response but get no reply or engagement, then join Neil in this training.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains:Why responding to sources sought notices is a vital task for small business government contractorsHow to ‘write for the win' to increase your chances of winning a contractWhy your response go into a ‘black hole' and how to get federal buyers to engage you more✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online.https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

25 Best Federal Government Contracts for 2025 - Steps to Find Your Top OpportunitiesGovernment contractors preparing for 2025 success should have a strong sales pipeline of federal opportunities. Join Neil as he shows you how he identifies the best opportunities for him and his clients.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains:What are the best contracts for your small businessWhere you can find the best contractsWhen you should add these opportunities into your sales pipeline✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

How to Get a Second Meeting with Federal Buyers for Small BusinessesOne of the most frustrating things in government contracting is not being invited back for a second meeting.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains:Why you're not getting a second meeting with federal buyersWhat you can do in the first meeting to guarantee the second meetingWhat you can do after the first meeting to land a second meeting✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

7 Easy Steps to Land Federal Buyer Meetings for Government ContractorsIf you struggle to get meetings with federal buyers, then this training will be for you. Join Neil as he teaches you what he teaches his clients in order for them to land more meetings with federal buyers.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses:Why it is important to have meetings with key stakeholders before submitting responses to RFPsWhere meetings fall into my 7-Step Process for Federal Revenue SuccessWhat are the steps you can take to land more meetings✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Build Air Force Government Contracting Relationships for 2025Success in sales is 10X easier when you develop relationships with your buyer and learn from them. Start planning now to build relationships with Air Force Buyers in 2025. If you're selling to the Department Air Force (DAF), then you want to make sure you're building relationships with buyers in the best MAJCOM for you.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses:The 3 points of entry (roles) into the Air ForceBest email framework to use that will get a response from Air Force buyersPower of sources sought and RFIs to help small business government contractors open doors✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Best Federal Agencies for GovCons in a Trump Administration in 2025Is your small business concerned about how the incoming Trump Administration will impact government contracting opportunities? Which federal agencies will likely have the best opportunities for small business government contractors?  Which agencies will lose funding?✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains:How anticipated policy shifts might affect projects and opportunities across federal departmentsHow to discover which agencies will be most aligned to your companyUnderstand which agencies are best positioned for contracting under the Trump Administration, particularly in the historical context of spending trends from 2019 to 2024.Stay informed about agency priorities and spending trends to effectively navigate government contracting opportunities.✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

How to Plan for 2025 Success Under a Trump AdministrationSmall businesses can still find government contracting success under the new Trump Administration in 2025. Plan now to review and adapt your strategies and relationships. Government efficiency will be the battle cry of this administration so you need to be able to demonstrate you can be cost-efficient, time-efficient, and provide critical value at the best cost.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses:Understanding how every new administration brings changes in federal spending and priorities.Strategies for small businesses to achieve success in government contracting under the new Trump Administration in 2025.Planning for 2025 now to navigate upcoming changes and review strategies effectively.Recognizing and adapting to the new priorities set by the Trump Administration to align business goals.How small businesses should take proactive steps to secure government contracts and thrive in the evolving landscape.✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Win Federal Contracts as a Subcontractor in FY2025This will be the most important government contracting training you ever watch! Being a subcontractor is a great way to pursue opportunities you normally could not.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses:Three ways to earn federal revenueWhy do billion-dollar government contractors subcontract under other large and small businessesWhat it really means to subcontractTips for increasing your chances of getting on a team to subcontract✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

What's Wrong with Your Capability Statement and How to Fix for 2025Is your Capability Statement killing your chances of working with federal agencies? Government contractors need to analyze yours and I'll show you how to do this before 2025.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains:The top mistakes small businesses make in their Capability StatementsHow to quickly fix the mistakes and get ready for 2025Steps you should take after you fix your Capability Statement that will help land meetings✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Difference Between an RFI vs RFP for Federal Government ContractsFederal buyers follow a formal buying/acquisition process and knowing the difference between an RFI and an RFP will allow you to properly prepare to take advantage of each.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses:What is an RFI-Request for InformationWhat is an RFP- Request for ProposalWhat are the differences between RFI vs RFP responsesLearn the importance of responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and Sources Sought Notices and provides tips and best practices for preparing responses that meet government requirements.✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Easiest Government Contracts to Win in FY 2025With FY2025 just around the corner, now is the time to position your small business for success in government contracting! Let's talk about the easiest government contracts to win for your company.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses:Identify the best contract vehicles for your businessLeverage expiring contracts to your advantageTarget opportunities with the highest chance of success Effectively compete against other contractors for the easiest government contracts to win✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Build Relationships with SMALL Prime ContractorsWorking with small business winners in your target agency is one of the easiest ways to land opportunities. You can build relationships that will lead to future teaming, or perhaps even lead to supporting current contracts they have.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains:Why it is important to build relationships with small business prime contractors in your target agencyHow those relationships can get you onto existing contractsWhen is the right time to build these relationshipsHow to identify the right small businesses and the best folks to contact✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Missile Defense Agency SBIR has $114M for SB InnovatorsThe US Missile Defense Agency has a $114M fund for small business innovation funding.Today Neil McDonnell chats with Candace Wright, Director of the SBIR / STTR Program Office for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and a champion for small business innovation.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses:What kind of ‘innovation' MDA is looking forHow to access MDA's non-dilutive funds for traditional government contractors and those not yet supporting federal agenciesWhy SBIR dollars should be part of your overall growth strategyDifference between successful and unsuccessful applicants✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

How a Trump Presidency Could Impact Government ContractingThere will be significant changes to government contracting and federal spending priorities in 2025 under the new Trump Administration. The proposed DOGE idea, a Department of Government Efficiency, indicates that everything will be under review. How will the new Trump Presidency impact government contracting? What does the evidence tell us?✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses:How executive priorities shape agency budgets and contract opportunitiesWhich sectors are likely to see increases or decreases in spendingHow to research agency priorities and spending to see how they'll impact you✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Federal Contract Spending in the New Trump AdministrationAs a Government Contractor, you'll want to gain an understanding of how shifts in administration impact federal spending and contract opportunities. This session will explore the possible directions of federal spending priorities in 2025 under the Trump Administration and what they mean for government contractors.✅ In this Training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell discusses:How changes in executive priorities may shape agency budgets and contract opportunitiesWhich sectors are likely to see increases or decreases in spendingHow to research agency priorities and spending to see how they'll impact you✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––

Write the Best GovCon Capability Statement to Get Meetings in 2025Are you a small business struggling to win government contracts? Let's unlock the secret to a winning capability statement!Remember – the primary purpose for a Capability Statement is to land meetings with federal buyers. Use our framework to create a capability statement that will help you stand out from the competition.✅ In this training, GovCon Chamber president Neil McDonnell explains:How to communicate successfully with just a single page Capability StatementWhat are the critical elements to include (and leave out) of your formatThe biggest mistake small businesses make with their Capability StatementHow to 'use' your Capability Statement for successWhere to put your Capability Statement for maximum visibility ✅ Join us on LinkedIn to build your network and engaging other in the largest Government Contracting community online. https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/government-contracting-success-6895009566325907456/–––––––––––––––––––––––––