The 2018 Resolutions of Successful Government Contractors

I conducted an informal poll of my clients recently as they wrapped up 2017 and looked forward to 2018. The following is a synthesis of their collective New Year's resolutions:

1. Spend more time getting to know clients. Federal agencies are being asked to do more with less. The same old way of doing things is no longer adequate. We will initiate conversations about their real issues and stresses, and suggest innovative alternatives.

2. Improve the way we communicate our differentiators. Federal employees are more active on social media. We need to be more active as well. We have a lot to offer federal agencies and we will get better at explaining our value proposition in terms they understand, and in venues in which they participate.

3. Invest more in helping our people advance their skills, improve their productivity and creativity, and help grow our business. The labor market for skilled professionals is very competitive. We will identify, develop and reward members of our team who exhibit our values.

4. We will focus our energies on a limited number agencies, opportunities and teaming partners to deepen our knowledge, skills and relationships.

Very smart resolutions! But difficult to execute. Best wishes to all for a prosperous 2018.