Month: July 2020

Alexander Hassan: Certified Professional Contracts Manager

Posted on by Eric Coffie

An experienced and certified professional contracts manager, Alexander Hassan shares his insights about the contracting process and his advice for small businesses. 

BACKGROUND

Alexander Hassan is a graduate from Liberty University with degrees including a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Biology, an MBA with a concentration in leadership, and a Ph.D. in the field of education.

He has also pursued a master’s degree in Military Occupational Arts and Sciences and attended the Business Development and Negotiation Modules in Harvard Business School. 

Hassan began his career as a contracting specialist and officer in the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and became the Propulsion Procurement Program Lead of the F-35 Joint Program Office in 2014.

He then transitioned into teaching logistics, supply chain management, and international business in the American University and afterwards taught contract management in the Defense Acquisition University. 

Currently, he is the Director of Contracts of the Pioneering Evolution, a private-owned management consulting services and software development company.

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PROGRAM TEAM

The program team is essentially a team responsible for the acquisition process in the DOD. This team includes a program manager, engineers, finance team, other officers with different roles, and lastly the contracting officer. 

Before a contract is made public, the program team first makes sure that all of the information in the contract is accurate depending on the variables made through their assessment. 

This assessment is a way to make sure that a project is within the budget allocated by the Congress and that all of the contract’s proposals are realistic for the project to be performed.

“Like they would do an audit to make sure, okay, well it says 100 hours proposed. Can this actually be done in 100 hours or is it going to take 200 hours or could it be done in 50 hours?”

Then, the program team will also calculate the risk in doing the overall contract before choosing what type it is.  

“It really depends on the level of complexity related to the effort and on the amount of the risk that the contractor or the government is willing to take that really has the most bearing on selecting contract time.”

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Hassan recommends small businesses to communicate with other small businesses who have a federal contracting experience because these people can give you an insight on how everything works as well as learn from their experiences. 

Then, you can also work with contracting consultants or a mentor as they can help you in your proposal creation as well as provide you with the necessary insight on how to improve your business and your future contract proposals. 

Lastly, you should communicate with the agency’s contracting officers and specialists because they can provide you the information on what that agency needs.

Just remember to communicate with these people and the government because most of the time opportunities come to those who seek for it.  

“The government isn’t going to give it to you unless you ask for it.”

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Alexander Hassan as he shares his insights about the contracting process and his advice for small businesses, then be sure to click the link down below.

025: Alexander Hassan – Professor of Contract Management

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1AeW-dpk68&list=PL6-jBNNcc98vTBvNhFYfUTeH0k-Vx2VBH&index=18

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/alexander-hassan-professor-of-contract-management/

Linda Rawson: Country Girl turned CEO

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Known as the Country Girl turned CEO, Linda Rawson shares her story on how she navigates the federal arena as a small business while also experiencing various roadblocks along the way. 

BACKGROUND

Linda Rawson had been in the industry for over 35 year and started as a software engineer and computer program analyst to various companies.

Currently, Rawson is a  successful inventor, technology entrepreneur, and C-level executive of her own company, DynaGrace Enterprises, Inc., providing intelligent automation through AI Solutions.

She is also operating 2Bizchicks, together with her daughter Jennifer Remund, wherein they provide branding insights and responsive website hosting.

Rawson is also an author of the book entitled, “The Minority and Women-Owned Small Business Guide to Government Contracts,” as well as other books on topics about Blockchain, weather science, and grief. She has also been a contributing author of the book, “Game Changers for Government Contractors.”

EXPERIENCE IN THE FEDERAL MARKETPLACE

Rawson started in the federal marketplace without having enough resources to fund her business but she found a way to sustain for almost 15 years. 

“I didn’t have cash. So, these people that tell me they need all this money to start a business, in my mind, it’s just an excuse.”

Although she knew that normally banks usually deny loan applications from new small businesses, she believed that there are tons of methods to search for funds as well as there are a ton of programs that are meant for small businesses.  

The first method that helped Rawson in getting more contracts is being part of the 8a program. It helped her focus on government customers that needed their niche and was able to get to know them.

Apart from that, she was also called by a larger company that she had worked with in the past and asked if she would be interested to join into the mentor-protege program. 

Although, there is a commotion wherein some contractors felt like they were just being forgotten by the mentor, Rawson believed that it is best to get a mentor but first make sure that you are a good fit. 

“I lucked out. I had a mentor that showed me how to write a proposal, how to set up my accounting system. Introduced me to their customers. We did work for many many many years together.”

Most importantly, in doing business with the government, she learned that the competition in this marketplace is really fierce and she needs to stand out. 

“So I came back to what am I really passionate about doing? And that’s where I’m taking my company. I’m passionate about air quality, I’m passionate about making sure people can breathe clean air. And so I have been pivoting since January 1. And it has been joyful, it has been challenging, I have yet to really get that first sell. But I’m working on it. And so I think you have to really like what you do.”

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Rawson believed that managing people might be the hardest part of your job as a small business owner but you need to build a relationship with these people. 

This goes the same way with other small businesses. If you’re part of the 8a program, you need to build relationships with the other members and use the program as much as its worth. 

“You need to be friendly and nice and show and also follow up. So, if they give you their information… make sure you have them on some kind of drip, you know, where you talk to them 30 days, 60 days, 90 days. Because if you’re an 8a, they may all of a sudden have money and they remember you and they’re gonna direct an award.”

Apart from that, you also need to be pretty strong in making sure that everything that you want will happen. 

“You can’t say, I want to start a business and then never do it or you’re gonna really beat yourself up for that decision. So, if you say, you’re going to start a business, you figure out how to  do it, you figure out you know when to do it, if it’s at nights and weekends, for the first little while but somehow you make your dream come true.”

Remember, it’s normal to experience fear and anxiety but believe that you can get past through it. 

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Linda Rawson as she shares her story on how she navigates the federal arena as a small business, then be sure to click the link down below.

003: Linda Rawson – Country Girl turned CEO Technology Entrepreneur

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/linda-rawson-country-girl-turned-ceo-technology-entrepreneur/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GROMoF95HeQ&t=6s

What are the advantages of 8a for a new business? – Eric Coffie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBcermCZjVU

8a Facts and Fiction, Q&A with Eric Coffie and Linda Rawson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fi1djvFUwXM&t=1942s

Matthew Schoonover: Joint Venture and Mentor Protégé Guru

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Representing small businesses on matters relating to government contracting, Matthew Schoonover shares his insights about the mentor-protege program and the joint venture agreement.

BACKGROUND

Matthew Schoonover is an experienced attorney who worked in the industry for more than 10 years with institutions like Snell & Wilmer and UnitedLex professional services. 

Currently, he is a partner at Koprince Law LLC, a boutique law firm in Kansas, that works exclusively with federal government contractors. As part of his practice, Schoonover counsels government contractors on issues with the government as well as represent them in bid protests and claims. 

He is also a frequent contributor of SmallGovCon, a blog managed by Koprince Law to provide legal news and notes for small business contractors.

MENTOR-PROTEGE PROGRAM

Schoonover states that this is a business development program open to all small businesses of any socioeconomic designation, including those who are part of the 8(a).

This program works when a bigger business or a mentor agrees to help a small business develop their business, enhance their capabilities, and become more competitive.

On the side of the mentors, they will also gain an exemption to affiliation for the items of assistance and they can take up to a 40% equity stake.

Also, if they agree to enter into a joint venture agreement, the Small Business Administration will only consider the protege side for determining the size of the joint venture. This is a huge benefit for both parties because ordinarily a joint venture has to be between two small businesses. 

“The government has experienced working with some of the larger companies already. They trust them, they know them, they know that they have the ability to get the projects completed. So, teaming up with these people would improve your reputation as a small business as well.”

However, in order for this program to be effective, small businesses should work with a mentor who really understands their business. They should mainly be able to understand the goal of the program.

“I think generally the relationships are stronger when the parties know each other, if they’re both committed to helping the protege grow. And if part of that can be a joint venture for a job, that’s awesome.”

Because of this, you should find a mentor that is within your industry. This can be people or businesses that you have worked with in the past and even your competitors.

Also, you can consider talking to your local SBA office or to your local Procurement Technical Assistance Centers as they will surely help you in finding a prospective mentor. 

“So I really encourage folks to, you know, sit back and think about… what are some companies that I look up to or then I admire and do I have any contacts there or know of anybody who might be able to introduce me to start that discussion? And it really should frankly be a discussion between the mentor and the protege.”

JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT

Schoonover defines a joint venture where two businesses come together to form a third separate legal entity in order to bid and perform a job. Because of this, the old SBA rule wherein the sizes are combined no longer apply. 

In most cases, this agreement only applies to two small businesses but if you are under the mentor-protege program, this also applies to you.

However, one of the companies, which should be under any SBA program, has to be the managing venture that provides the different requirements under the FDA’s regulations. They also need to follow the different approval requirements depending on the socioeconomic status of the joint venture.

“The parties need to make sure that they’re meeting the knows.”

Apart from that, there is also the 3-in-2 rule wherein it says that a joint venture cannot be awarded more than three contracts within the two year period.

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Matthew Schoonover as he shares his insights about the mentor-protege program and the joint venture agreement, then be sure to click the link down below.

006: Matthew Schoonover – Joint Venture and Mentor Protégé Guru

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/matthew-schoonover-joint-venture-and-mentor-protege-guru/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df9jBqAT3Xc&list=PL6-jBNNcc98vTBvNhFYfUTeH0k-Vx2VBH&index=16

063: Ryan Atencio – Part 2:-Understanding contracting acquisition from the side of the government end use

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Welcome to part 2 of Ryan Atencio interview with me.

This interview was recorded live on YouTube in front of an audience. During part 2 of my chat with Ryan we take user questions and discuss some of the comments he made on my YouTube posts. Ryan answers questions like when you should ask for an extension, who is the actual customer when doing a procurement, how do you influence procurement decision, how agencies misuse the word construction and how to change requirements. Let’s bring back my guest, Ryan Atencio.

Part 2 – Question and answer period from users, Ryan’s comments on my post and much much more

Gabriel Ruiz: Army Veteran and SBA Award Winner

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Army Veteran, CEO, and SBA Award Winner Gabriel Ruiz shares his advice for small businesses and how he strategically gained success in the federal marketplace.

BACKGROUND

Gabriel Ruiz served the U.S. Army for 26 years as  a Communications and Technology Acquisition Officer until he retired in 2006 as a Lieutenant Colonel. 

Right after that, he built his own company, Advanced IT Concepts, Inc., providing technology services and solutions as well as engineering, training and implementing complex systems for the federal government and the commercial marketplace. Since then, the company has delivered $70M+ programs.

Apart from that, he had also established “CEO Hive,” a little program where he and other established business owners help small businesses and subcontractors gain success. 

“You don’t know which way the pendulum’s going to swing. Today, you’re a subcontractor. Tomorrow, you might be having the next Uber, so maybe you can reach back and pull others up.”

With all of this, he was recognized as the 2016 North Florida District Minority-Owned Small Business Person of the Year and the 2017 North Florida Small Business Person of the Year.

EXPERIENCE IN THE FEDERAL MARKETPLACE

Ruiz didn’t have any idea about being an entrepreneur but his experience in the military was the reason why his transition became easier. He was able to translate what he learned. 

“In many cases, our military folks, especially younger folks, do not know what they really have. The ability to stand up in front of somebody, and talk to them, and do brave things, and develop strategies, and develop courses of action, and all this is innate into the junior leaders, and that translate perfectly into industry, and many times our folks, our military transitioning folks, are not aware of that, that discipline, that dependency, that we know they’re going to show up on time. It’s invaluable.”

However, in managing his business, Ruiz also encountered a problem in not having a credit line and access to capital. Although he was able to get loans from institutions like the SBA, Ruiz stressed that small businesses should get credit lines for their businesses even if they don’t need it yet because as soon as they grow, this will help them. 

“Use the money wisely, and use it for growth, so it’s sustainable and you can repay your loans.”

Apart from that, Ruiz also made a mistake in not having a larger proposal capture business development team when his company is growing and he can no longer do the business development himself. 

“We have to invest. I tell young companies, business development people are expensive, but you might want to bring the right people, and pay them half time or a quarter time, and they’ll find you the right opportunities.”

INITIATIVE FOR OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES

Due to these experiences, Ruiz wanted to give back to other growing businesses; so, he created CEO Hive.

Through this initiative, he and other business owners brought about 15 subcontractors and taught them about the things that they know.

They also helped them in developing their accounting systems, credit lines, and security clearances so that they can chase opportunities together. 

“Anybody can win a contract, if they’re lucky, but it’s performing on that contract, and by developing these younger companies, we increase our chance of success by helping them get to that point.”

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

For 8a small businesses, Ruiz wants them to pull back from the program if they are not ready yet.

Do your homework first before diving into such an opportunity. Remember that the 8a program’s duration is only nine years but you can’t get any contracts during that period if you don’t have the credit line, the security clearance, the past performance, and the relationship.

Then, for those who want to transition from working for other companies to building their own, Ruiz encourages them to have a roof over their head first and not just directly jump at the opportunity. 

Lastly, he encourages small businesses to understand their customers and the regulations of the marketplace, get the right resources, network themselves and their business, and to never give up. 

“For companies to be successful, the leadership, the owners, have to be persistent. Don’t give up, right? Nobody’s going to tell you yes on the first pass, or the second pass, or the third pass, right? Don’t give up. That’s key.”

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Gabriel Ruiz as he shares how he strategically gained success in the federal marketplace, then be sure to click the link down below.

007: LTC Gabriel Ruiz –Army Veteran, System Integrator, Mentor and SBA Award Winner

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/ltc-gabriel-ruiz-army-veteran-system-integrator-mentor-and-sba-award-winner/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl5U-bHUsEU

Beverly Kuykendall: Acclaimed Medical Supply Provider

Posted on by Eric Coffie

An acclaimed expert and medical supply provider with the federal government, Beverly Kuykendall shares her success story and her advice on how to gain success in the government marketplace.

BACKGROUND

Beverly Kuykendall is the President of Government Business of the huge medical supply company, American Medical Depot (AMD).

She is a graduate of Business Management in Cal Poly University in Pomona, California and had her Masters in Business Administration from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

Kuykendall had worked with huge organizations including Procter & Gamble, American Hospital Supply, Xerox, and Herman Miller. She also had her own consulting firm, Federal and Commercial Contracts, Incorporated. 

Due to all of these, she was recently recognized as one of South Florida’s 25 Most Influential and Prominent Women in Business and Leadership in 2015. She had also been acknowledged as one of the 50 Most Powerful Minority Women in Business, Entrepreneur of the Year by the Black Business Association of Los Angeles, and Advocate of the Year by the National Association of Minority Contractors of Southern California. 

“The definition of bravery is not that you’re not afraid; it’s being afraid and doing it anyway.”

EXPERIENCE IN THE FEDERAL MARKETPLACE

Kuykendall had a background with the government market through her affiliations with the huge corporations and also through her consulting firm. She had also helped expand Management Healthcare Products and Services, a company established by her husband, Calvin Jones, and Ron Johnson.

Then, she worked with AMD after she was offered by her first consulting client, Sukrit and Akhil Agrawal, to work with them. 

AMD started as an 8a company representing capital equipment companies to the federal government. Kuykendall knew it is a very attractive position to be in because they are eliminating other competitors and became a sole source in the federal marketplace. 

“We will represent you to the federal government and now we’re going to provide resources to the relationship because we don’t believe in pass throughs that don’t serve anyone. And we will represent your products to the federal government.”

Currently, AMD positioned itself as one of the prime vendors in terms of medical and healthcare products and services in the government marketplace. 

THREE THINGS TO DELIVER IN THE MARKETPLACE

The first thing that you should do is to demonstrate what is your customer’s return on investment when they work with you. 

“So, they invest in you by paying you as a consultant or paying you as a small one or two man company, no matter what you’re doing, they want a return on that.”


Then, you have to be able to offer your customer something that they couldn’t get without you. Kuykendall called it a strategic market advantage.

For instance, AMD had four divisions: a government team doing calls to Department of Defense facilities, an alternative site time that called on clinics and physical offices, an inside sales team that calls different facilities, a prime vendor team that both have onsite and arena representatives, and a project sales group team. 

All of these are targeted towards various markets and this is what makes AMD different from other healthcare and medical supply providers. 

Lastly, you should provide them an incremental increase in market share. 

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Kuykendall believed in the importance of making a business visible for your target market and making it stand out from your competition.

“Make sure those local people know you right… It’s always good to go close to home. You don’t want to go too far away.”

She believes that by focusing on the area that is closest to you, you are not only gaining more capital, you are also helping shape the local economy in both direct and indirect manner. 

“That’s what you really want to do. You’re going to be able to have to create jobs and you want that local federal agency by awarding you a contract to help you with that because there’s also their mission. And they’re lending resources to the small business community.”

Although, both local and national influence is key in the success of your growing business, you must first be visible in your locality first, then move forward to the bigger marketplace.

Most importantly, it is key to understand your customers and know exactly how you can meet their needs or at least have a recommendation for them. 

Even if you already know some information, you should still ask them about it as they can surely put more information in your research. This way, you can use that information to gain a foothold on doing business with them or at least the next meeting.

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Beverly Kuykendall as she shares her success story and her advice on how to gain success in the government marketplace, then be sure to click the links below:

014: Beverly Kuykendall – On Consulting, Being Intentional, Prime Contracts and Supplier Diversity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEvFgxe3FjM&list=PL6-jBNNcc98vTBvNhFYfUTeH0k-Vx2VBH&index=9

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/beverly-kuykendall-on-consulting-being-intentional-prime-contracts-and-supplier-diversity/

Janetta Brewer: Government Contract Compliance Expert

Posted on by Eric Coffie

An experienced government contract compliance expert, Janetta Brewer shares important information on the rules followed by the federal government and how businesses should remain compliant to all of these rules. 

BACKGROUND

Janetta Brewer, Esq. had worked in different roles in various government agencies including the US Navy, Defense Logistics Agency, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Air Force, Department of Homeland Security, and in the Department of Defense. 

In her last federal appointment, she was  a senior member of the Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy staff wherein she developed acquisition regulations and guidance that helped streamline the process and improve contract execution outcomes.

Currently, she is the owner of her own consulting company, Blue Alchemy Consulting, where she helps both government and industry clients in providing innovative policy processes, IT systems, and workforce development solutions. 

PROCESS OF CHANGING THE FAR OR DFARS

Primarily, the Federal Acquisition Regulation is the set of principles, rules, and regulations that govern the federal procurement process.

However, consider that if you are working with other agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, or the GSA, these agencies have their own rules to supplement the FAR.

Then, when the 809 panel or the people appointed by the Congress to streamline  the acquisition process recommend changes in the regulations, there’s a process to follow before changes are made. 

At the FAR staff level or the DARS staff level, whenever there’s a recommended change to a regulation, these people have to review and assess that proposed change first to determine its impact to the industry and to small businesses and to what extent. This is a requirement. 

The government will then issue a proposed rule highlighting all of their assessment and its impact to various small businesses and industries.

In most cases, this is where the industry groups come in place and put their inputs on whether they agree or disagree to the proposed ruling together with their reasons. The government heavily relies upon the input that was received from industry groups in this process.

Afterwards, the government will then create a final rule highlighting all of the changes through their assessment of the industry recommendations. 

So, the final rules go into the maximum extent possible as the government tries to reduce the cost and impact on the industry while maintaining the regulatory requirement in place.

“We can not do something the Congress has mandated. We can only throw our implementation, try to do it in a way that reduces the impact of contractors.”

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

In dealing with the government, you need to be compliant with the rules that are put in place.

Don’t just focus on building better products and winning new contracts, you also need to build a compliant operational framework. This way, when the government does an audit, there will be no errors found. 

“One of the ways that you invest in a company is exposing them to better ways to build a compliance framework so to speak. I would say that’s one of the areas that’s typically neglected as just companies in general.”

Also, you need to use the solicitation to your advantage. Consider that when there’s a dispute or changes in the instructions that are not written in the solicitation, you have both the ability to highlight that it is a change in the overall contract and ask for some type of remedy towards those changes.

“The more knowledge you have and the more you understand what your obligations and requirements are, but also not just what yours are but what the government’s obligations and responsibilities are to you, then you feel more comfortable and confident speaking.”

Lastly, you need to begin with the end in mind. If you aim to work with the federal government for the next five years, then you need to build the appropriate processes and framework that are in compliance with the rules and regulations. 

“Because as you grow, obviously, sometimes you don’t necessarily have the time to invest in the backend stuff and it’s always easier if you have the framework in place to begin with and try to build it on the back end.”

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Janetta Brewer as she shares important information on the rules followed by the federal government and how businesses should remain compliant to all of these rules, then be sure to click the links down below.

016: Janetta Brewer ESQ – Government Contracts Compliance Expert ­

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/janetta-brewer-esq-government-contracts-compliance-expert/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcAqs6jHAt0&list=PL6-jBNNcc98vTBvNhFYfUTeH0k-Vx2VBH&index=2

IG Live: How much can I make doing government contracts? July 22, 2020

Posted on by Eric Coffie

How much can I make doing government contracts? Today we talk with a student about how much to charge using government contracts. What would I do if I had to start over? Why would I choose staffing business? Also we take a look at the GovCon Giants podcast guests and highlight their stories.

Orlando Espinosa: Small Business Advocate

Posted on by Eric Coffie

Working with government agencies and various organizations in helping small businesses in managing their business, Orlando Espinosa shares his ideas in terms of entrepreneurship, brand building, and leadership!

BACKGROUND

Orlando Espinosa is the co-founder of Emineo Media, an organization that designs, develops, and implements business and outreach curriculums for various government agencies and organizations with the goal of educating and training small businesses.

He is also an advisor to various organizations including the Miami Bayside Foundation, US Southern Command, Homestead Air Force Base, Cambridge Innovation Center, and Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses.

He has also developed workshops and hosted events that are aimed at small businesses for the SBDC, SCORE, Biz Nest, City of North Miami Economic Development, Beacon Council, City of Doral Economic Development Council, FIU, Mercantile Bank, and Town of Miami Lakes.

Due to all of these, he was recognized as the 2016 and 2018 State of Florida Small Business Advocate of the Year and continues to provide value to various small businesses organizations.  

ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

1. Build relationships.

One of the key things for your business to be known in this lucrative marketplace is to be present at events and communicate with the people that are there. 

There is no easy way inside this marketplace so if you really need something, you have to be the spokesperson of your own business. 

“You know, these are people that have a wealth of information, come up to them, talk to them, communicate with them and say, ‘Hey, listen, this is what I’m planning on doing.’”

Remember, there are a handful of people that have the same experience as yours and these people are accessible as long as you sit down with them. 

“I think that it’s that relationship and that collaboration that has allowed us to be where we’re at right now.”

2. Tell your story.

Everyone has a story to tell and as business owners, you need to understand the story behind your brand. 

“Why did you go into business? Why did you choose the colors for your business? Why did you choose that logo? What’s the meaning behind it? Because a lot of times, that’s how we start a conversation.”

This is of utmost importance because only talking to other business owners and your client for the purpose of selling is not good for business. 

So, instead of performing a pitch to get someone’s attention, tell your story and build a relationship with your target market. 

3. Share value.

In building your network of people, you need to share valuable information that could help them in a way that it had helped you.

“What I want my legacy to be is that all the information that I have gathered where I’ve simplified my life, I want to just give it back to the people that actually need it. Because sometimes we hoard information with the purpose of what?”

Also, it’s okay if you are giving information to people in exchange for an amount of money but that information should be valuable enough and your price is equal to the value of your message. 

“Well, remember what’s the media? It’s a message that you provide and our message is a message of education, it’s a message of resources, it’s a message of relationship.”

RESOURCES

If you want to watch the full video of the interview with Orlando Espinosa as he shares his ideas in terms of entrepreneurship, brand building, and leadership!

013: Orlando Espinosa – State of Florida Small Business Advocate of the Year

https://govcongiants1.wpengine.com/podcast/orlando-espinosa-state-of-florida-small-business-advocate-of-the-year/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hucGYFzyD7I