• Eric Coffie
  • February 7, 2025

Stop Saying ‘We’re the Best!’ Here’s What to Say Instead for GovCon Success

In this episode we discuss the keys to successfully winning government contracts. Diane Dempsey, who is an industry expert, emphasizes the importance of thoroughly analyzing requests for proposals (RFPs) and determining whether a company is qualified to bid on a project. She advises listeners to pay attention to past performance and staff composition, as well […]

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  • Eric Coffie
  • February 6, 2025

The 6 Sigma Secret to Boosting Customer Satisfaction AND Profits

In today’s episode of The Daily Windup, we talks to Joshua Atkinson about the importance of project management education and certification. He explains that having industry certifications such as a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification can make a veteran more employable when transitioning to civilian life. Additionally, learning about project management can make anyone a […]

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  • Eric Coffie
  • February 5, 2025

251: Unlocking Federal Opportunities with the SBA Mentor Protégé Program with Kanika Perkins

In this episode, we dive deep into the SBA Mentor Protégé Program, a transformative initiative for small businesses eager to dominate the federal marketplace. I’m joined by Kanika Perkins, a powerhouse with over 16 years of federal service. As a former contracting officer and now the deputy director of this groundbreaking program, Kanika shares insights […]

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  • Eric Coffie
  • February 4, 2025

17 Years in the Game: The Secrets to Supplier Diversity Success

In this episode of the Daily Windup, Diane Dempsey shared tips from her experience in supplier diversity. She discuss the importance of streamlined processes for small businesses and how they can affect change in their field. With this, she is able to impact the bottom line in her role and can affect change through leadership. […]

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  • Eric Coffie
  • February 3, 2025

From Construction to IT: Why PMP Is the $100K Career Boost You Need!

In this episode, Joshua Atkinson talks about the benefits of project management certification. He emphasizes that certifications help upskill individuals and make them more attractive to employers, although there is no guarantee of a higher salary. However, in certain industries such as cybersecurity and government contracting, certification has become mandatory. The guest also highlights the […]

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  • Eric Coffie
  • February 2, 2025

Why Entrepreneurs Fail at Bidding – Avoid These Costly Errors!

In this episode, Lori and I talk about the common mistakes businesses make while bidding for government contracts. Lorie stresses the importance of being prepared before submitting proposals, having a bid or no bid concept, understanding rules of engagement, and reaching out to the right people. She advises businesses to cross out any inaccuracies in […]

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  • Eric Coffie
  • February 1, 2025

The $800 Billion Question: Are You Ready to Work with Defense Giants?

In this episode, we talk about the importance of marketing research for small businesses. Attending industry days is one of the best ways for small businesses to approach capture managers and to learn about future opportunities. We also have Diane Demspey, Director of Small Business Programs, who shares valuable insights on how small businesses can […]

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  • Eric Coffie
  • January 31, 2025

The $128 Billion VA Secret: What You Don’t Know Could Change Everything!

In this episode, I speak to Lori Smith about CCN, which stands for Community Care Network, the VA’s way of sending patients out into the community when they’re not able to treat them internally. CCN establishes the largest independent healthcare network of independent contractor providers, and Lori volunteered to do region four. Later, she ended […]

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  • Eric Coffie
  • January 30, 2025

How to Be Remembered Among 100 Small Businesses Competing for a Deal!

In this episode, we share tips on how small businesses can succeed at conferences. Diane Dempsey talks about and emphasizes the importance of understanding the competitive environment, identifying and highlighting one’s capabilities, and avoiding embellishments. She also advises to be prepared when attending conferences by signing up for matchmaking early, knowing where large businesses are […]

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  • Eric Coffie
  • December 20, 2024

How $116 Million in Small Biz Contracts Just Became Available (Act Fast!)

The Department of Veterans Affairs has stopped accepting applications for the certification or re-verification of veteran-owned small businesses, effective October 24, 2022. Starting on January 1, 2023, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will take over all verification processes. Firms that are already verified do not need to take any action except for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small […]

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