Digital Shaping in GovCon With Eric Gregory

Just Be Humans

Summary

In this episode, Danny introduces Eric Gregory, an experienced executive consultant and advisor in the government contracting industry. Eric shares his journey in the field of federal business development and proposal operations, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and the adrenaline rush of competing for federal business. He also emphasizes the significance of empathy and understanding in leadership, drawing from his experiences with two influential capture managers. Eric's stories demonstrate the art of managing large teams, synthesizing information, and building trust with clients and team members. In this conversation, Eric Gregory emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships in the government contracting industry and how digital marketing can play a role in nurturing those relationships. He shares his experience of working with a mentor and the value of trust, authenticity, and reciprocity in professional relationships. Eric also discusses the need for a shift in the industry's approach to digital marketing, focusing on customer success rather than self-interest. He highlights the power of the 'what if' campaign and the importance of empathy and effective communication in the digital space. Eric believes that digital marketing will become a core competency in government contracting and that organizations need to take advantage of the opportunities it offers to enhance their probability of success.

Takeaways

• Continuous learning and curiosity are essential in the field of federal business development and proposal operations.
• The adrenaline rush of competing for federal business can be addictive and rewarding.
• Empathy and understanding are crucial in leadership, both in building relationships with clients and supporting team members.
• Effective capture management requires orchestration, accountability, and the ability to synthesize information.
• Leaders should pay attention to their team members' personal lives and provide support and understanding.
• Digital interactions should prioritize empathy and understanding, focusing on the individual's achievements and interests.
• Building trust with clients and team members is essential for success in government contracting. Building strong relationships is crucial in the government contracting industry.
• Digital marketing can play a role in nurturing relationships and enhancing the probability of success.
• Trust, authenticity, and reciprocity are key elements in professional relationships.
• A shift in the industry's approach to digital marketing is needed, focusing on customer success rather than self-interest.
• The 'what if' campaign can be a powerful tool in generating interest and starting conversations.
• Empathy and effective communication are essential in the digital space.
• Digital marketing will become a core competency in government contracting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Eric Gregory and Digital Shaping
09:50 Eric's Journey in Government Contracting
16:06 The Adrenaline Rush of Competing for Federal Business
35:19 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership
39:11 Building Trust with Clients and Team Members in Government Contracting
42:48 Building Strong Relationships in Government Contracting
47:56 The Role of Digital Marketing in Nurturing Relationships
52:48 Trust, Authenticity, and Reciprocity in Professional Relationships
57:28 Shifting the Focus to Customer Success in Digital Marketing
01:00:46 The Power of the 'What If' Campaign
01:05:07 Empathy and Effective Communication in the Digital Space
01:08:58 Digital Marketing as a Core Competency in Government Contracting

Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/egregory1/