The Sky Won’t Fall

This post is adapted from the post that ran on November 23, 2020, immediately after the last presidential election, when a tight race changed administrations. I have only adapted the names and a couple of dates, yet it’s as relevant today as it was four years ago. Skim through and enjoy a chuckle.

It’s the season again when the dire predictions begin to roll in. 

The headlines are alarming. They generate clicks and put eyeballs on content. Some examples:

• “Democrats (DOGE) will eviscerate defense”
• “If you aren’t in Space Force (AI or new tech) or the Nuclear Triad, you’re a bill payer”
• “Virtual presence is actual absence”
• “The carrier Navy is a navy we can no longer afford”

I encourage you to look past the headlines; if you must, look away from them. You don’t need to devour every blip and bobble of defense news or Congressional prognostication. If the election taught us anything, it’s that predictions based on poor inputs are worthless. 

The best companies sell products and services and solve government solutions in the best and worst climates. Some of my clients have only known disruption; they either caused it or reacted to it. You can be a winner and provide the government with a win, no matter which side of disruption or change you are on. But you have to engage in the right places at the right times. This is a constant of working with federal customers that traces back decades.

What’s on the horizon?

• Resolution of a CR. What would it mean to your business if the CR extends to January? How about March? Either is possible and can be planned. You need to embrace it. You can’t control it, so adapt to it.Does your customer know what either scenario means for you?Does your workflow have off-ramps or scalability?What’s your cash position?How “at risk” are you willing and able to operate?

• A new administration. No matter your views on the subject, President-elect Biden (Trump) will take office in January. With him comes a new team at the top.This can be an opportunity to grow or retool your networkThe Biden (Trump) team is a (not) process team. Be prepared for deliberate defense of your positions. Are there senior civilians in your customer constellation who are changing? How can you get in front of them?

• A new Congress.A newly formed Congress means some new committee chairs and ranking members in both the House and Senate. Do you know who is moving in or out of your orbit? This matters because, as I’ve chronicled a gazillion times here, Congress approves every single federal dollar that you put on contract.

Bottom line for now.

The players on the field are taking new positions before another fiscal year kicks into high gear. Churn and turmoil are part of the environment. You can’t always predict the exact cause of the disturbance, but you know there will be some disturbance. Plan for it. Prepare your people for it. The sky will not fall. The top line may fall some… but that’s a lot different than the sky falling.

Tis the season to…

…supercharge your government communication strategy!

Move over, holiday shopping—attending “Capture It from The Start!” is the gift that will quite literally keep on giving all year long. 

And…from now until December 23rd, Kate and I are offering Special Holiday Pricing + Bonuses:

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• An exclusive invitation to a bonus "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) with Kate and me on February 3rd, 2025

Here Are The Highlights:

• Date: January 17, 2025
• Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m. ET
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