Form alliances with PMs

Over the past few months I've been networking quite a bit and set up a happy hour with the program manager (PM) for one of my sub-contracts.

I did not have a great relationship with the previous PM that he replaced, so this was an opportunity to start fresh.

We had dinner and drinks (I paid) and we talked about work, personal backgrounds, experiences, etc. Just getting to know you type of stuff.

Now, he's helping me get more spots on the contract and feeding me some "inside" information, mostly about the internal politics of the prime.

He is now in my alliance.

When you sub-contract or 1099 with a prime, you don't have a relationship with the prime. You have a relationship with the people that work for the prime.

The most important relationship you'll have is with the PM. They can advocate for you to to their boss and the government client. When they move to a new project or company, they'll help find a spot for you on other contracts.

So invest the time in relationships with key characters and build your 1099 alliance.

You'll need them eventually, and when you do, they'll be happy to help.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.