FAST 50: Keys to success
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By
Nick Wakeman
Here are some tips we have gleaned from our interviews and analysis of the 2024 Washington Technology Fast 50.
- Have experienced leaders, healthy customer relationships and high technical expertise
- Build an active dialogue and partnership with the Small Business Administration
- Build your brand – your reputation can last for years, good and bad, so set high standards.
- Maintain a strategic focus – you can’t bid on everything. Know your core capabilities.
- Key skills for today's market – IT services, management consulting, engineering and systems integration, specialized expertise.
- Build your infrastructure from day one – accounting, human resources and recruiting. Critical for future growth. Build quality systems and processes early.
- Focus on building past performance credentials.
- Treat employees with respect and give them autonomy to get the work done.
- Recruit self-starters and analytically-minded people.
- Track adjacent markets for opportunities and grow your current customers.