These are the three most important things we have learned working for defense contractors in 2023.
- Time sensitive.
- Time is valuable, and defense contractors need a partner they trust to execute a job without worrying about the entire process, end product and when they are going to get it.
- In our experience, DOD contractors are often managing very costly and sensitive assets. Any and all questions related to the project need to be answered in pre-production. When it’s time to roll the cameras, you can’t afford second guessing and additional alibis – further delaying projects and raising costs.
- Lastly, you need a team with the confidence and experience to push through and execute the job in case something does come up. Confidence can be the difference between finishing a project on time and on budget vs. not.
- Mission first.
- Defense contractors are accustomed to serving a purpose greater then themselves. Everyone involved in their organization is ultimately led and driven by a common goal and they expect you as their service provider to do the same.
- Mission-ready. Part of being a mission-minded organization means you have to be flexible, yet responsive, easy to work with and always prepared to do the job you are hired to do. “Got your six” means so much more than being reliable.
- Success.
- At the end of the day, defense contractors expect a successful outcome. Your definition of success can be slightly different from their definition so ensure you understand what “success” means in their eyes before you cross the finish line. There’s a common phrase we love to preach at Poor Bear Stories, “you are only as good as your last job.”
- Reputation and trust are key, earned and never given.
If I could give three tips to help other video production companies as they service and assist defense contractors it would be this:
A. Carry a notepad or hire someone to carry a notepad and make sure not a note is missed nor a question unanswered – preparation is key.
B. Learn to keep your cool, operating under stressful conditions is common practice in the defense world and maintaining clarity will only help you to make better decisions when challenges arise.
C. Lastly, be patient and be diligent. Defense contracting can be a “slow” world compared to the corporate world. However, there are a lot of important plays being made behind the curtain and you aren’t making your clients’ job any easier by hounding them through the production process – yet, you can be diligent in making sure next steps are always set and the ball is moving forward.
If you are looking for a video production company to help you meet your media needs, reach out. We only ask for the opportunity to prove we have what it takes to ensure your next media project is a success.
Best regards,
Jacob Centeno
Founder/Poor Bear Stories