The Market Is at Record Highs, and Your Sales Are Flat. Both Things Are True.

Markets are at record highs. Most sellers are reporting flat or down numbers against last year. The disconnect is the story of this episode.I break down the three categories of government activity creating buying triggers in 2026: tax incentives, direct funding programs, and policy mandates. Real examples include IRS Section 179 (where one auto dealer used the 100% same-year write-off to 5X commercial van sales), Canadian healthcare innovation funding tied to the top five priorities across health authorities, and the broader pattern of policy mandates from EV rebates to sunsetting unsafe technology.The episode closes with an 8-step play for finding the programs relevant to your industry, building a targeted campaign around one offer, and executing with the authority of someone who showed up with the answer already mapped.What you'll take away:- The three categories of government-led buying triggers worth tracking- A real case study (Section 179, luxury auto dealer, 5X sales lift)- An 8-step play you can run this week to find programs relevant to your segment- Why sellers who align with policy will outperform sellers blaming the economy in 2026One reminder: I am not a tax accountant. All tax examples are illustrative. Consult your professional.Resources mentioned:- IRS Section 179- National Research Council Canada IRAP- Federal and provincial healthcare priorities (Canada)Your challenge: Pick one program in your industry, find it before the end of the week, and reply with what you found. I read every response.Find more at outboundsos.comNewsletter at jeffswan18.substack.com Get full access to #NoVendors by Jeff Swan at jeffswan18.substack.com/subscribe