Category: Blog

Three Tips for a Successful Remote Conference Call

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Recently, I posted a piece about key tips to set yourself up successfully to work from home. As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on our economy and professional environment, we have an increased need for online group conversations. Luckily, there has been a dramatic increase in the number and reliability of video teleconferencing (VTC) options available to both the individual and organization. In fact, several services are offering their solutions free of charge during this national crisis.

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Three Tips to a Successful Stand-up

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There are several small components that are important for proposal success. To me, one of the most critical is the proposal stand-up. To have a successful bid, proposal leadership must have insight into how the bid is progressing and how the team is doing. Stand-ups are the best way to avoid being surprised during the bid process, inform executive leadership of progress, and build team morale. What do we need to have a successful standup? Here are my three key tips.

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Is There a Place for the War Room Any More?

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We live in an interconnected world. When I have to travel to support my clients, I take some small comfort in being able to FaceTime to say good night to my children. I regularly use text messaging and WhatsApp to communicate with consultants and clients across the country and around the world. I recently led a proposal effort where the team was able to collaboratively develop strategies and content from two different US time zones, the UK, central Europe, and the Middle East.

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Preparing for STARS III: Five DOs and DON’Ts

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STARS III is a critical bid opportunity for any 8(a) certified small business. Missing out on a spot on this GSA vehicle can make the difference between explosive growth and struggling for opportunities. So, what do 8(a) firms need to do, and avoid, to successfully win a slot on the vehicle?

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Know Your Market: Three Free Ways to Gain Market Insights for Proposal Professionals

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This post continues our Lessons from Business Reality TV series. Click here for the entire series.

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Top Three Takeaways from 2018 Bid and Proposal Con

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We are excited to launch a new feature on our blog – a video blog entry! Today, our President and CEO, Kevin Switaj, shares his top three takeaways from the 2018 APMP Bid and Proposal Conference in San Diego.

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Four Tools to Help Your Proposal Writing

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Proposal writing is a tricky business. The ability to craft a compliant, clear, compelling narrative is the number one challenge facing almost every organization. Whether a company competes in the Government or commercial sector, everyone seems to have trouble getting enough people to contribute, and to put together high-quality content.

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SPAC 2018 – A Great Trip and Conference

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The theme for SPAC 2018 was “Proposals from Start to Finish.” Much of the imagery chosen by the organizers revolved around travel. Little did they know the challenge those of us from the DC area would have getting to Atlanta!

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Lessons from the Real World 3: Applying Business Examples to Opportunity Development

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NOTE: This post is the third and final in a series of three posts expanding on ideas in a recent webinar I conducted for the APMP California chapter with the same title.

be known for something

When you are known for something, you create a better connection with the customer and increase satisfaction. Companies look to build solid reputations based on an area of expertise. Many companies have great reputations based on what they do well. For example, Honda makes a lot of products, including cars, trucks, lawn mowers, and more. But if you ask Honda, they really want to be known for high-quality engines.

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Lessons from the Real World 2: Applying Business Examples to Opportunity Development

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NOTE: This post is the second in a series of three posts expanding on ideas in a recent webinar I conducted for the APMP California chapter with the same title.

customized standardization

In today’s fast-paced world, being able to provide high-quality, repeatable processes can be the difference between success and failure. Nowhere has that trend seen greater resonance than in dining. People, especially millennials, are abandoning both ends of the spectrum (fast food and traditional sit-down dining) in favor of “fast casual” establishments. Firms like Roti and Chipotle have benefited from filling this space.

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