PIE Presents: Tales from the Pitch

Community Updates

Welcome to 'Tales from the Pitch,' brought to you by Proposal Industry Experts. In this episode, hosts Ben Klein and Rachelle Ray share an unexpected twist—coming to you from the same location but separated by a few technical challenges. As they settle into a snowy New Mexico backdrop, they offer listeners a unique blend of relatable moments and insightful discussions. We are in our annual planning and tease out some of the things we want to do for the community in 2025. Tune in for a mix of proposal tips, real-life stories, and the camaraderie that makes every episode feel like a conversation with friends. Get ready for an entertaining temperature check that proves even tech mishaps can lead to great stories.
Want to join the community, it's free www.proposalindustryexperts.com

Navigating from a response tool.

In this episode of 'Tales from the Pitch,' Ben Klein and Rachelle Ray tackle a topic that resonates with many in the proposal world: transitioning away from a response tool. With humor and practical advice, they share their experiences, discuss the challenges of migration, and outline steps to ensure a smooth switch to new systems. If you've ever struggled with adapting to change or wondered how to effectively manage such a shift, this episode is packed with insights and relatable moments. Tune in to hear tips, strategies, and a few laughs along the way as the hosts guide you through the complexities of moving on from your trusted response tool.
Enjoying this show, come join us for free at www.proposalindustryexperts.com

Writing - Community Challenges to AI Editing: Tales from the Pitch

Join Ben Klein and Rachelle Ray on this episode of 'Proposal Industry Experts' as they explore the power of community and creativity in proposal writing. They dive into their latest community writing challenge, highlighting why strong writing skills are crucial in the proposal industry. The hosts also discuss the benefits of using AI tools like ChatGPT as an editor to elevate your writing game. Wrapping up the episode, they share an engaging 'Tales from the Pitch' segment, filled with real-life stories and lessons learned. Whether you're a seasoned proposal pro or just starting out, this episode offers practical insights and a touch of humor that you won't want to miss.
Like what you hear, come join us at www.proposalindustryexperts.com
 

AI Fumbles, Vacation Juggles, and a Printed Bid Nightmare

In this episode of Tales from the Pitch, Ben and Rachelle from Proposal Industry Experts dive into the lighter and more challenging sides of proposal management. First, they discuss the amusing and often frustrating limitations of AI in understanding proposal meeting notes, offering some laughs and insights into the evolving role of technology in the industry. Then, Rachelle shares her recent return from vacation and the unique stress that proposal managers face when trying to unplug, only to return to a mountain of work. Finally, they close with a cautionary tale about a printed bid gone horribly wrong—one of those pitch nightmares you’ll want to avoid! Join us for this fun and relatable conversation filled with practical tips and proposal industry wisdom.
 
Come join us for free for even more conversation at https://www.proposalindustryexperts.com

Navigating People Pleasing in Proposal Management with Steven Alvarez

In this episode of Tales from the Pitch, Ben Klein of Proposal Industry Experts (PIE) is joined by Steven Alvarez, a member of the customer advisory board (Bakers Dozen), to delve into the challenge of people pleasing in the proposal response industry. Steven offers his unique insights on how trying to satisfy everyone can lead to miscommunication, overpromising, and process breakdowns.
Together, Ben and Steven explore strategies for managing expectations while maintaining the integrity of the proposal process. Whether you're a proposal manager or part of a response team, you'll learn valuable tips on setting boundaries, staying focused, and delivering high-quality proposals without falling into the people-pleasing trap.
Want more Steven Alvarez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenralvarez/
Want more conversation: Join us free at https://proposalindustryexperts.com

The Proposal-Product Connection: Lessons from the Field with Lauren Styczynski

Join hosts Ben Klein and Rachelle Ray, founders of Proposal Industry Experts (PIE), as they sit down with Lauren Styczynski from their customer advisory board to explore the powerful connection between product management and proposal management. In this episode, Lauren shares practical insights on how adopting a product management mindset can revolutionize the way proposals are managed, leading to improved workflows and career satisfaction. Stick around until the end for a fun, unexpected story from Lauren about a memorable pitch that’s sure to entertain and inspire. Whether you're in product management or proposal management, this episode has something for you!
Connect with Lauren - https://laurenstyczynski.weebly.com/ linkedin.com/in/lauren-styczynski / 
 
Want more great insights.. come join us free at https://proposalindustryexperts.com
 

Creativity in Government Contracting: Proposal Graphics with Lauren Leulu

In this episode, Lauren Leulu, a seasoned expert in U.S. government contracting and proposal graphics, shares her unique approach to creating impactful visuals for proposals and breaking down complex concepts in government bids. Lauren’s insights offer a fresh perspective on how to balance creativity with the rigid structures of federal contracting. Tune in to hear her tips on proposal graphics and a fascinating story from the world of government contracting!
Lauren Leulu https://leuluandco.com/
Join us free at www.proposalindustryexperts.com
 
 

Temperature Check 12 09 24 Creative Problem Solving & Career Growth with Ama Cobbina

We strongly recommend watching this on our youtube channel as Ama literally draws out how she makes sense of what is going on in her thinking.
https://youtu.be/kr246rjYVwo?si=0YTqdXJIyeMAgVy_
 
In this episode, Ama Cobbina shares her unique approach to career development and problem-solving without needing visuals. Through engaging storytelling, she walks us through her career journey, offering insights into how creativity can unlock new opportunities and help tackle challenges. Listen in as Ama shares her methods for working through problems, followed by an inspiring story from her time in the pitch room. If you're looking for new ways to approach your career and professional growth, this episode is a must-listen.
Ama Cobbina https://www.linkedin.com/in/ama-cobbina/
Come join us free at www.proposalindustryexperts.com

Sales, BD, and Proposals with Kevin Thompson | Tales from the Pitch

In this episode of Thursday Temperature Check, Rachelle Ray and Ben Klein sit down with Kevin Thompson to explore where sales and business development (BD) intersect with proposals. The conversation is broken into three engaging parts:
Part 1: Introduction to Kevin ThompsonGet to know Kevin Thompson, his background, and his experience in the sales and proposal industry.
Part 2: Where Sales & BD Meet ProposalsKevin shares his expert insights on how sales and BD teams collaborate with proposal teams to drive success and win bids.
Part 3: Tales from the Pitch – Kevin’s Strange Bid StoryIn the premiere of our new segment, Tales from the Pitch, Kevin shares a bizarre and memorable bid story that you won’t want to miss.
Listen in for a mix of industry insights, practical advice, and entertaining stories that shed light on the fascinating world of proposals.

Post-Conference Reflections & AI Proposal Updates

 
In this episode of Thursday Temperature Check, Rachelle Ray and Ben Klein share their post-conference reflections, offering a mix of casual banter and valuable insights for the proposal industry. They discuss Javier Escartin’s thought-provoking newsletter, which questions the relevance of proposals in today’s fast-paced business environment.
The episode concludes with a major announcement: Proposal Industry Experts is reworking the APPE (AI Proposal Certificate) to stay aligned with the rapid advancements in AI technology.
In this episode, we cover:
Post-conference reflections and updates.
Javier Escartin’s newsletter: Do proposals still matter?
The upcoming rework of the APPE to address the evolving landscape of AI in the proposal space.
Tune in for an engaging discussion on the future of proposals, the impact of AI, and what’s next for Proposal Industry Experts.