PIE Presents: Tales from the Pitch

Navigating Proposal Crunch Time

In this lively episode of "Tales from the Pitch," hosts Ben Klein and Rachelle Ray tackle the high-energy world of proposal management. Rachelle shares her strategy for handling emergency bids and discusses the nuances of charging for rush services. They also highlight the upcoming RFWin event, which promises valuable bid shredding sessions for refining proposal skills.
The duo also dives into the evolving role of AI in proposal processes, encouraging professionals to embrace technology to enhance their effectiveness and value within their organizations.
Tune in for a dose of practical insights and spirited discussion, perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their proposal management skills!

Survey Results: Finding Joy and Inclusion

Join us for a warm and engaging episode of "Tales from the Pitch," where the hosts share laughs and insights about finding balance in our hectic lives. They chat about the small victories in doing just enough to stay sane and productive, and how taking it easy can sometimes be the secret to success.
The episode also celebrates Pride Month, with a heartfelt discussion on the efforts to make everyone feel welcome and valued. The hosts reflect on positive community feedback and the profound impact of nurturing a safe space for all voices to be heard.
Additionally, they touch on the intriguing role of AI in streamlining day-to-day tasks in procurement, making work life a bit easier. The conversation rounds out with a look forward to exciting community activities, including a new mentorship program and the much-anticipated INSPIRE and USPIRE awards, which aim to honor the movers and shakers as well as the steady leaders in the industry.
Tune in to this episode for a dose of good vibes, thoughtful reflections, and a peek at what’s brewing in the community. It's all about coming together, learning from each other, and moving forward with enthusiasm and inclusivity.

The Power of Clear Writing in Proposal Success with Chris Gillespie

Tired of writing proposals that vanish into a black hole? Join our chat with Chris Gillespie, CEO of a content studio focused on making writing clear. In this episode, you'll learn:
The secret sauce to clear writing that makes proposals stand out (hint: it's not jargon!)
How to write for the busy reader who's skimming, not savoring
A sneaky trick to prove your writing is the best with A/B testing
Bonus! How to handle legal and compliance without sacrificing clarity
This episode is for you if:
You write proposals (and secretly dream of winning them all)
You're tired of confusing jargon and generic language
You want to make your writing clear, concise, and...dare we say...enjoyable?

AI, Onboarding & Networking: Must-Knows for Proposal Professionals

Is it a recipe for disaster or a delicious opportunity? Join us as we explore the upcoming Proposal Industry Experts (PI) conference, RFWIN, focusing on AI in proposals and the future of the field.
We'll also dish on hot topics like:
The onboarding struggle: Balancing comprehensiveness with time commitment when bringing new contractors on board.
A seat at the strategy table: Why proposal professionals need to be in the room and understand client KRAs (Key Result Areas).
The networking imperative: Networking is key, especially as the industry evolves towards more consultancy work.
So, grab your laptop, ditch the oatmeal raisin cookies (taco chip cookies are the way to go!), and get ready to learn, network, and grow your proposal prowess!
This episode is perfect for you if:
You're a proposal professional looking to stay ahead of the curve.
You're curious about the impact of AI on the proposal industry.
You want to learn how to onboard new team members effectively.
You're looking to improve your networking skills.

Proposal Power Up: Industry Survey, RFWIN Conference & More!

Is AI the future of proposal writing? We chat about Pi AI Day and explore the potential of AI tools in the proposal writing process. While some are embracing this new technology, others are taking a more cautious approach. Find out where your clients stand on AI-powered proposals.
Calling all survey participants! We're on a mission to reach 1,000 responses for our member survey, and your voice matters! Even if you're not a member, we encourage you to participate.
Mark your calendars! The RFWIN Conference is coming up on August 8th and 9th. Don't miss out on early bird discounts, and for Baker's Corner Pro members, this year's conference is included in your membership! Plus, we discuss a pre-conference session with the renowned copywriting organization, Fenwick.
Tune in for industry insights, upcoming events, and a look ahead to the future of proposal writing!

Balancing Acts: Navigating Workloads and Wellbeing in Proposal Management

In this episode, Ben and Rachelle discuss the ongoing challenges of balancing work demands with personal life, particularly in the context of proposal management. They share personal stories about upgrading technology and the impact on their work efficiency, transitioning to cloud computing, and the broader implications of work culture on personal time and stress management. Special focus is given to the necessity of evolving proposal software tools and the importance of using AI to streamline processes.
Key Discussions:
Technology and Efficiency: Ben discusses his transition to a new computer and how technology can both hinder and enhance productivity.
Work-Life Balance: The hosts delve into the pressures of managing significant workloads against personal commitments, such as family events and personal health.
Industry Tools and AI: Discussion on the current state of AI in proposal management, exploring how these tools can alleviate workload and improve the quality of proposals.
Corporate Culture and Mental Load: Rachelle reflects on the 'pack mule' mentality prevalent in many work environments, particularly in how professionals in the proposal industry often feel obligated to overextend themselves to prove their worth.

AI and Bidding with Chris Bassila: Simple Frameworks for Smart Strategies

In this insightful episode of our podcast, we explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in bid management and proposal development. Our special guest, Chris, a consultant with extensive experience in the aerospace and defense sectors, shares his journey into integrating AI into bid processes. He discusses his initial challenges, the potential he sees in AI to enhance strategic decision-making, and provides a detailed look at various AI applications in bid management through an engaging framework.
Chris delves into the fears and opportunities that AI presents to industry professionals, emphasizing the need for upskilling and adopting a strategic approach to remain competitive. He also introduces his AI Opportunity Map, a tool designed to help professionals identify how AI can enhance different aspects of bid management, from task automation to strategy enablement.
Listeners will gain an understanding of how AI can be a complement rather than a substitute in the workforce, pushing the boundaries of traditional bid management towards more innovative and efficient practices. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of technology and proposal management, offering both theoretical insights and practical advice on navigating the evolving landscape of competitive bidding.

Smarter Not Harder: AI Integration Essentials for Your Tech Stack

Dive into the transformative world of artificial intelligence in this episode of "Tech Tides" with special guests, Ryn Bennett and Ben Klein from the startup PIE. They explore practical ways to integrate AI into your existing tech workflow, enhancing efficiency and innovation. Ryn provides a step-by-step guide on incorporating AI tools into various aspects of business operations, from automated customer service to data analysis enhancements. Meanwhile, Ben focuses on the technical aspects, discussing how to seamlessly adapt your tech stack to include AI, with an emphasis on scalability and security. The duo also tackles common pitfalls and best practices for a smooth AI adoption process. Whether you're an IT professional, a project manager, or a business owner, this episode will equip you with the essential knowledge and strategies to leverage AI effectively within your organization. Tune in to transform your tech workflow with AI's power!

Finding Balance: How to Transform Proposals and Sales to Value Well-being

Join us as we welcome Amy Herodacek, a renowned figure in the sales landscape with a rich background in enterprise software sales, sales enablement, and as a successful C-level executive. Amy shares her expert insights into the troubling statistics highlighted in recent reports by Pavilion and the Mental Health in Sales Report, which reveal a stark reality: a significant percentage of sales reps are struggling with their mental health, compounded by an industry standard that pushes unrealistic quotas and expectations.
We learn how proposal team members can play an important role in supporting their sales colleagues, and how sales and proposal folks share a lot of the same (justified) complaints. 
This episode is not just a critique but a call to action for sales leaders, proposal managers, and all those involved in the revenue process to adopt more empathetic, efficient, and effective practices that can lead to healthier work environments and better sales outcomes. Whether you're in sales, proposals, or any role that contributes to the revenue engine, this conversation sheds light on the critical need for change in how we approach sales and support our teams.

Beyond Boundaries: Embracing Diversity & Innovation in AEC

Dive into this week’s episode of "Thursday Temperature Check," where our hosts return from Portland with fresh t-shirts and fresher insights. From discussing the latest fashion choices to unpacking the rich learnings of the Pacific Regional Conference for SMPS, the team explores vital industry trends, challenges in talent retention, and the evolving dynamics of the AEC sector. Join us for a vibrant discussion on nurturing talent, embracing diversity, and shaping the future of the industry, all while fostering a community spirit that champions growth and innovation.