PIE Presents: Tales from the Pitch

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.
 
 

Leadership Changes at PIE and our 2024-2025 Year

In this episode, Rachelle Ray from RMR Consulting and Ben Klein from Geek Proposals discuss significant changes within Proposal Industry Experts Inc., including Ryn Bennett's departure. As the team prepares for 2024-2025, Rachelle and Ben share their thoughts on how this leadership change will shape the company’s future.
Key talking points include:
Reflections on Ryn Bennett’s time at Proposal Industry Experts.
What does their departure mean for the team and stakeholders?
Our strategic plans and goals for the upcoming year.
Tune in for an insightful conversation on navigating transitions and planning for success in the proposal industry.
Listen now and join us as we discuss the future of Proposal Industry Experts!

Future-Proofing Proposals: Embracing AI and Effective Mentorship

In this episode of "Tales from the Pitch," hosts Ben Kline and Rachelle Ray dive into the transformative impacts of AI on the proposal industry and discuss the power of effective mentorship. They explore how AI is reshaping proposal processes, addressing both the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating new technologies. The hosts also highlight the upcoming RFWin event, emphasizing the benefits of participating, especially for introverts who may find traditional networking daunting.
Furthermore, Rachelle introduces a structured mentorship program aimed at supporting professionals in navigating their careers in the proposal industry. This initiative promises to pair participants with mentors who can provide tailored guidance and support, enhancing their professional development.
Join Ben and Rachelle as they unpack these exciting developments, offering insights and tips on how to leverage AI and mentorship to advance in the proposal field.

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.