PIE Presents: Tales from the Pitch Proposal Industry Experts

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

In this insightful episode of our business strategy series, we dive deep into the art of customer engagement and strategic alignment prior to the RFP (Request for Proposal) process. Our experts explore how businesses can effectively connect with customers to better understand and shape their needs and expectations, even before a formal RFP is issued. We'll discuss the crucial steps for aligning your offerings with potential projects and how this proactive approach can set the stage for more targeted and successful proposals. Tune in to discover actionable strategies that can help your business stand out and align more closely with customer goals, paving the way for enduring partnerships and project success.