Lessons from the Real World 1: Applying Business Examples to Opportunity Development
NOTE: This post is the first in a series of three posts expanding on ideas in a recent webinar I conducted for the APMP California chapter with the same title.
Many people working in proposals think proposal development has little if anything in common with other professions. How often, for example, do you feel at a loss trying to explain your job? I know when people ask me what I do, I always struggle for a simple, easily understood answer. I usually end up saying I help companies try to win business with the Government, which usually generates a response of, “oh, so you’re in sales” (which is another post altogether!).
Despite the unique challenges every proposal professional faces, the good news is we are not alone. Most fields have aspects that outsiders cannot understand. However, this does not mean we should lock ourselves in a bubble. There is much we can learn from other industries and other professions.