The Power of Rethinking: Why Intellectual Humility Matters
The Power of Rethinking: Why Intellectual Humility Matters Maintaining an accurate connection to reality is crucial in a constantly evolving world. Nicole and I were hosting the Monthly Member Meeting for the APMP NCA Chapter and through the discussion this point was brought up in one way, or another, often. So it got me thinking about a book I read over 10 years ago. It speaks about our beliefs, especially the fundamental ones, which can shape our perceptions in ways that illuminate or distort the truth. Adam Grant's book “Think Again” explores the power of rethinking and emphasizes that intellectual humility can be more valuable than intelligence alone. Recognizing the Problem: One of the biggest obstacles to rethinking is overconfidence. People often adopt roles that hinder open inquiry: preachers defend their ideas without questioning them; prosecutors focus on proving others wrong rather than seeking the truth; and
Step Back In Time – A look back at the Executive Summary
A huge thank you to all of our readers, new and old, who stay up to date with our weekly blog, Pens Down - we look forward to sharing so much more the rest of the year! A look back at The Executive Summary It’s been a few weeks since we’ve started this new weekly format, and I thought it would be fitting to take a look back at our humble beginnings as a bi-monthly
Three Ways Proposals Are Like Building a House
Three Ways Proposals Are Like Building a House Happy 2021! After a challenging and rocky 2020, I know so many of us are looking forward to new beginnings and a smoother year in 2021. I’m definitely no exception. In fact, my fiancé Kevin and I are in the process of building our dream home. But it wasn’t something we set out last year planning to do—we just kind of—fell into it. As you know, safe,
I’ll Get In Shape After This Proposal, and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves
I’ll Get In Shape After This Proposal, and Other Lies We Tell Ourselves The Number 1 Lie The number 1 lie the general population tells themselves at the beginning of each new year: This year I will finally get in shape. I’m going to be a new person starting January 1! The number 1 lie people like us tell ourselves is: I’ll get in shape as soon as this proposal is over! Staying healthy during
Welcome to Our Weekly blog, Pens Down!
New Year, New Universe - Working and Living in a Distanced World Maybe not everyone, but I’d say a good majority of us would agree that 2020 was just not the best year. There are silver linings to find for sure, such as our advanced 21st century technology that saved the day and let a huge swath of the population keep working while also safely quarantined. Not just our profession, but the national workforce was
Three Surprising Things I’ve Learned as a Student of Proposal Writing
As a student of proposal writing rather than an active member of the field, it does feel presumptuous to be writing about the topic with a mere two semesters of writing for proposals (barely) under my belt. However, as a newcomer to the field, I do think I have an interesting perspective on the nature, function, and presence of the field. Without further ado, here are three things that initially surprised me about proposal writing.
Recording Available: “APMP Webinar – What’s SUPS”
Our recent webinar recording is now available. Are you looking for a way to better articulate your discriminating value proposition? This webinar will show you how to explain the Strengths of your offer that bring value to the customer. Using Lohfeld Consulting’s SUPS methodology – Strengths, Understanding, Process and Summary – attendees will learn how and then practice their proposal writing skills. Lisa Pafe, CPP APMP Fellow and PMP, is Vice President of Lohfeld Consulting
Recording Available: “Ask the Experts: Bid and Proposal Con 2019 Edition”
Our recent webinar recording is now available. Three summaries of presentations from the 2019 Bid and Proposal Conference in Florida are presented. View the recording here >
2019 MAC Call for Speakers
APMP-NCA 2019 Mid-Atlantic Conference and Expo Call for Speakers APMP-NCA solicits abstracts for presentations at the 2019 Mid-Atlantic Conference and Expo (MAC). We are looking for sessions that use a variety of presentation methods (standard presentations (with PPT slides), panels, workshops, etc.) and provide innovative, actionable insights that attendees can use in their day-to-day experience as Business Development, Capture, and Proposal professionals. Approximately 300 individuals will attend the MAC on October 17th in Tyson’s Corner,
Recording Available: “No Money. No Design Skills. No Problem”
Our recent webinar recording is now available. The presentation does not start until 12:40 in the recording. Get the latest tools and techniques to make professional proposal graphics quickly with little to no money. No design skill needed. All participants get a collection of 1800 icons, step-by-step guides to making graphics, and Mike's Graphic Cheat Sheet. Do not miss this high-energy, enlightening event. It will change how you make proposals. Presenter: Mike Parkinson, CPP APMP
Scholarship for 2019 APMP International Bid & Proposal Conference
A scholarship award is available in the amount of a full early bird conference registration for the 2019 APMP International Bid & Proposal Conference in Orlando, May 20 – 23, 2019. Please refer to the conference web site for specific conference information: https://www.apmp.org/general/custom.asp?page=orlando. The scholarship covers Early Bird Full Registration for an APMP member affiliated with NCA. The award is for 2019 only, and the scholarship award will be paid directly to APMP to cover
Recording Available: “Assessing Capture Readiness”
Our recent webinar about assessing capture readiness is now available. Business capture takes time and money, sometimes with few tangible results. How do you assess capture readiness for each opportunity in your pipeline? This webinar will explore Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that help you measure and track capture progress, improve capture quality and increase PWin. Presenter: Lisa Pafe, CPP APMP Fellow and PMP, Vice President of Lohfeld Consulting Group, brings nearly 30 years of capture
Recording Available: “Top 5 PowerPoint Tips and Tricks”
Our recent webinar about using PowerPoint is now available. Learn from a Microsoft PowerPoint MVP (1 of 34 in the world). This session will blow you away! Get the top five secrets the pros use to make and deliver the best-of-the-best PowerPoint presentations. See how you can build almost any graphic in PowerPoint, make professional slides quickly, and keep your audience engaged and eager to learn. Discover where to get the best visuals, infographics, photographs,
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A Publication of the Association of
Proposal Management Professionals
National Capital Area Chapter