The Summit Explorer

Turning chaos into confetti. We’ve made it through the first month of the new year, and it’s time to seriously consider how we’ll be focusing our 2023 energy. Of course, a great way to look forward is first to reflect on where we’ve been.

“Every single function that goes into preparing and winning proposals is extremely important. It’s frankly one of the only ways a business can sustain its size and grow,” says Krystn Macomber, the founder of Summit Strategy.

Building a successful business requires resilience, determination, a growth mindset, and a dash of serendipity. As fellow APMP members, we’re guessing you’re proficient in your career, maybe even an expert at your craft – whether that’s proposal management, writing, designing, or business development. But being great at your craft doesn’t mean you’ll be great at running your own business.

There are many reasons organizations may look to an outside consultant. Whether it’s bringing a fresh perspective and dedicated support to a large project, entering a new market, winning complex government contracts, or strategizing an all-encompassing brand refresh, consultants can bring a new perspective and much-needed expertise to your business.

For decades, proposal professionals have spent their days (and, let’s face it, sometimes their nights) huddled in dark, windowless war rooms. Countless hours have been spent strategizing, writing, tweaking, and collaborating with team members late into the evening over cold pizza, soda, and junk food. For decades, these war rooms have been a hallmark of our profession. Managing a must-win proposal? First task – book a war room.

Are you wasting precious resources pursuing projects you have no chance of winning? Does your organization go, go, go after every new project under the sun? Do you joke that your go/no-go process is actually a go/GO process?