PIE Presents: Tales from the Pitch

In this episode of 'Tales from the Pitch,' Ben Klein and Rachelle Ray tackle a topic that resonates with many in the proposal world: transitioning away from a response tool. With humor and practical advice, they share their experiences, discuss the challenges of migration, and outline steps to ensure a smooth switch to new systems. If you've ever struggled with adapting to change or wondered how t...

Join Ben Klein and Rachelle Ray on this episode of 'Proposal Industry Experts' as they explore the power of community and creativity in proposal writing. They dive into their latest community writing challenge, highlighting why strong writing skills are crucial in the proposal industry. The hosts also discuss the benefits of using AI tools like ChatGPT as an editor to elevate your writing game. Wr...

In this episode of Tales from the Pitch, Ben and Rachelle from Proposal Industry Experts dive into the lighter and more challenging sides of proposal management. First, they discuss the amusing and often frustrating limitations of AI in understanding proposal meeting notes, offering some laughs and insights into the evolving role of technology in the industry. Then, Rachelle shares her recent retu...

In this episode of Tales from the Pitch, Ben Klein of Proposal Industry Experts (PIE) is joined by Steven Alvarez, a member of the customer advisory board (Bakers Dozen), to delve into the challenge of people pleasing in the proposal response industry. Steven offers his unique insights on how trying to satisfy everyone can lead to miscommunication, overpromising, and process breakdowns. Together,...

Join hosts Ben Klein and Rachelle Ray, founders of Proposal Industry Experts (PIE), as they sit down with Lauren Styczynski from their customer advisory board to explore the powerful connection between product management and proposal management. In this episode, Lauren shares practical insights on how adopting a product management mindset can revolutionize the way proposals are managed, leading to...

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 an...

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 in...

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 Thompson Get to know Kevin Thompson, his background, and his experience in the sales and proposal industry. Part 2: Where Sales &...

  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: Propo...

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 Ind...

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...

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...

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 everyon...

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...

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 professio...

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 mat...

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...

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 strategi...

Dive into the transformative world of artificial intelligence in this episode of "Tech Tides" with special guests, Ryn Bennett and Ben Klein from the startup PIE. They explore practical ways to integrate AI into your existing tech workflow, enhancing efficiency and innovation. Ryn provides a step-by-step guide on incorporating AI tools into various aspects of business operations, from automated cu...

Join us as we welcome Amy Herodacek, a renowned figure in the sales landscape with a rich background in enterprise software sales, sales enablement, and as a successful C-level executive. Amy shares her expert insights into the troubling statistics highlighted in recent reports by Pavilion and the Mental Health in Sales Report, which reveal a stark reality: a significant percentage of sales reps a...

Dive into this week’s episode of "Thursday Temperature Check," where our hosts return from Portland with fresh t-shirts and fresher insights. From discussing the latest fashion choices to unpacking the rich learnings of the Pacific Regional Conference for SMPS, the team explores vital industry trends, challenges in talent retention, and the evolving dynamics of the AEC sector. Join us for a vibran...

In a compelling episode of the Proposal Industry Experts (PIE) podcast, the co-founders shared their insights on making RFP (Request for Proposal) submissions more appealing. They emphasized the importance of understanding the reader's needs and preferences, advocating for a tailored approach that highlights clarity, relevance, and the unique value proposition of the proposal. Key strategies inclu...

In this episode of the Proposal Industry Experts podcast, host Ben welcomes Liz Kepner, a seasoned proposal professional with extensive experience in government contracting. They delve into the intricate world of federal proposals, discussing topics ranging from team formation and relationship management to the challenges of navigating RFPs. Liz shares insights into her role as a deputy director,...

Firstly, we explore the importance of writing samples in the proposal industry. Our expert hosts discuss how writing samples serve as a window into a candidate's communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to tailor content to specific audiences. We provide insights into what makes an effective writing sample, whether it's showcasing technical expertise, persuasive writing, or storytell...

In this episode, our proposal management expert discusses crucial strategies for remote work in the proposal management field. Explore upcoming webinars focused on software buying guides, avoiding burnout, and remote work challenges. Gain insights and actionable tips from an industry veteran to excel in proposal management while working remotely.