A Denver High Rise, 1 AM: A Turning Point in Marketing & Proposal Process

Piles of papers burying a person with a sign they hold up that says HELP!

Defining Moment of my Career

The scene, a high-rise in downtown Denver. The moment still vividly flashes before my eyes. There I was, surrounded by stacks of unfinished proposals, feeling the weight of $44 million potential wins for the company. As the clock ticked away, the looming deadline made me ponder a critical question: "Why am I the only one here?"

The Resilience of Marketing Professionals

I know I'm not alone. Throughout my 24-year career in the A/E/C industry, late-night proposal preparations became an all-too-familiar routine. I am sure many of you reading this are shaking your head… Um.. Yep….

Business woman looking stressed out

The Difference is in the Process

Suddenly, an Ah-Hah moment hit me like a ton of bricks! I had worked at 4 different companies over my career and one firm in particular, such late nights and last-minute panics were rare. And why was that? I realized it all came down to a systematic process I had put in place, was encouraged to extend the process not only for proposals but for the entire business development process for the firm. And most importantly, I was backed by unwavering support from the leadership.

The inspiration prompted me to write out my entire business development process, especially in the specialized realm of A/E/C. I empathize with the challenges faced by project managers and proposal coordinators in locating previously written information. Moreover, it's crucial to fully understand what an RFP is really asking and to demonstrate to the client that you are the absolute best option above all other companies. 

During the proposal phase, the absence of established systems and the leadership of less experienced staff can lead to growing frustrations. As tight deadlines approach, the combination of a new team member's inexperience and the lack of structured processes hampers progress, leaving the team exasperated. By the end of the proposal, there's a need for a vacation, yet waiting in the wings is another pursuit to prepare. 

It Took Me Long Enough!

For the past five years, Chickenango has supported many A/E/C industry clients with in-person proposal and business development training. We recognize that not everyone can set aside a full day or two for workshops, so we just created Chickenango University, a self-paced webinar series of modules tailored to the areas that need focus. 

Hand select what you need or take the full course for junior level employees who might need additional resources to catch them up to speed quick!  We've streamlined processes, equipped teams with new skills, and delved deep into specialized training for proposal coordinators, project managers, and business developers. This includes setting up systems and tools to organize and expedite information gathering, breaking down the RFP, constructing persuasive proposals, creating impactful themes, and enhancing collaboration to ensure a smooth proposal journey. 

We believe everyone deserves a chance to relax at home after work, enjoying time with loved ones. Life is already a balancing act between work, family, and countless other commitments. Why add to the chaos when there's a simpler, more effective way? Join us in making marketing in the A/E/C industry a smooth, streamlined, and successful journey. Let's make those late nights a thing of the past.

P.S. Reach out to learn more about how Chickenango University can redefine your proposal process and bring calm to the chaos.

Have a question? Reach out! contact@chickenango.com, Something has to change! And it all starts with ChickU!