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ChrisKaelin

Christopher Kälin, CPP APMP Fellow (Class of 2013)

Managing Partner, CSK Management Ltd.

Bio

Christopher S. Kälin is a global authority in bid and proposal management and the author of The Ultimate Bid and Proposal Compendium, which has become the number one reference book for bid and proposal managers across the planet. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of CSK Management. He works with companies around the world to win strategic deals and improve their success rates. He has helped them generate over 60 billion dollars in business across many industries, including IT, telecoms, defense, transportation, financial industries, event organization, gambling, and business outsourcing. He also conducts live and virtual training programs on how to win more business with bid and proposal best practices.

He is also a well-received speaker at business development conferences and sales conventions around the globe. He was co-founder and chairman of the German-speaking APMP chapter (Association of Proposal Management Professionals) and regional director for Europe/Africa. He is APMP-certified at Professional Level (CPP APMP) and is an APMP Approved Trainer. In 2013, he received the prestigious Fellows Award. He developed the BidMaster™ Framework and the Storyline Method™ for developing compelling proposals.

He graduated with a degree in Business Administration and Information Technology from Zurich University.

What does being an APMP Fellow mean to you?

APMP is the only organization that serves those with the same two passions I have: Managing and writing proposals. The brightest minds in the industry and the most passionate characters: I have met them all in the APMP universe, and many are Fellows. It makes me feel immensely proud to be a small part of this great community.

What's your best memory from attending an APMP event?

A lot of work... The first APMP event I ever attended was one that I had organized myself.

What advice do you have for a proposal professional entering our field?

Learn best practices, and get away from common practice! Learn, learn, learn!

I never want to be complacent in my career, so it has been beneficial to have this group of peers who are going through similar trials and tribulations in the proposal world on a day-to-day basis.
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Jill Zander, CF APMP
Being a part of APMP, I get access to the knowledge and experience of great leaders and mentors from the community. I have learned a great deal from the webinars and conferences I attended on diverse topics from career progression in Proposal Management, trends (such as automation) in PreSales to achieving work-life balance, and handling burn-outs – all real-life experiences.
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Shubhada Kulkarni, CP APMP
Receiving Practitioner-level certification boosted my confidence and validated my experiences and professional growth in the bid and proposal industry. The badge is something that I see each day, and it motivates and encourages me to keep networking, learning, and elevating others in our combined professional development goals.
Kim Ruff
Kim Ruff, CP APMP
The Executive Summary is the key element of each proposal, literally the most important part of the response next to the price – this is why my focus was on this micro certification. Understanding the principles of Deal-Strategy, Win-Strategy, Competitor-Analysis, Ghosting, Persuasive Writing, Features/Benefits/Discriminators, and many more is essential and beneficial for so much more than just the Executive Summary.
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Florian Lamisch, CF ES-M APMP
You can expand your network by attending the local Chapter webinar and events. They provide an opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals locally to create and share consumable content, ideas, tools, and resources.
Sonal
Sonal Bhatnagar, CP APMP, PMP
I love that my high scores in English and grammar from grade school finally paid off! I understand where I fit in professionally with a career that is rewarding on many levels. I owe all of this to APMP!
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Bette Sturino, CP APMP
APMP Certification is an important milestone in the bid and proposal profession. It helped me upgrade my knowledge and be competitive in the industry. You can achieve your dream career with APMP certifications. Thanks to APMP India.
Swapnil Patange
Swapnil Patange, CF APMP
APMP has changed my professional life, elevating it to a standard that I didn’t know existed. Aside from the professional advantages of being certified as an APMP Professional, it’s the community of members who make it so special.
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Rita Mascia, CPP APMP
For the first time since I started my career, I felt like I was not alone in my struggles to meet deadlines, wrangle SMEs, and answer impossible questions. I’m grateful to have this community to share our wisdom and experiences.
AnthonyRossi
Anthony Rossi, CF APMP
APMP has provided an incredible platform for seasoned individuals from the Proposal and Bid Management profession and young professionals who want to start their careers in this field.
Mayura
Mayura Ravishankar, Proposal Associate