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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!

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
As a sales coach, the executive summary is vital for capturing and proposing management activities. This is an excellent addition to our members' professional standing, and I look forward to many more micro certifications.
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Suzanne Shields, CPP 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
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
With this micro-certification and digital badge, I signal to my bid team and stakeholders that I am familiar with this topic. They can use me as their contact and "sparring partner," independent of RFPs.
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Norbert Thiemermann, CPP ES-M 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
The Executive Summaries Micro-Certification exam was easy to follow and clear in what was required. I found the learning materials to be very informative, and they will be a great tool to use while in the exam and for future executive summary tasks.
SarahChapman
Sarah Chapman, CP ES-M APMP
Acquiring the executive summary micro certification has helped to build my confidence in producing best practice Executive Summaries. I also benefit from the social media badge for my LinkedIn profile and certification to add to my resume. Both of these allow me to verify my Executive Summary capabilities.
LauraRispin
Laura Rispin, CP ES-M APMP
APMP is an organization full of hardworking, enthusiastic professionals who are dedicated to promoting their industry and practicing their craft.
HeatherFinch
Heather Finch, CF APMP
I would advise new professionals to take advantage of the resources that APMP offers. Not only do you have access to conferences and seminars through your chapter, but the free webinars and the robust network of professionals are great benefits that can help advance one’s career.
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Valerie Kessie, CP APMP