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MikeParkinson

Mike Parkinson, CPP APMP Fellow (Class of 2008)

Principal
24 Hour Company

Bio

Mike is a geek. He is a CPP APMP Fellow, 1 of 36 Microsoft PowerPoint MVPs in the world, an internationally recognized communication and proposal expert, a best-selling author, and a professional trainer. Mike has spearheaded multi-billion dollar projects and created thousands of graphics resulting in billions of dollars in increased revenue for his clients. His keynotes, training, books (“Billion Dollar Graphics” and “A Trainer's Guide to PowerPoint: Best Practices for Master Presenters.”), and tools (www.Build-a-Graphic.com) help companies succeed while saving money and time. Mike owns Billion Dollar Graphics (www.BillionDollarGraphics.com) and is a partner at 24 Hour Company (www.24hrco.com), the premier proposal graphics firm.

Mike regularly conducts workshops and creates graphics, presentations, and content for companies like Microsoft, FedEx, Pfizer, Xerox, Dell, Subaru, Nestle, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing, as well as at learning institutions and government agencies like NSA, CMS, OCC, the Army, and the SEC.

For fun, Mike is an artist, a pop culture connoisseur, enjoys exercise and fitness, and loves helping others achieve their goals.

What does being an APMP Fellow mean to you?

Being an APMP Fellow is an honor. It means that I will always be an advocate for positive change in our industry and help others find value within APMP.

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

So many "best" memories: meeting people who became my dearest friends, dancing at social events, and geeking out with my fellow proposal nerds. If I had to pick my best memory, it would be giving my At-a-Glance keynote at the APMP BPC 2019. What an amazing experience. The support and feedback exceeded my expectations.

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

Two things that helped me... One, I found a mentor. Two, I eventually understood the "why" (the psychology) behind what and how we do what we do. Once I had a deeper understanding, SO many things clicked for me.

Anything else you would like to share?

Thanks, APMP, for being a wonderful organization with passionate members and staff!

The time was a good investment, and I expect to reap benefits now and in the future!
Kelly Erickson
Kelly Erickson, 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
Achieving certification sends a message to the world that I’m dedicated and accomplished as a proposal manager. I feel proud of earning this title and I encourage others to join our ranks.
Jessica Davis
Jessica Davis, CF APMP
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 this micro-certification allows me to expand my aperture regarding the collaboration between capture and proposal management to develop more robust, customer-centric Executive Summaries for future pursuits. It allows me to advance my skill set, evolve my knowledge, and reflect my commitment to continuous learning.
Yuter
Stephen Yuter, 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
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
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
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
The certifications, starting from the foundation to the professional level, help individuals from diverse timeframes in their careers.
Mayura
Mayura Ravishankar, Proposal Associate