'Let's Talk' Faqs

So, you’re interested in participating in Let’s Talk, but not quite sure where to start? No problem. We want to help you share your experiences, so we have created this FAQ guide to help you through the process.

What is Let’s Talk?
How do I register my interest?
What happens after I submit my story through the form?
I have an idea for a story but I’m not sure it’s good enough.
There’s a question in the form about videos. Do I have to do one?
The form asks for the story to be anonymised and to have permission, what does this mean?
I can’t think of a catchy title. What do I do?
How long should I make each section of the online form?
Are you always looking for when things go wrong?
Can I leave a section blank?
I’ve written a story previously. Can I just send you that?
Where will the stories be published?
Do I have to write in English?

What is Let’s Talk?

We all know that the Body of Knowledge is full of best practices. But what can really give our profession a boost is seeing them in action through real experiences… Yours! If you’ve tackled a tough challenge and come out of it stronger, then you’ve definitely learned lessons that could help countless other professionals stuck in similar waters. We want to hear your wins, losses and learnings, and share them across our community with a view to creating an invaluable resource of practical advice for our members, rooted in real-life bidding stories.

How do I register my interest?

We’ve created an online form for you to complete – with availability in English, German, Dutch and French. The form asks for your name, chapter and contact details, some references to categorise your story and then some questions to form a storyboard. This will help to focus your story and extract the valuable lessons that will help others./p>

What happens after I submit my story through the form?

The online form is just the start. Once your entry is received, it will be triaged, and one of the team will be in touch with how best to progress. The aim of ‘Let’s Talk’ is to balance stories from across the BoK, and so we will sequence stories so that they demonstrate diversity. If we receive a number of stories on the same topic, your story may be held and released at a later date to maximise the impact of your story.

I have an idea for a story but I’m not sure it’s good enough.

No worries! We appreciate that some stories will need development and discussion. In the online form, there is an option to select if you need help with your story. If you select ‘yes’ to this, a member of the team will be in touch to help guide you through the process and help you get the best out of your story.

There’s a question in the form about videos. Do I have to do one?

The video is completely optional, and you don’t have to do anything straight away. The main aim for ‘Let’s Talk’ is to tell stories in the written form. We do anticipate that some stories will gain high levels of interest from the members, and so we would like to be able to approach the authors of those stories, should they be willing, to participate in a video.

The form asks for the story to be anonymised and to have permission, what does this mean?

We are conscious that many of these stories will centre around the inner workings of organisations, and will talk about business relationships and other individuals. In order to keep the integrity of the story while respecting the reputation and confidential information of individuals and organisations, you should write it in a way where no company or personal details are revealed. In particular, you should look to anonymise names of customers, colleagues and companies. Additionally, as this story will be published online (e.g., on LinkedIn), your organisation may see it. We recommend that you seek the necessary approvals from your organisation, ensuring that they are happy with your story being published. You don’t necessarily need this before completing the online form, but be prepared to achieve this before your story is published.

I can’t think of a catchy title. What do I do?

No problem! The title in the form is a working title that can be changed as your story develops. Think of something that will guide the reviewer of your online form as to what your story is about.

How long should I make each section of the online form?

The online form is designed for you to storyboard your story. We are not looking for the story to be fully realised in its final form. So, feel free to use bullet points and be concise in your language to help the team understand the key messages of your story. The final prose will be worked up later.

Are you always looking for when things go wrong?

Not necessarily. Whilst an element of peril aways makes for great reading with clear lessons, we would love to hear successes and other learning moments. Your story may give kudos, or it may refer to how you approached APMP certification.

Can I leave a section blank?

Ideally, the more information you can provide, the easier it will be for the team to triage your story. If you are struggling to complete a section of the online form, please select the option for help and one of the team can guide you accordingly.

I’ve written a story previously. Can I just send you that?

We appreciate that, for some, writing stories comes naturally. We do ask that, even if you have a developed story, you complete the online form. This will help us better triage stories and ensure we have diversity in our story release.

Where will the stories be published?

This is an APMP EMEA initiative and so stories will be shared across the EMEA Chapters through social media. Our aim is to have all stories in English, Dutch, German and French.

Do I have to write in English?

No, you can write in your most natural language. We aim to translate stories into English, Dutch, German and French and we’ve created the online forms in each language to help you complete them. Please note that translation is completed by a team of volunteers and so may take some additional time.