Christopher Kälin

ChrisKaelin

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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!

APMP certification is the gold standard for the industry. For me, accreditation is formal recognition of my commitment to the profession, as well as an avenue for improving my performance and bid outcomes by training in APMP principles.

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Ailsa Tuck, 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.

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

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, 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.

Florian Lamisch, CF ES-M 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

Certification has enhanced my worth as a bid professional. It has validated the skills and experience I have and is proof of my bid management qualities and capabilities. It has given me a springboard to develop my career and aim for Professional certification.

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Aynsley Davidson, CP APMP

The time was a good investment, and I expect to reap benefits now and in the future!

Kelly Erickson, CF APMP

This was my first APMP event, and I was wholly impressed. The energy in the room reignited my passion for this industry, and I can't wait to get back to my team to implement what I have learned.

Brittany Guzman

Brittany Guzman, 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.

Rita Mascia, CPP APMP