Renee Golding is a Proposal Manager with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Recently, she joined APMP and has immediately recognized the benefits.
In your opinion, what is the most important trait needed for someone to be successful in the industry?
While there are several traits individuals in the industry must have to be successful, one of the most important is to clearly communicate/articulate while knowing your audience base. If you don’t know your audience base, research them before writing and managing your proposals.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
I guarantee many proposal writers and managers will say the same thing – getting knowledge/content from experts promptly. Over the years, I have formed (and followed, which is KEY) processes and upfront expectations for others to make this experience more streamlined and effective.
How did you get started in the bid & proposal industry?
My journey started assisting with Request for Proposals for healthcare consulting. I worked alongside industry experts for ten (10) years, learning the fundamentals of Request for Proposal responses. Skills such as organization, critical thinking, adaptability, the ability to clearly communicate, audience understanding, and initiative and drive all served me well in this career. In 2021, it was time for a change. I sought out a company that was modern, innovative, and flexible. Enter Element451. Element451 is an advanced student engagement CRM, that provides higher ed institutions with a competitive admissions advantage from recruitment to enrollment and beyond through AI, student behavior data, and modern marketing automation. The company attracted my attention with its incredible product, the knowledge and expertise of its team, and its approach to work/life balance. My interviews were with three completely different personalities, all equally as riveting. Today, I continue to take Element451 proposals to a new level for this fantastic, cutting-edge company.
What is your role now?
Proposal Manager at Element451.
How long have you been a member of APMP?
I joined APMP in August of 2022. Since then, I quickly earned my APMP Foundation Level Certification. I plan to earn my APMP Practitioner Level Certification in the next year of my career.
What do you like to do when you are not winning bids and proposals?
My kids are my life. Elias, Eve, and Abram and 5, 3, and 1, respectively. I love spending time with them, and my husband, as a family. We hike, travel, visit farms, caves, family, and friends, and find all the kid activities nearby! I volunteer at their school/daycare when I can, and we recently started Boy Scouts and dance classes. The flexibility of being a Proposal Manager and working for a company with a strong family culture allows me to be the best I can be at my job and being a Mom.
Why are you proud to be APMP?
I am proud to be APMP because the organization’s knowledge and resources are invaluable to members. Being associated with APMP is the gold standard, and I have no doubt it will take my proposal skills to the next level.
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