Georgia Chattahoochee Chapter of the APMP

Christy N. Buechler
CB Communication & Design

Question:  How long have you been a proposal manager/specialist/ writer?

Christy: I have been working in the proposal industry for over 11 years. I have worked in a variety of capacities including graphic design, desktop publishing, proposal coordination, editing, and writing

Question:  How did you become involved with proposals?

Christy: I was working as a graphic designer for Ron Jon Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach, Florida and took a position in the proposal department of Johnson Controls (now IAP).

Question:  Do you work in a “corporate office” or “home office” environment? 

Christy: I work in a home office environment or remotely at client offices.

Question:  What do you like best about working in your current environment? 

Christy: I enjoy helping my clients to be successful. I appreciate having the ability to utilize my skills in different situations in a variety of different industries.

Question:  What do you like least?

Christy: I truly enjoy the proposal process from beginning to end – odd I know – but the most frustrating part can be when the RFP is all over the place and the government is not as familiar with the process.

Question:  What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of your job?

Christy: The most challenging aspect of a proposal is helping small businesses to understand what it means to respond to an RFP. No matter the size of the contract, the proposal can still be quite complex.

Question:  What shortcuts or helpful best practices about working with proposal teams could you share?

Christy: I think the biggest part of working on a proposal is trust. It’s important to have confidence and know that the right individuals were selected for the team. It’s also important to remember how much of a positive impact a good layout and graphics can have on the overall first impression of your proposal.

Question:  Why  did you join APMP?

Christy: APMP is the best organization for networking, learning and staying in touch with the proposal world.

Question:  What is your method for successfully working with your proposal teams?

Christy: LISTEN. Provide clear and concise direction and communicate early and often.

Question:  Which type of proposals do you do most? Commercial, government or other?

Christy: I typically assist with Federal/DoD proposals but have worked in commercial IT as well.