Get in touch with our Special Guest Kevin Switaj:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinswitaj/

Corporate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bz-opportunity-management

Website: https://www.bzopportunity.com

Book: https://amzn.to/40EunCa

Summary

In this episode, Danny Murawinski speaks with Dr. Kevin Switaj, president and CEO of BZ Opportunity Management, about the importance of empathy in business development and proposal management. They discuss Kevin's journey from academia to the business world, the nuances of government contracting, and how to create compelling proposals that resonate with evaluators. Kevin emphasizes the need for human connections in a digital age, the impact of COVID-19 on business relationships, and the future of proposal management, highlighting the shift towards oral presentations and multimedia engagement.

Takeaways

Empathy is crucial in proposal development.
Understanding the client's needs is essential.
Proposals should be structured for easy evaluation.
Building relationships is key to business success.
The government procurement process requires transparency.
Oral presentations are becoming more important.
Digital marketing strategies can apply to proposal writing.
Human connections are vital in a digital world.
Writing should focus on emotional engagement.
The future of business involves adapting to new communication methods.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Empathy in Business Development
01:52 The Journey to a PhD and Its Relevance
05:30 Transitioning from Academia to Business
11:45 Understanding Government Contracting
16:14 The Art of Compelling Proposals
22:12 Empathy as a Driving Force in Proposals
29:22 Founding BZ Opportunity Management
31:32 Identifying Gaps in Consulting Services
34:56 Building Relationships for Tailored Support
38:36 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
47:27 The Journey to Writing a Book
52:22 The Future of Proposals and Human Connection