The Art of the Proposal | Rick Harris
In this week's episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), to unlock the secrets to winning more business with stronger proposals. Together they break down the fundamentals of the RFP process and why it matters for venues and vendors. Rick breaks down the common mistakes to avoid, and shares what makes a proposal truly stand out. Rick also offers practical tips for writing proposals that focus on client needs rather than just your business, he also explains how listening and networking can uncover hidden opportunities, and highlights how design, AI, and human creativity can work together to craft proposals that close more deals.
About Our Guest:
Rick Harris is CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) and a 30+ year nonprofit veteran. He specializes in helping nonprofits grow through membership, education, networking, marketing, and community building. Known as a go-to-market expert, Rick has guided dozens of organizations to achieve sustainable growth and impact.
Before entering nonprofit leadership, Rick spent 13 years as a radio DJ, where he honed his ability to anticipate market trends, connect with audiences, and compete with respect.
Rick emphasizes human relationships and strategic partnerships to drive growth, while using operational frameworks to align vision, staff performance, and revenue goals. His member-first approach ensures organizations remain responsive to the needs of their communities.
At APMP, he has grown membership from 3,000 to over 14,000 by leveraging networking, education, certification, and micro-credentials. He also co-designed one of the association industry’s first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, creating an environment where all members are valued and respected.
Find Him Here:
Website: http://www.apmp.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-harris-9310392/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APMP.org
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