In the spotlight – Ben Hannon

Ben Hannon is Recruitment Director at Bid Solutions and has a track record of recruiting all levels of bid and proposal professionals. Having helped thousands of people progress in the bid and proposal profession, he knows what it takes to be successful.

Ben is APMP Certified and in addition to recruiting, he writes business-winning proposals and leads marketing communications across the Bid Solutions network.

Although they have worked together for seven years, Martin still had questions that needed answering…

Q&A

1. How would you describe your job to a child?

I help people find work friends.

2. What would your autobiography be called?

‘Coffee and To-Do Lists’

3. If you could steal credit for any great piece of art, song, film, book etc., which one would you claim?

I read that ‘Happy Birthday’ earns $5000 every day in royalties and that it’s technically illegal to sing it to large groups without permission, including office parties. I would choose this and hire a legal team to ensure I get what I’m owed.

4. Guilty pleasure?

Eating pizza and watching Marvel movies.

5. Single best tip for job seekers?

Have a good idea of exactly what you want in your next job. It can be difficult task to consider but it will help in the long run. Think about priorities and why you are searching for something new. It could come down to location, salary, personal development – whatever it is, keep it in mind when you are looking at vacancies, otherwise you will waste time on interviews and opportunities that aren’t suitable.

6. What profession would you most like to attempt other than yours?

Professional footballer – ludicrous amounts of money and it would mean that I would actually be good at football.

7. What profession would you least like to attempt other than yours?

Donald Trump’s toilet cleaner.

8. What would you do with 15 minutes of fame?

I would try to create a positive impression that would open up new opportunities.

9. You have been in the profession for almost eight years. What is the biggest change you have witnessed?

There are far more people getting into bids early on in their career, either straight out of university or as their second or third job. I think as bidding is becoming a more recognised (and understood) profession, it’s become an attractive option for competitive young people that want to use their skills in a business winning environment.

10. Biggest pet peeve?

When people email you and then call you straight away to tell you they’ve emailed you. Also, anyone whose default setting is ‘aggressive’. I just don’t get it.

11. What types of hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

I am a season ticket holder at Arsenal, which raises my stress levels. I’m also training for a half marathon, which reduces my stress levels. It’s all about balance.

12. What does true leadership mean to you?

Creating an environment where you can try something new without fear of getting it wrong.

13. You speak to more people in the bid and proposal profession than I imagine anyone else in the country. How’s the mood out there?

Generally pretty good. We’ll see what happens when the Brexit button is finally pushed but it doesn’t seem to have put off candidates seeking new jobs, or companies hiring new people.

14. What three traits define you?

Resilience, loyalty, my beard.

15. What’s been your life’s biggest lesson?

Not to take things personally.

16. Best advice you have been given?

Health and family come first.

17. If you could trade lives with anyone for a day who would it be and why?

Someone that lives stress free and just does whatever they want. Dan Bilzerian [American internet personality and gambler] or someone equally ridiculous.

18. If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

“Don’t worry, you did well and the people you left behind will be just fine.”

This article was written by Ben Hannon.