SALES, MARKETING, AND DIGITAL MEDIA 195 6 Always ensure that the appropriate stakeholders review and approve proposal text 6 Strengthen your track record of negotiating and closing major gifts 6 Use proposal technology tools and platforms more effectively 6 Obtain your professional grant writer certification in the upcoming year Product/Brand Manager 6 Manage the entire product life cycle from strategic planning to tacti- cal activities 6 Research markets and your competitors to determine appropriate product positioning 6 Specify requirements for current and future products by collaborat- ing with subject matter experts, sales, and external customers 6 Build best-of-breed products on time and on spec 6 Serve as the go-to person for all product functional questions