Howard Nutt is the executive director and chairman of the board of directors of the Business Development Institute International (BD-Institute). He is well-versed in the Capability Maturity Model® for Business Development (BD-CMM) and uses this model to support corporations in establishing maturity baselines and increasing their ability to manage and improve their business development capabilities. The work he does with the BD-CMM reaches to an international level, and he has traveled throughout the world to support clients. In addition Mr. Nutt also presents webinars to help clients gain a better understanding about BD-CMM and various, other aspects of business development.
Through the years he has grown and refined his skills in the business industry and helped companies to turn their business around. Serving as a process designer and consultant, he has worked with companies in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia Pacific. He has achieved recognition for his accomplishments in the areas of process design, development, and improvement. Other areas of expertise include:
• Strategic management
• Capture and proposal strategy development and management
• Organizational benchmarking
Howard Nutt is a leader in the field of business development and was instrumental in the startup of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals. He, along with 28 other professionals, worked together to create and develop this organization. Not only did he serve on the board, he wrote strategy plans and facilitated the creation of new chapters. He is passionate about helping others and has served as editor in chief of several books and presented at international conferences.
As a seasoned business professional with more than 30 years of experience in business development, Howard Nutt understands the importance of education. Not only has he developed a strong educational background, but he continues his learning through his membership in various professional associations. This helps to keep him current on the latest trends and developments in the field and allows him to stay connected and network with others in the industry. In his line of work, it is important that he has a thorough knowledge and understanding of effective practice, procedures, and programs.
Educational Background
Howard Nutt began his studies at Great Lakes Christian College in Lansing, Michigan. Here he earned his Bachelor of Ministerial Science. Discovering his passion for the written word, he went on to attend Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas. He graduated with his Master of Arts in English Language and Literature, with a minor in philosophy. A strong grasp of the English language is essential for any job. Written and oral communication are two skills that he would rely heavily on in future careers.
Later on he decided to go back to school once again and continue furthering his education. Returning to Michigan, he attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He pursued his Doctor of Arts (ABD) in rhetoric with supporting work in the University’s Center for Study of Higher Education. The knowledge, skills, and experiences that he had gained through his schooling would serve him well as he pursued his interests in business.
Business Development
One position that Howard Nutt held in business development was that of proposal operations manager at Allied-Signal Engine Company (later acquired by Honeywell). During his 12 years with the company he played an instrumental role in leading major improvement efforts. His talent and insight led him to found the proposal operations function within the aerospace sector of the company. In addition, he spearheaded the creation of multiple proposal centers and saw his organization be recognized as an Aerospace Center of Excellence.
Business Development Institute International
One of Howard Nutt’s most notable positions is the one in which he currently serves. As executive director and chairman of the board of the Business Development Institute International, he oversees the general operations of the organization. The purpose of this non-profit organization is to extend best practices in business development throughout the world. Rather than operating on a local or national level, they have taken their vision to an international level.
The Capability Maturity Model® for Development (BD-CMM) is one of the highlights of the organization. Mr. Nutt is a BD-CMM Certified Appraiser and trains other individuals and businesses in how to implement best practices. He led creation of the program in 2001, and also the 2013 development of Version 2.0. His vision and insight have also helped him in the creation of other products and services to support the world-wide implementation of the BD-CMM. The BD-Institute provides direct support and services to organizations that use this program to manage and improve their business development capabilities.
As chairman of the board of directors, it is Howard Nutt’s responsibility to oversee these operations and help develop a strong and global Community of Practice. The organization’s Community of Practice includes the corporate members, alliance partners, approved providers, and certified appraisers that it collaborates with around the world.
Mr. Nutt recognizes that in order for a business to thrive, many components must work together. Business development is a complex and comprehensive process. The BD-CMM encompasses the full life cycle of the process. The components it covers include:
• Marketing
• Sales
• Account management
• Pursuit management
• Proposal development
As a certified appraiser for BD-CMM, Howard Nutt provides expert, independent feedback to companies about their business development maturity. By increasing and improving maturity, companies see a positive impact on their revenue and profitability. His extensive and in-depth knowledge of the program allows him to help run training programs such as:
• Orientation to BD-CMM Concepts and Implementation
• Metrics to Manage BD Performance
• Key Practices for High-Performance Business Development
• Benchmarks in World-Class Proposal Writing Capability
These programs allow companies to better understand the scope of possibility that lies within the BD-CMM program, and how to effectively implement and use it.
Professional Affiliations
To support his work in the field of business development, Howard Nutt has remained active with several professional organizations.
• Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP): He is a charter member who helped to found the organization and served as director of strategic planning, and he continues to support the association as a Fellow. His hard work, knowledge, and experience won him the McRea Founders Award in 2002 and the Vision Award in 2003.
He is also a contributor, author, and speaker for the following groups:
• International Project Management Association (IPMA)
• Project Management Institute (PMI)
• International Association of Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM)
• National Contract Management Association (NCMA)
• Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) Society
Charitable Contributions
Mr. Nutt takes pride in giving back and supporting others. He is an active supporter of public media and makes donations to the local public television and radio stations. He also supports the non-profit Good News Productions International that was started by his brother, as well as local church initiatives.
Not all of his charitable work is through established organizations, however. He also takes the initiative to give back on his own and help out where he is able. For example, he used his craftsmanship to build a handicap ramp for some local neighbors who are handicapped. This provided them with easier access into their home and increased their safety.
Other Interests
When not busy with his professional career, Mr. Nutt enjoys a variety of other activities. Howard takes pride in working with his hands and completing do-it-yourself projects around his home. He has built multiple structures including a fireplace, mailbox, barbeque space, and waterfalls, and installed cabinetry. He also designed a home theater and has built numerous pieces of furniture.
Mr. Nutt also has an interest in cars. He restored and re-engined a 1975 TR-6, which he and his wife have owned since 1977. This is not the only one either. He actually donated another TR-6 that he had and all of the proceeds went to support public television and radio stations. Howard Nutt is dedicated to giving back through both his professional and personal life.
Howard Nutt will continue to be a thought leader in business development, as he leads a transition of the Business Development Institute International into the APMP, where it will be renamed the Center for Business Development Excellence and continue its pursuit of international business development excellence. His work with the Capability Maturity Model® for Business Development supports these efforts. He will continue to find ways to improve and enhance this program so that it provides even more benefit to the companies who utilize it. Through appraisals, self-assessments, best practices, certifications, and benchmarking, the mission he pursues is changing the face of business development and helping companies to become more successful and profitable.
He plans to remain an active member of multiple professional associations. These connections help him to not only stay up-to-date with happenings within the industry, but give him the opportunity to share his knowledge and experience with others. As a contributor, author, and speaker, he is able to provide his insight and expertise on a variety of matters.
He will also continue to support local charitable organizations and the community. He enjoys giving back to those in need and contributing to programs that make an impact. He also strives to support others in his professional work and will continue to give webinars and other training programs to ensure that people get the information and support they need to become successful.
Howard plans to continue growing his knowledge, experience, and leadership skills in the business development industry. He remains committed to extend best practices world-wide and strives to continue improving the way that they are able to achieve this. Through Howard Nutt's hard work and dedication, businesses everywhere are increasing their business development capabilities and reaching greater heights.