Creating a Sound Proposal starts long before a Request for Proposal (RFP) is released or at least we think it should. Unless you want to run around in a frazzle-haired frenzy proofreading draft #13 at 2 AM to make sure you can submit on time. You may want to rethink your strategy.
This is why we recommend putting your best foot forward by preparing in advance. If your business had decided to start responding to RFPs use the guide below, it has a few parts often requested. We recommend gathering and updating all information before you start responding to help save time during the responding process.
Your Methods
Synonyms: Methodology, Approach, Technical Proposal
Write briefly about your approach to your job. Do you hold initial meetings with your clients to better understand their needs? Write about that. Is there a special thing you do that helps save your clients time and money? Write about that too! Make an outline describing how you normally interact with your clients, what you expect from them and what type of results you promise once the contract is awarded to you.
BONUS: Proprietary Systems
Make sure to mention anything you do that your competition doesn’t. Help your clients understand why you are the best option for the job.
Your Team
Synonyms: Staff, Personnel
Resumes, resumes, resumes! If no one on your team has updated their resume since they were hired, it is time to start making some changes. When anyone on your team has recently earned a degree/certification, published any work, spoken at relevant conferences, or joined a relevant association or society, they must set aside time to update that information in their resume so it can be easily acknowledged.
BONUS: Head Shots
People like pictures and your clients want to see your lovely faces. Including pictures of your team will help your clients familiarize with who they are working.
Work History
Synonyms: Past Performance, Case Studies
This is the fun part. Well… It will keep you busy, that’s for sure! Start by making a list of all of the projects you’ve done as far back as 5 years (maybe more depending on agency).
Now get a few related details to showcase your skills. Your client will likely ask for more, but this is a good starting point:
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Project Name
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Client Name
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Budget
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Scope of Work
BONUS: Project Pictures
Include before and after pictures if you can! It a quick and effective way of showing your clients you can produce results.
Thanks for stopping by at Sound Proposal. We hope our tips help you win more, take care.