Mistake #1: Not Complying with RFP
Though this may seem pretty basic, if you have not complied with the RFP requirements, the customer may automatically throw your proposal out. Be certain that every RFP Requirement has a response given in your proposal. Once you have done that, go one step further and give them something more than just the RFP requirements.
Mistake #2: Adding “So what?” items
Think of yourself as the customer. Does your proposal contain information the customer would really care about? For example “Our Company was founded in….” or “We are happy to have the opportunity…..” Though some information may seem like a nice touch, if you read something and think “So what?” rewrite it in a way that it will matter.
Mistake #3: Not articulating why your proposal is the best
Is it clear why the customer should choose you? Does your proposal achieve all goals of the customer and then some? This is the overall quality check of your proposal.
Mistake #4: Talking about yourself
Who is this proposal for? If you are beginning every sentence with “We” or your companies name, your proposal seems all about you. This is not very popular when you are trying to Create a Proposals for someone else. Instead speak of your plan, the results, and the benefits for the customer.
Mistake #5: Wrapping it up
Who is this proposal for? Own your results. It is common to write in terms of things “happening” instead of taking an action. Instead of saying “if your choose us, our work will get you the results.” Show the link between what you are offering and the results needed. For example, “If you select our company the results we deliver will benefit you in the following ways….” The point of your proposal is not to build up to the conclusion of why their claims are credible. People do not want to puzzle through your proposal to figure out what you are trying to say. Instead, layout the results or benefits you will provide for the customer in the beginning, and then state how it will be achieved.
Tags: Business Proposal Writing, Proposal Development, Proposal Management Software, Proposal Template, RFP Response, RFP Software
