Posted on 21-04-2010 at 07:00
Help with Writing a Tender
Help with Writing a Tender Part 3
Here are some tender writing tips to help you write an amazing winning tender.
You must demonstrate your understanding of the clients wants. (See Help with Writing a Tender and Help with Writing a Tender Part 2)
You must convince the client not to deselect your tender and you must dissuade the evaluator from not choosing your tender submission.
When you write your tender ensure it has a good structure. Make sure your tender answers the question (not the one you would prefer to answer) Weave into your tender examples of previous projects. Include things that went wrong and how you overcame them. If you have positive feedback from anyone you can include that as well. Just remember it is a tender and not a sales brochure. A tender that is written too much like a sales letter will fail.
You need to ensure that your tender is easy to read and concise.
Map out your tender response before you start. Make sure the tender has section headings with short paragraphs that have impact. No one likes a tender that rambles. Make sure the paragraphs in each part of the tender are linked. If you find this hard try to use a linking sentence between them. If you are unable to write one it will mean that your paragraphs are not suitable for the same section or sub heading.
Keep sentences short; make a good solid single point rather than trying to cram too much in. Long sentences only work if their structure is really clear – don’t ramble or make them too long.
When you have written your tender always read it back but out loud. It is amazing how many amendments you will make if you read it out loud. Reading your tender out loud lets you “hear” if for the first time and sometimes with surprising results.
Another reminder that I have already covered-read the tender question. The structure of the question should determine the answer in your tender. Explain means something different to outline, contrast, describe, show, demonstrate are all different words and will require different answers in your tender.
General tips
• I think it is always better to you your company name in tenders rather than “I” (yes I do see the irony)
• Make sure you use consistent font throughout and try not to place too much bold in your tender response
• Try to use plain English. A tender that is clearly written in understandable English will have more chance than a florid, impenetrable sea of narrative.
• Actions words are much better than passive words for your tender
• Have your tender read by a professional proof reader
You must demonstrate your understanding of the clients wants. (See Help with Writing a Tender and Help with Writing a Tender Part 2)
You must convince the client not to deselect your tender and you must dissuade the evaluator from not choosing your tender submission.
When you write your tender ensure it has a good structure. Make sure your tender answers the question (not the one you would prefer to answer) Weave into your tender examples of previous projects. Include things that went wrong and how you overcame them. If you have positive feedback from anyone you can include that as well. Just remember it is a tender and not a sales brochure. A tender that is written too much like a sales letter will fail.
You need to ensure that your tender is easy to read and concise.
Map out your tender response before you start. Make sure the tender has section headings with short paragraphs that have impact. No one likes a tender that rambles. Make sure the paragraphs in each part of the tender are linked. If you find this hard try to use a linking sentence between them. If you are unable to write one it will mean that your paragraphs are not suitable for the same section or sub heading.
Keep sentences short; make a good solid single point rather than trying to cram too much in. Long sentences only work if their structure is really clear – don’t ramble or make them too long.
When you have written your tender always read it back but out loud. It is amazing how many amendments you will make if you read it out loud. Reading your tender out loud lets you “hear” if for the first time and sometimes with surprising results.
Another reminder that I have already covered-read the tender question. The structure of the question should determine the answer in your tender. Explain means something different to outline, contrast, describe, show, demonstrate are all different words and will require different answers in your tender.
General tips
• I think it is always better to you your company name in tenders rather than “I” (yes I do see the irony)
• Make sure you use consistent font throughout and try not to place too much bold in your tender response
• Try to use plain English. A tender that is clearly written in understandable English will have more chance than a florid, impenetrable sea of narrative.
• Actions words are much better than passive words for your tender
• Have your tender read by a professional proof reader
