Posted on 12-01-2010 at 06:00
1. Always read the bid thoroughly several times before you begin to write. Too many bidders do not read the documentation thoroughly enough and submit a sub standard bid as a result.
2. Make sure you comply fully with the bid, don’t leave gaps or half answered questions. If it asks for 2000 words don’t just provide 200.If an element is weighted at 45% then make sure it is reflected in your content and focus.
3. Answer the question, both the explicit question and the implicit. The implicit nature of some of the questions is very often what separates winners from losers.
4. If you don’t fully understand the question, ask for clarification.
5. Don’t be shy. Make sure you communicate your strengths and successes.
6. Have your tender submission proof read by an independent 3rd party.
7. Have it formatted in the style requested and make sure it is consistent throughout the document.
8. Put something of you in the bid or tender. Your potential customer is used to seeing “we treat our people......” “ our processes are.....” They want more, tell a success story, say how you overcame adversity. What separates you from all the others.
9. Submit the bid or tender in good time and in the format they want. Depending on the value or the regularity of tenders it is sometimes worth having the documents professionally designed, printed and bound.
10. Follow up. If you are unsuccessful ask why.
