Business - 5 min read
When submitting a proposal to prospective tenders, it’s important to make a good impression. Below are ten simple ways you can ensure your bid is noticed above the rest.
Tenders require specific documents, often tailored to seek out ideal responses. Many will include template response forms for you to fill in. These sections may set word limits, request specific details, or ask strategic questions. When responding to these requests, guidelines should be respected and accurately fulfilled. Avoid altering things like fonts, font sizing, and page numbers, unless explicitly requested. Always use templates provided to avoid submitting outdated documents and formats.
Response documents call for concise, logical and structured answers. A bid should have an introduction that summarizes the purpose, rationale, and the central proposition. Incorporating visuals and diagrams to communicate more complex propositions, is an effective way to break up blocks of text, and keep the reader engaged.
Before writing your tender carefully consider the required details, and ensure specifics are properly prepared. Tenders will typically seek items including your ABN, applicable insurances, intellectual property rights, and proposed variations to relevant conditions and contracts. It is important that this information is accurate and up to date. Inclusion of your company profile, capability statement, proposal, and pricing tables are indicators of a professional bid.
Readers will become quickly frustrated by a response document that poorly address the criteria. Responses that are convoluted or tip-toe around the answer are often disregarded. Effort should go into precisely meeting the client's needs and expectations. Further to supplying relevant credentials, answers should focus on how you can specifically address the criteria. Spend time researching your tender, and write your responses with their needs in mind.
Client testimonials increase business credibility and trust. Testimonials are no longer simply a letter of recommendation, they come from client endorsements on LinkedIn, online reviews, and professional statements that appear on your website.
The strongest references hold credibility, genuineness, and the accompaniment of a photo and contact information. A willingness to be a contactable reference is a strong indication of client satisfaction. Asking for a reference is a normal part of business, however ensure you ask for permission to display their testimonial.
When you have completed your tender, make sure you conduct a thorough edit looking for spelling and grammatical errors. If you are unsure, ask a coworker to read it over, use spell check, or hire a professional editor. Spelling the company, executive names, or their titles wrong, will likely result in your proposal falling to the wayside.
Ensure your tender is short and to the point. The reader will be sifting through a stack of proposals, and it is crucial to stand out above the rest. Understand exactly what you are offering and communicate it clearly in your bid.
There are a lot of documents that are in need of signature in a bid. One of the most common tender mistakes is failing to sign, or signing sections incorrectly. Some tenders may request particular instructions for signature, such as initialing adjustments, providing witnesses, or signing diagonally, or over the top of multiple pages. By checking everything twice, you can avoid this common mistake.
Project costs set apart tenders the most. Vague estimates are a sign of incompetency, and in this section, the more budgetary details provided will assist in setting expectations between you and your tender. Technology for builders has developed significantly in recent years, and more users are discovering the benefits of construction software Australia. Estimating software plans for any contingencies, showing tenders that you are prepared.
When writing a tender, time is of the essence. Your tender response should be posted early to allow for time delay, investing in construction software will help assist in keeping to a strict schedule. If your submission is online, compensate for the possibility of internet or network issues. Clients will appreciate a tender that is dispatched promptly.
For more tender tips, including a tender checklist, enrol in our free Building a Better Trade Business eCourse:
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