Improving your proposal win rate requires you write proposals that are persuasive, compelling, and customer-focused.
If an RFP asks similar questions, it is generally not OK to answer it in one place and then refer readers back to that answer.
Q. Is it OK to refer the reader to another page in your proposal? Read More »
Proposal writers are often criticized for copying and pasting proposal content, but RFP writers do the same thing, sometimes with hilarious results.
RFPs, Copy-n-Paste, Horse Manure, and Long Range Strategic Bombers Read More »
This humorous, tongue-in-cheek article is on a mission to highlight best practices by showcasing worst practices.
Best Practices When Responding to RFPs (Wrong Answers Only) Read More »
When was the last time you utilized something? Or did you just use it?
Jargon is great–as long as everyone understands the jargon you use. If they don’t, though, they’re missing the point you’re trying to make.
Too many people in the proposal development world think of themselves as “technical” writers. In fact, proposal writers are salespeople who sell on paper.
Proposal writers write. Everybody else should be supporting the writing effort.
Some writers feel the need to capitalize words more than is actually necessary. Fortunately, there are capitalization rules to guide us.
In the old days, formal business writing precluded the use of contractions. In today’s informal world, contractions are fine.
Use active voice when writing proposals. Your writing will be clearer, and you won’t sound like you’re trying to hide something.
Use Active Voice to Improve Proposal Clarity and Credibility Read More »
If you use color graphs and charts to communicate information in your proposals, then the 8% of men and .5% of women who are colorblind may not understand.
Making Your Proposals Friendly to Colorblind Readers Read More »
Most people do not read a proposal cover to cover. If you want to increase its readability, make it easy to skim.
Proposal Readability: Is Your Proposal Easy to Skim? Read More »
Including your client’s logo in your proposal can be risky. Resist the temptation.
When reviewing a proposal, it’s better to remove unnecessary things than it is to add more words. Be concise.