What stands between you and a consultancy job?
The answer is usually a convincing response to a client’s Request For Proposals.
For ease, most of us just call them RFPs.
RFPS are usually released by clients to encourage interested consultants to bid for roles on ongoing projects. They usually specify what the client is looking for and the evaluation criteria for assessing proposals, as well as background information about the organization behind the proposal.
When we send out RFPs from our clients to our consultancy pool which you are a part of, most complain about how they struggle to find the right template or words to create a pitch that convinces clients that they are the right match.
So I have decided to share with you the secrets of a good proposal when next you receive our RFPs in your inbox.The secret is that it is as simple as ABC.Avoiding corporate jargon.Being detailed.Covering a case study.
Avoid Corporate Jargons
It is 2022. Buzzwords no longer work. Neither do complex vocabularies. When you write a proposal, write with the intention to make the reader understand, not with the intention to impress with your language range. Stick to simple words and sentences. If you must absolutely use technical terms, make sure you explain each term properly and concisely. For abbreviations, it is best to avoid them completely in your proposals.
Be Detailed
Clients usually include the problem(s) they are looking for a consultant to solve. Do not give generic responses or responses the clients can easily find on a Google search result page. Impress the clients with your understanding of the problem and the depth of knowledge/expertise you will bring to the job. Do however avoid information overload. Finding the balance is key here.
Cover A Case Study
You have to include proof that your methods will work. Case studies are your best tools for this. If you have applied the similar methods you are proposing now to a previous client, include details about this in your proposal. If you are just starting out as a consultant, it is okay not to have a case study. However, if you are claiming experience as one of the pros of hiring you, you should definitely include a case study to back that claim.
If you fail to deliver the right proposal, you will miss out on the lucrative projects our clients consistently share RFPs for. The secret to writing a good one is not some complex magic. It is just as easy as ABC.
