Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

Your Virtual Wizard · #1 (**permalink**) 01-23-2012

Hi,

I was working on submitting an RFP for a client and wanted to make the submission as clear as possible for the VAs who may be interested in the work.

I am curious to know how many VAs use the RFP system. I’ve set up a short poll above.

If you do use the RFP system I’d be interested in your feedback about:

what could be improved in the system (ex. what questions could be added by the potential client in the RFP or clarified to make the application process easier?)
what you liked about applying for a position using an RFP (easy, fast, better chances to find work, etc.)
what frustrates you the most about the process (if applicable).

Thank you.

Janine

CustomVA · #2 (**permalink**) 01-23-2012

I have used the RFP system a couple of times and find it very straight forward. For me it is more about knowing how to respond so that I make that lasting impression, so that's more of a personal issue than an issue with the RFP system itself. If I do think of anything more I will definitely post again. I'm curious to see how others respond.

Your Virtual Wizard · #3 (**permalink**) 01-23-2012

Thanks, Anita for your reply.

You make an excellent point about creating a good response to make a lasting impression.

Sometimes I think VAs respond to RFPs with more info about themselves than what it is they can do for the client. I also read somewhere that a business man said the #1 issue he had with RFP responses was not following instructions on the RFP.

If you think of anything else, I would be interested in your response.

Thanks,

Janine

Paulette · #4 (**permalink**) 01-23-2012

Well some RFP's don't provide very good instructions. I think perhaps asking specific questions would help to receive responses to RFPs.

I also agree with CustomVA. Many people don't know hot to properly respond to an RFP. I think an example of a response to a mock RFP might be beneficial.

Your Virtual Wizard · #5 (**permalink**) 01-23-2012

Thank you, Paulette for your reply.

Do you mean specific questions regarding the work needed from the VA such as questions in test format or do you mean specific questions about the VA such as how long in business or what time zone the VA is located?

Thanks,

Janine

WorkingWithYou · #6 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012

Hi Janine,

I've responded to five RFPs and it has resulted in three assignments. For myself, I like the system and think it works.

On the other hand, some who post RFPs make it so complicated that even an experienced VA might question their qualifications. It was kind of interesting that the assignments that I received were clear and understandable, and they resulted in working with those who give clear instructions when assigning tasks.

Janet

leedrozak · #7 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012

I use the RFP system for postings that I feel are my ideal clients. I think the system is good and straightforward.

Like any system however there will be some that get it with ease and others who do not.

Your Virtual Wizard · #8 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012

Janet,

What an interesting response! Thank you!

I've often blogged that the RFP could be a good sign or could be a red flag as to what could be expected in the future from the client. If the RFP is clear, the instructions are clear and if the RFP is 'all over the place' chances are the client's work will be too.

I concur! Thanks again for posting.
Janine

Your Virtual Wizard · #9 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012

Hi Lee,

I like the RFP system too however, there are times when I think clients want too many skills from one VA and that might 'scare' the VA into thinking she/he is not qualified.

Sometimes I am surprised when the client wants to offer a low (low in terms of market rate) fee for many technical skills in one RFP. But I still encourage VAs to apply anyway.

Thanks, Lee!

Janine

ClockwiseVA · #10 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012

I think the current system is clear enough and pretty self-explanatory. It works fine for me.

Like Anita said, the challenge is differentiating yourself from other responses. That's the same in all your marketing efforts. I realize that I'm not going to win them all but it's good practice so I apply to any that sound like they might be a good fit.

Janine is right about following the instructions and making it about the client. Once I've finished my draft response and have proofed it, I try to imagine that I am the client by figuratively putting myself in their shoes. I literally take the hard copy and go into another room to get a fresh perspective. As I read it through I ask myself whether it speaks to me directly or is it focused on the writer's perspective?

For anyone not sure how to respond to an RFP, there are some great resources on the internet. I had helped write some before in my life as an employee, but I still took the time to do a Google search and see what examples and advice was out there. I picked up some helpful tips that way.