Thanks, Linda.

I'll have to check these RFP resources.

Do you have any tips as to how you make your responses different from others responding to the same RFP?

Thanks,
Janine

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Janine, my proposal template is still a work in progress as I think it could be worded more from the client's perspective. Each time I send one I usually tweak one or two things.

That said, here are a few ideas which I hope might be helpful:

• Create a proposal template that is visually appealing and consistent with the look and feel of your other marketing materials.

• Include a paragraph that highlights what you consider to be your USP (Unique Selling Proposition), in other words "Why Choose Me".

• Include some testimonials.

• Address the requirements listed in the RFP. Show that you've read their request, and where possible, research the client and reflect this in your response.

• When you read your draft response, ask yourself "So What?" Make sure you sold them on why you think you are the best fit for their needs and not just told them general facts.

FYI, I found most of my resources on the internet by searching for "sample proposal" and "how to write a sales proposal."

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Linda
Clockwise Virtual Assistance

Great response, Linda!

Researching the client is important and commenting in the 'letter of intent' that the responder is familiar with the client's business sets that VA apart from all others. I search Google, social media sites and of course, the client's website. Sometimes they don't offer the website address so I have been 'saved' by looking at the domain in the email address to find the client's website.

I have also included links to articles and blog posts that I have written that are relevant to the client's request within the 'letter of intent'.

And I always list my social media sites.

There was one incident where I applied for an RFP and the client did not choose me. However, since we had connected on social media, I stayed in touch with the client only to find out that the chosen VA had not worked out. So I ended up getting the account any way.

Thank you again...your tips are great!

Janine

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I've responded to RFP's I have a template that I use for my responses. I add the description of the work the potential client is looking for and tailor my responses to the requirements the potential client is looking for.

Originally Posted by ClockwiseVA

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.

Linda,

Thank you so much for those great tips. I will definitely use them when responding to a new RFP.

Thank you!

__________________
Jessie DSouza
www.vibrantaceva.com

I am still amazed at how much I can learn in this industry every day and I count myself an old hat.

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Jodie :daisy:
www.virtuallyorganised.com.au

Hi Jodie,

What did you learn from this thread?

Janine

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Good morning

I found the tips from Lisa and yourself so useful. I tend to stay clear of RFP from other networks only because I didn't know how to tackle them. I do now. I have included my favorite tips so far:

• • I have also included links to articles and blog posts that I have written that are relevant to the client's request within the 'letter of intent'.
  • And I always list my social media sites.
  • Create a proposal template that is visually appealing and consistent with the look and feel of your other marketing materials.
  • Include a paragraph that highlights what you consider to be your USP (Unique Selling Proposition), in other words "Why Choose Me".
  • Include some testimonials.
  • Address the requirements listed in the RFP. Show that you've read their request, and where possible, research the client and reflect this in your response.
    
  • When you read your draft response, ask yourself "So What?" Make sure you sold them on why you think you are the best fit for their needs and not just told them general facts.
  
  
• FYI, I found most of my resources on the internet by searching for "sample proposal" and "how to write a sales proposal."

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Jodie :daisy:
www.virtuallyorganised.com.au

Great, Jodie! Thank you!

Post back if you do use the RFP system. I'd be interested in what you think.

Janine

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Will do. This topic has really got me thinking. More about conversions rates in general. I get a few calls a week and I just don't know how to close them or how to get them to the next stage. Thanks again for your wonderful information.

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Jodie :daisy:
www.virtuallyorganised.com.au