How to respond to RFPs (request for proposal) - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007

While it would be wonderful to know that you have a steady stream of income from a cache of fabulous clients who keep you busy with their own project requests and endless referrals, it takes time to work up to that level as a professional Virtual Assistant.

In the meantime, you've got to be willing to spend some time replying to RFP's (request for proposal).

Following is a link with some good basic guidelines for how to reply to an RFP and ensure you've included all of the *right* information - click here to check it out.

***Don't forget though that often a client will make a specific request in his or her job listing such as a specific subject line in the reply email, a listing of your skills in a particular area, or a cover letter and resume along with the reply to RFP.
Whatever it is the client asks for or expects to see in your reply it is absolutely CRUCIAL that you first and foremost follow the prospective client's directions. If they ask for a subject line that reads XX and X and you type in Y Z and D you're showing them that you either don't, won't, or can't read/follow directions - not a great first impression and 100% likely your reply won't even be opened.

So, use the RFP guidelines as a general rule of thumb for good proposal drafting, but always be sure to note and include any specific requests from the hiring client.

#2 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008

fabulous resource. thanks for posting.

Terri Orlowski
beyondtheoffice.com

#3 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008

Thanks for posting. I have been looking for something like this.

-Kellie
The Essential Virtual Assistant

#4 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008

this great. I can't believe it was published in 1999...lol

#5 (**permalink**) 07-17-2008

Originally Posted by Tess

Whatever it is the client asks for or expects to see in your reply it is absolutely CRUCIAL that you first and foremost follow the prospective client's directions.

If nothing else this is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember when answering RFPs. There is absolutely NOTHING more frustrating than asking for X, Y, & Z and getting a awesome response that is missing X, Y, & Z.

#6 (**permalink**) 11-24-2010

Thanks for the information Tess! I like how simple the sample format is

#7 (**permalink**) 12-06-2010

HELP!! I tried to download pdf and it would not download for me. Thanks! - Deb

#8 (**permalink**) 12-06-2010

Deb, the resource mentioned in the original post is not a PDF but a blog post hosted at an external source, if you're having trouble accessing their site you'll need to contact them directly. Note that I can access the site, so you might want to try again.

#9 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010

Thanks Tess.... I went to the website and underneath it said "download pdf" and that is what I meant I was trying to do.

#10 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010

Thank you for taking the time to send this out. I will definitely make use of these recommendations!

#11 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010

Originally Posted by debw241

Thanks Tess.... I went to the website and underneath it said "download pdf" and that is what I meant I was trying to do.

Ah, I see! That's just for a PDF version of the blog post itself so you're not missing out on anything

#12 (**permalink**) 03-16-2011

Thanks for posting this Tess, very useful outline.

#13 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

looking into this right now. I just got a request for a proposal.

#14 (**permalink**) 05-03-2011

Thanks for posting this. I have been wondering about how to respond or if my response were proper. THis was extremely helpful.