Bid writing! (I can hear you sighing from here)
- annaglynnwriter
- Sep 14, 2022
- 3 min read
Bids are an unavoidable part of our working lives these days. Which is good…because they’re there to promote fairness and give us all a chance to present ourselves in the best light possible and get matched to the right jobs (in theory).
That doesn't mean they're universally loved.
Fortunately for you, some of us nerd out about bid writing. By which I mean, me! The bid-writing copy-nerd. And whilst you haven’t necessarily yet commissioned me to help you out with this particular stumbling block, I’m going to get you started on the right path. For free. You’re welcome!
After fifteen years of bid writing and coaching, and an over 95% success rate, I’m going to share with you my top tips for getting your bid game on with my Bid Writing Dos and Don’ts. Here we go!
Number 1: Don’t just go for any bid, anytime, come what may
It’s true that to some extent there is a numbers game at play here but there are several major pitfalls you need to know about before jumping in with both feet without looking first.
A) Your bid represents a chance to make a first impression, like a first date, if you will.
New in the game? They’ve never heard of you before? Don’t know any of their friends? Then turn up with your shoes shined and your shirt (or blouse, or vest top) pressed. You might not get the gig but they will remember you – the good and the bad. So pick the ones that are right for you and give them your all.
B) You might get the gig!
And if you do…you’d better do a great job. Businesses have gone down because they won incredible contracts they just weren’t ready for. Start small and grow, steadily. Make sure you are selective in the bids you go for and that your skillset and capacity are well-matched for the job.
Number 2: Do start with the numbers
Okay. This is where so many fledgling bid writers go wrong.
In their desire to promise the moon to the client in order to win the bid, they work the wrong way around, matching the numbers to the words instead of the words to the numbers.
Work out your budget first!
Your budget will tell you so much about how your business relates to the bid invitation. It might tell you it’s not the right contract for you. It might tell you it’s perfect.
Either way, keep your budget reasonable, with margins that support you to deliver your best work and write to that. After all, see 1B, above. You might just get the gig!
Number 3: Do begin with bullets
It can be tempting to launch into lengthy prose that waxes lyrical on all the things your organisation is and all you’ll do for the client.
Stop. We’re not there yet.
Once your budget is in order, bullet out in short form the services you will provide to the client according to the information the budget gives you. And be disciplined about it! No throwing in an extra service here or an employee there that you have not budgeted for. I’m going to be very strict with you about this! It’s a cardinal sin. Because overpromising is not good for your business!
Oh, and provide data. How can I believe you’re the best in the biz if you don’t provide me with evidence? Show me the data!
Number 4: Do work with a great bid writer…like me!
You may be a brilliant writer. I’m sure you are! But specialists are called that for a reason. We’ll take your budgets and your bullets and write a compelling bid that shows you and your organisation off as the superstars you are. Sure, it’s an upfront cost but it’s an investment. Remember the first date analogy? Let me be your wingman!
And that's everything you need to get started. Promise! Except for one crucial thing, of course...
Want my help to write a killer bid?
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