When I first started in the industry, things were very different to how they are now.
Companies were just learning how to use computers and there was little you could use the Internet for. There was no such thing as virtual collaboration and there wasn’t such an obsessive focus on budgets – one company I worked for used to hire a limo to take me home if I worked late so I wouldn’t be on the train late, that would never happen now!
Fast forward 25 years and technology has completely transformed how we do proposals. What had to be done onsite in a war room can now be done nearly 100 percent virtually.
It’s interesting to look back on how much the industry has changed throughout my career however my tips for succeeding as a Proposal Manager remain unchanged:
- Communication is key to success
Proposals are a team sport so make sure everyone involved knows the plan, strategy, schedule, process, responsibilities, and work methods throughout the project.
- Agree on a plan
Avoid costly mistakes and rewrites by getting a plan approved by all stakeholders before you dive into writing.
- Think KSA when selecting your team
Consider the required knowledge, skillsets and abilities (KSA) needed to successfully develop the proposal when picking your team- a poor choice could cost you the contract.
- Reflect and repeat
Look back on previous projects to determine what did and didn’t work then use your learnings to shape your process for future projects and proposal team training.
- Review, review, review
Don’t leave the review until the very end. Continually review your proposal against the defined quality criteria to ensure compliance, consistency and clarity throughout.
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If you’re keen to start using PleaseReview for proposals, read our guide on how to get your team on board with the software.
Carrie Ratcliff
With 25 years’ experience as a Consultant working on both Commercial and Federal projects, Carrie has successfully led teams in the development of proposals ranging from $100 million to over $5 billion.