#58: 3 Ways to Prepare for an Unexpected RFP
Today we are talking about three ways you can start preparing for an unexpected RFP. Because let’s be honest, even though we want to have months and months to do our capture planning and prepositioning, a lot of times, a project manager or principal brings you an RFP that wasn’t on your radar.
So, what do you do when you hear about an RFP that is going to be advertised next week? What can you start doing now to make the proposal production go smooth and still put out a customized, persuasive proposal to give your firm the best shot at winning? Especially, since you’re already working on 2 or 3 other pursuits at the same time.
Well, I’ve been there my friends. A project that we were either tracking or a client we have been meeting with, lets us know that RFP is coming out next week or in a few weeks. We are way behind on the capture planning efforts and have a few other must-win proposal deadlines already on our calendar.
But, we know we have to submit this RFP coming out next week. So, we must start preparing, even if we can’t go through the full capture planning process. Having been through this many times in my past, I have found that there are three items or pieces of information you, as the proposal manager, can start working on the moment you hear about that RFP. And, in this episode, I am going to share those items with you.
Here are some episode highlights:
- Why do we get unexpected RFPs and why do we need to still submit
- Where to look for the proposal outline
- How to identify your internal and external team
- How to use the project scope to build out the experience section
If you loved any of these or have any of your own items you start working on the moment you hear that RFP is coming out that you want to share with me, jump on Instagram, send me a DM, or post about it. Tag me. I’d love to know some of the proposals tasks you start working on the moment you hear that an unexpected RFP is coming. I genuinely would love to hear from you. And also, if you know someone who would enjoy this podcast episode, please grab the link and share it with them. I’d be so grateful.
Rate, Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
“I love Lindsay and Marketers Take Flight.” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — fly through the proposal turbulence and have their careers take off. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I add secret bonus episodes to the feed often, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!
