How to Write Winning Bids/Propositions

Prerequisites:

Course Description:

Being able to construct and present professional bid reports and proposals is essential in today's competitive environment. The written document represents our organisation and can have a major influence on the outcome of the bid.

This course includes the following modules:

Preparation and Objective Setting

• This module addresses the importance of preparation and objective setting:
• - Considers the need to invest time at the pre-proposition stage
• - Identifies the readership profile and what will be of interest to them
• - Allows us to set high quality outcomes

Readership Profile

• This module determines who will read the proposal and their relevant needs:
• - Looks at how to structure the proposal to cater for all readers
• - Determines 'primary' and 'secondary' readers
• - Assess the decision makers and influencers

Proposal Structure

• This module focuses on the importance of the proposition format and structure:
• - The proposal must have the correct structure to have a positive impact on the readers
• - How to construct the management/executive summary
• - Laying out the format in a logical sequence
• - Highlighting the importance of matching needs to benefits
• - Justification of the proposition e.g., cost benefit analysis
• - Referrals and appendices how to use them effectively

Communicating Factors

• This module focuses on ensuring that the proposal is understood by all:
• - The structure of paragraphs and sentences including readability
• - The 'fog index' check
• - The use of different layouts including visuals
• - Avoiding jargon and repetition

Proposal Appearance

• This module focuses on how to make the proposal attractive to the readers:
• - The use of the right products to achieve a high impact paper type and colour; binders and folders; print and print types