Some Final Thoughts

Here are some additional tips that will help you organize your formal proposal effectively:

  1. When responding to an RFP, respond completely. Answer every question, no matter how irrelevant, annoying, or stupid it may seem. Even if a question has already been asked in a previous part of the RFP, answer it completely all over again. Do not make perfunctory comments, such as “See above” or “See attached brochure” or “Comply.” Failing to answer or giving perfunctory answers may be seen as nonresponsive.

  2. Figure out ways to make your business case. Some RFPs limit the content or length of your proposal. For example, an RFP may state that you must answer the questions only on the form provided, that you may not include any “marketing” ...

Get Persuasive Business Proposals: Writing to Win More Customers, Clients, and Contracts now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.

Start your free trial