Eschew Dog Puppies
The “dog puppy” rule is a handy summary of the importance of concision in RFP responses, as well as a reminder of how to actually do it.
Do or Do Not
Being definitive rather than tentative leads to better RFP responses. Thinking of Yoda (“Do, or do no. There is no try.”) can be a handy rule of thumb for proposal writers.
That’s So . . . 14th Century
Good RFP response writing reflects the client’s language. For a North American client, don’t use words considered archaic in North America.
Go Ahead: Say “Never”
Version control problems on RFP responses are pervasive, inexcusable, and entirely preventable. The best approach focuses both on simple but strict file-handling protocols, as well as proposal team management to avoid overload.
A Working Holiday?
RFP responses are often due just after major holidays, stressing the proposal team and their families. Acknowledging the imposition directly is the best way of dealing with it.