The Savvy Entrepreneur

Yesterday, I shared Pam Ivey‘s response on how NOT to reply to a request for proposal.

For most service providers, RFPs can be a great resource for new clients – if you respond professionally and thoroughly, with a great call to action (sounds like a marketing strategy to me).

So, how do you professionally respond to a request for proposal? Pam offers these points:

• Restate the request in your own words to demonstrate your understanding of the project and requirements.
• Describe how you will perform the project.
• Describe ways in which you will measure effectiveness.
• Describe your past experience with past projects.
• Suggest a time-frame for project completion or if warranted, you can suggest an ongoing (or retainer) program – which is of course, is often our ultimate goal.
• Thank them for the opportunity to submit your proposal and offer to answer any questions they may have or to provide further details.
• Remember to include your contact information – both email and phone number, along with a link to your website.

I hope you found yesterday and today’s series on Responding to RFPs useful and informative.

I can’t wait to meet Pam in person and hear her presentation Answering and Responding to RFP’s at the IVAA Annual Live VA Summit 2009 in April (right here in Montreal!!). Pam Ivey is a Virtual Business Manager and Owner of the Canadian Virtual Assistant Network (CVAN).

Time to go out there and start making some noise!