Avoid the Speedbumps
Sub-standard proposal writing is a speed bump to evaluators and customers. Yes, small mistakes get noticed; and yes, small mistakes matter when it comes to proposal evaluation.
Proposal writing is different from general business or technical writing. It includes elements of compliance and persuasion that aren’t always part of basic writing. Too much flare is a turnoff; too little technical information can mean being thrown out.
Here are some basic dos and don’ts to help you avoid speedbumps in your proposal writing:
Do |
|
Don’t |
Write for the evaluator |
Think it’s “all about us” |
|
Keep sentences less than 20 words where possible |
Use run-on sentences that confuse the reader |
|
Leverage technology for accuracy and completeness |
Rely too much on technology to “fix” your spelling, grammar, or usage mistakes |
|
Answer the requirement or question concisely |
Dance around the response |
|
Focus on the benefit to the customer |
Write about a never-ending list of features |
|
Use active voice for persuasion |
Write using consistently passive voice |
|
Apply emphasis techniques that guide the reader (lists, captions, headings) |
Use never-ending paragraphs that lose meaning |
|
Follow the instructions—submit your proposal exactly how the customer wants it |
Deviate from what the customer asks for |
Following these simple guidelines won’t guarantee a winning proposal. But, they will eliminate irritating speed bumps that cause the evaluator or customer to pause.
Learn more about proposal writing in our self-paced Proposal Writing course or our Live, Online POWeRful Proposal Writing course