Tender Application Writing Secrets


Let’s be honest, tender writing can be a chore.  But, when you finally land that next big contract, the effort will be all worth it.  Despite all the time an energy it takes, a strong tender response is an investment not only in landing more work (and more dollars) for your business, but it is also a reflection of your business brand and reputation.  Therefore, it pays to make the effort with the tender application writing chore.  There are some things that great tender application writers do, that make them stand out.  Here are the secret tips that other tender application writers don’t want you to know.   

SECRET NUMBER 1:  Don’t Apply for Everything
Great tender writers are very picky about the tenders they apply for.  In your haste to land the next big contract, don’t make the mistake of applying for everything out there.  Spend time find tender opportunities that your company can really nail, and then focus on doing a good job with those applications.    

SECRET NUMBER 2:  It’s All about Your Customer!  
We all know how to talk up our business! It’s easy to write about the things we do well, the fantastic employees we have and all the policies and procedures we have in place.  Unfortunately, tender writing is not about talking ourselves up but rather talking about the benefits we can provide to the client themselves. All too often, tender application writers are under a false assumption that the client cares about them, but in reality, they really care about what you can do for them and how you can help them achieve their goals.  
A tender writer must clearly state the benefits offered to the client in each and every question while at the same time using strategies to promote their own company. For example, when addressing a question on technology it is important to:
· Explain what technology you currently have
 AND
· How you will use this technology to this benefit the company and the tender requirements
AS tender writers, we must understand that these aspects go hand in hand and must be addressed together and in every question throughout the tender.

SECRET NUMBER 3: Use Compelling Referees
All good tender application writers know that a key part of delivering a successful tender response is choosing the right referees. Use referees that know your products or services. Make sure you get permission to use referees before including them in your response. Brief them on the highlights of the request so they can target their comments to the job specifications.  
SECRET NUMBER 4:  Does it Pass the “Easy-To-Read” Test?
Put yourself in the reviewer’s position.  They have all these tender applications to review. It must be mind-numbingly boring at times.  So, make it easier for the person who reviewing the tender responses by structuring it clearly, with headings, subheadings and dot points to break up large tracts of text. And use diagrams, charts, graphics, photos and a project plan if necessary.  Consider your tender application as marketing for your company and put the effort in to make it look good!

SECRET NUMBER 5:  Get Professional Help
Whether you’re a veteran tender writer or new to the game, consider getting some professional tender application writing help.  Red Tape Busters are specialist in grant and tender writing and can help your organisation or business win grant funding or achieve successes with tenders. Visit http://www.redtapebusters.com/  for more information. We are specialists in providing the following services:
· Lobbying;
· Tender Writing;
· Grant Writing;
· Resumes/Job Applications;
· Organisational/Business Development.

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