Posted by Jon on 29 September, 2006 under Musings | 
Friends reading the blog will know that I am an avid Liverpool fan. US readers may need that translating into “Jon likes soccer”.
I couldn’t let today pass without noting, sadly, that it’s 25 years to the day since Bill Shankly (the legendary Liverpool manager), passed away. Anyone who’s heard me speak at conferences or on courses will know that I’m a great fan of one of his many memorable comments:
“First is first, second is nothing.”
With that philosophy, Shankly would have made a great proposal manager.
Posted by Jon on 28 September, 2006 under Word play & writing |
I’ve just received a marvellous note from the co-ordinator of a training course we’re running next week, about lunch arrangements:
…just to check – do either of you guys have any deity requirements at all?
As I explained in my reply, I’m not actually a religious man!
Posted by BJ on 27 September, 2006 under Musings, Word play & writing |
While picking up my coffee this morning at my local Dunkin’ Donuts, I noticed a sign on the counter. The sign, promoting their omelet on a bagel, read:
The ingredients in your omelet are –
* Red bell peppers
* Onions
* Potatoes
* Mushrooms
* Bacon
As I read this I had this nagging feeling that something was missing here. After a few seconds, it hit me.
Did you notice it? Right. Seems that whomever put this marketing piece together (and it was nicely done and had a very official looking #54328-91B on it so I’m guessing it came from corporate) was so focused on all the extras, they missed the main ingredient.
Need I point out the parallel to some proposals? :-)
Posted by Jon on 25 September, 2006 under Word play & writing |
Spotted in our local takeaway last night – menu option 134:
Bee with Mushrooms in Plum Sauce.
I wonder how many people have read that over the years without noticing the error?
I saw another howler recently on a course feedback form:
“This course will really help me wright great proposals”.
Or maybe not… Oh dear!
Posted by BJ on 22 September, 2006 under Musings |
Here are a few things I love about working on proposals. And I can say these because I am usually working with a great team and have most of the necessary resources*
1) Creating a highly effective proposal in a very efficient manner is just that, a ‘creative’ process - the strategizing, planning (and overcoming obstacles), developing content, and all the other activities that go in to doing this job really well all require my best creative talents.
2) It’s different every time. Though I follow the same process, giving me efficiency and effectiveness, there are always the unforeseen yet interesting twists and turns. Personalities and emotions come into play, too – especially when the pressure is on. And hey, we are dealing with people here, right?
3) That certain ‘buzz’ to working on something that is really challenging, with a limited (and usually less than desirable) amount of time. The adrenaline gets pumping, you develop camaraderie with your fellow proposal professionals, and in the end you have that wonderful feeling that comes from doing a great job despite the odds.
4) I’m usually working with some really great people. OK, granted, the great people on a team are usually in the minority, and we’re usually dealing with lots of people who just don’t (and probably never will) get it. But I’ll put up with that for the opportunity to work with the few really creative, energized and highly skilled folks.
5) You can never get too much cold pizza. OK, just kidding here…’cause you definitely CAN get too much cold pizza when you’re working late at night …and, as you’ve no doubt heard us say before, if you and your team have your act together, you shouldn’t be eating cold pizza too often. In fact, you should be sitting down to some great meals paid for by very grateful sales people!
6) I get to write (I admit, I’m one of those who loves to play with words… and I’m guessing there are plenty of kindred spirits reading this right now. Raise your hand if you’re one of them.)
7) I get to play with toys and take long walks. Yep. I do. All part of the creative process. Jon and I have, quite literally, walked miles while working out problems – the openness of being outside, combined with the movement of walking, is almost magical in it’s ability to get us thinking creatively and propagating ideas. Many a great proposal strategy has been borne out of a long walk (and so have lots of our presentation ideas – Fairy Tale, Extreme Makeover, It’s All About Price, etc.)
More to come…and I’m sure Jon will have a few to offer.
(*Why? Because I make my business case for the necessary resources and refuse to compromise the quality of my proposals by accepting, within reason anyway, less than what is required).
Posted by Jon on 21 September, 2006 under Musings |
And while we’re talking about Starbucks… Would anyone care to explain the difference between the following two (genuine) Starbucks drinks: a triple long extra pump white mocha and a triple long espresso con panna with white mocha.
Answer? $1.50
That’s right. $1.50. Note that I didn’t say anything about differences between the two drinks. Because they’re identical.
(Thanks to The Guardian for this!)
Posted by BJ on 20 September, 2006 under Musings, Processes & best practice |
…then help me understand Starbucks.
