Posted by BJ
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?
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).
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).
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