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The Big Professor

10/21/2009

1 Comment

 
Posted by BJ
A childhood friend of mine, Steve and I were reminiscing about TV shows we watched growing up (yes Jon, we did have TV’s back then, albeit there were only 3 channels and these were only broadcast only from 6am to midnight ☺).

One such show was Sandy Becker, a children’s show which was shown in the greater New York City area (I’m guessing those you who are around my age and grew up in the New York area may also fondly recall the show.) This show featured several characters, all played by the very talented Sandy Becker. One such character, a favorite of mine, was the Big Professor.
The Big Professor would select and answer questions submitted by children, (and I suspect a few parents). The person whose question was chosen to be answered on the air would receive a prize.

As it happens, a cousin of mine submitted a question that was selected and answered by the Big Professor. Her question was, “What makes popcorn pop?”

Steve commented that the Big Professor was our version of Google. This got me to thinking and I decided to Google this question and see what would come up.

As you might suspect, I got a few hits (1,220,000 actually) and had all sorts of information literally at my fingertips. (I also got 780,000 for Sandy Becker and for Big Professor videos.)

As one who grew up in the middle of the industrial age and is now in the Information age, I continue to be amazed at the both information available to us and the speed at which we are able to access it. A favorite question that I ask when I wish to get a conversation started is, “What will the world be like when our children (grandchildren) are our age?” One can only imagine.

Another question that this raises is, given the changes in availability of information, “What will RFPs/Proposals look like in the future? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this.​
1 Comment
Robin Davis
3/25/2016 04:58:46 pm

Interesting question to ponder. My mind goes directly to the things that I wish clients and consultants would consider and change about their RFPs now. Like eliminating questions that don’t really impact the buying decision, or asking the same question over and over; asking more pointed questions instead of open-ended questions that make it difficult to compare across multiple proposals; clearly describing their goals, objectives and budget; being open to questions and dialog during the proposal process so that we can ask questions or get clarity. All things that would help me, the vendor, give the client what they really need to make the best decision.

In terms of format, perhaps RFPs become less lengthy and we provide basic information, but when it comes to the solution, we have a conversation. Nothing beats two-way verbal communication channels for hammering out a solution that meets the client’s unique needs. I hope the conversation/proposal becomes more strategic in nature and less “widget purchasing”. Most vendors I’ve worked with want to be creative and solve problems for the client. Sharing business issues being faced by the client with a vendor that is focused on meeting those needs and being a true partner, would significantly change the client/vendor relationship. When both client and vendor are focused on the same goal, big things can happen.

Whatever the look or the delivery model that the future might bring, the bottom line I’d like to see is a shift in the conversation – a maturing of the buying process. But that’s just me. :)

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    BJ Lownie and Jon Williams are the co-founders of Strategic Proposals.

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