Two areas of my life that are getting increased attention are golf and proposal writing. Now, the growing numbers of golfers-male and female – is understandable given the social and competitive aspects of the game and the Tiger Woods/Annika Sorenstam phenomenon. But why is proposal writing receiving more attention? Simple – it is the lifeblood of any flourishing organization.
In today’s marketplace, there are now numerous suppliers able to offer similar products/services. Therefore, purchasers, to ensure they get the best pricing and support, require vendors to submit proposals. Everyone is looking for the “best bang for their buck.”
In addition, government mandates now require staff not only to put potential vendors through an exhaustive tendering process but also to ensure that the vendor’s delivery is cost-effective. What this means is that proposal writing is fast becoming an art and a requisite for successful business people.
But why mention golf and proposals in the same article? What can they possibly have in common? The answer came to me last week just after I had finished an extensive proposal and had rewarded...