TenderWise and you - it's a two-way partnership

Creating a successful tender response is a complex and collaborative process. A tender response writer can play a pivotal role, not just in crafting a document but in forging a partnership with their clients to produce the most compelling bid possible. Here’s a closer look at how TenderWise collaborates effectively with our clients to achieve success:

1. Understanding your needs and goals

The first step in the partnership is for us to fully understand your business, the specific project, and what you hope to achieve by winning the bid. This involves detailed discussions, reviews of previous tenders, and a thorough understanding of your industry and market position.

2. Gathering information

Collecting all necessary information is crucial for success. Whether your a sole trader or a publicly listed company, we’ll coordinate with your or your people to gather accurate and pertinent data. Out tender team ensure that all documentation and project requirements are met and aligns them with your capabilities and goals.

3. Strategic planning

Once the information is gathered, our tender writers work with you to develop a strategy. This includes deciding how to best meet the tender requirements, how to differentiate you from your competitors, and how to clearly communicate your value proposition. Strategic planning also involves setting timelines and deadlines, ensuring that the response is crafted well before the submission date.

4. Drafting the response

With a strategy in place, our tender writer begins drafting the response. This includes writing clear, persuasive, and compliant text that aligns with the tender requirements. The tender writer also works on highlighting your strengths, and uniquely positioning them in the response to maximise impact.

5. Review and refinement

The draft response is sent to you at least 2 days prior to the submission deadline so you can review it in full. Feedback is essential, so we can incorporate and changes and fine-tuning the document based on your review (although in our experience, 95% of our clients require no or very few changes).

6. Finalisation and submission

Once the tender response is polished, it undergoes a final review to ensure all requirements are met and that it presents you in the best possible light. Usually we require you to submit the tender response through the tender portal yourself, but if you get stuck we can certainly manage the submission process for you (we’ll obviously need your tender portal login details to do this)

7. Post-submission support

After the tender is submitted, our tender writing team can help you to respond t any questions the tender issuer may have, prepare for presentations or interviews. This support can be crucial, especially in high-value tenders where the final decision may involve an interview or presentation stage.

FInal thoughts

Throughout the process, our tender response writer will act as a navigator and collaborator, ensuring that your tender submission documents are not only compliant and timely, but also compelling. By effectively partnering with our clients, TenderWise can play an integral role in enhancing your chances of winning bids, thereby contributing to your overall business growth and success.

Just give Pauline a call on 0400 514 579 or shoot an email to pauline@tenderwise.com.au and we’ll get right back to you!

How to Win a Cleaning Tender: Strategies for Success

Winning a cleaning tender can open doors to valuable, long-term contracts, boosting the growth of your cleaning business and establishing new and steady income streams. But the competition can be fierce, with many cleaning companies vying for the same contract. Crafting a standout cleaning tender response requires more than listing services and pricing - it involves demonstrating why your business is the best fit for the client’s specific needs. Here are the essential steps and strategies for preparing a winning cleaning tender response that will clearly set you apart from the competition.

Understand the Requirements

Before drafting your response, take time to thoroughly analyse the tender document. Look beyond the surface requirements to understand the tender issuer’s core needs, pain points, and priorities. Some organisations may prioritise eco-friendly cleaning solutions, while others may need flexibility in scheduling or expertise in high-traffic area sanitation. Attending any pre-tender meetings or Q&A sessions can help clarify details and show the tender issuer you’re committed to understanding their needs. The more insight you have into their expectations, the better you can tailor your tender submission.

Expertise and Track Record

A strong cleaning tender response highlights your experience and proven track record. Include case studies or examples from previous contracts that demonstrate your capability, especially if they’re similar to the contract you’re bidding for. Include experience with any specialised cleaning requirements, such as medical facility cleaning, industrial spaces, or schools, if relevant. If you have received any industry certifications, awards, or positive testimonials, make sure to include them in your response as evidence of your expertise and reliability.

Quality Control

Quality assurance is crucial when delivering cleaning service, so it’s important to demonstrate how you deliver consistent, high-quality results. Detail the quality control measures your business implements to ensure that all cleaning tasks meet high standards. This could include regular inspections, client feedback systems, staff training, and checklists tailored to specific areas. Demonstrating a commitment to quality not only builds trust but also reassures the client that you have a proactive approach to maintaining service standards.

Health, Safety, and Environment

Cleaning contracts often involve strict compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and public facilities. Outline your company’s commitment to safety practices, such as staff training on equipment use, handling chemicals, and emergency response protocols. Many organisations also value eco-friendly practices, so if your business uses environmentally safe cleaning products, waste reduction practices, or energy-efficient equipment, make sure to include this information as a key part of your bid.

Customised Solutions

Every organisation has unique cleaning needs, so instead of providing a one-size-fits-all proposal, offer a customised solution tailored to the specific requirements detailed in the tender. For example, if there is a need for frequent disinfection in high-touch areas or specialised equipment for floor care, address these points directly. Providing a tailored approach demonstrates that you’ve carefully considered the requirements and are flexible enough to adapt your services accordingly.

Pricing Structure

Price is a significant factor in winning any tender, but it’s essential to balance affordability with value. If the tender response schedules allow for this, break down your pricing structure clearly, showing how costs align with the services you’re offering. Include details such as the frequency of cleaning, any special services included, and whether materials and supplies are part of the package.

Staff & Training

The tender issuer will want to know that your cleaning staff are skilled, reliable, and professional. Highlight the quality of your team by describing your hiring process, training programs, and any ongoing professional development your staff receive. If your team members are trained in specific cleaning techniques, customer service, or health and safety protocols, include this information. Emphasise your commitment to a well-trained and motivated team, as it reinforces that fact that you’ll deliver a high standard of service.

Communication & Reporting

Effective communication is a crucial aspect of any cleaning contract. Organisations need assurance that they’ll be informed of any issues, changes, or updates promptly, so include your plan for regular communication and reporting in your tender response. Explain how you’ll provide feedback, address client concerns, and ensure accountability. Offering a monthly or quarterly reporting system that tracks cleaning tasks completed, inspection results, and any client feedback demonstrates your commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

Contingency Plans

Cleaning operations can face unexpected disruptions, such as staff shortages, equipment malfunctions, or supply chain delays. Including a contingency plan in your tender response demonstrates that you’re prepared to handle unforeseen challenges without compromising service quality. Outline your strategies for staffing backup, equipment repair or replacement, and supply management, showing the tender issuer that you’re equipped to maintain consistency and reliability.

Presentation

Presentation matters. A well-structured, polished, and error-free document reflects positively on your company and shows your commitment to professionalism. Make sure your tender response is easy to read, follows any specified format or word limits, and includes all required information. Take time to craft an engaging introduction and cover letter that captures the client’s attention and succinctly conveys your enthusiasm and commitment to delivering exceptional service.

Final Thoughts

Winning a cleaning tender takes more than just competitive pricing. It requires a comprehensive, client-focused approach that demonstrates your understanding of their needs and commitment to quality. By emphasising your expertise, customising your proposal, and presenting a clear plan for communication, quality control, and contingency management, you can create a tender response that positions your cleaning business as the top choice.

With the right approach, you can build trust, showcase your value, and win the clients who matter most. Follow these steps to increase your chances of success and start building lasting relationships through winning tenders for cleaning responses.

Happy Tendering!

Pauline

What evidence should you include to support your tender bid?

Submitting a tender is a critical process for many businesses seeking new or renewed contracts, and it requires meticulous preparation and a strategic approach. A well-crafted tender submission can be the difference between winning and losing a contract, and one of the most crucial aspects of a tender is the evidence you include to support your proposal. This evidence demonstrates your capability, reliability, and suitability for the project. Here are key types of evidence to consider - they may not be relevant to every tender, but they are fairly common across most of the tenders that I work on:

Your Credentials and Experience

Your company’s credentials and experience are foundational elements of your tender submission. This includes:

1. Including a detailed overview of your company, including history, mission, vision, and values.

2. Highlighting relevant projects you have completed by focussing on projects similar in scope and complexity to the tender you are bidding for.

3. Providing case studies that showcase successful outcomes, particularly those relevant to the tender requirements.

Your Technical Capability and Resources

Demonstrating your technical capability and the resources at your disposal is essential. Include:

1. Information about your team’s qualifications, certifications, and expertise in the relevant field.

2. Details about the tools, technology, and facilities you have to execute the project.

3. Highlight any innovative approaches or technologies you plan to utilise that differentiate your bid.

Your Financial Stability

Financial stability is a key concern for many tender issuers, as it assures them that you can complete the project without financial difficulties. You could include:

1. Audited financial statements for the past three to five years, if requested by the tender issuer.

2. Any credit ratings from recognised agencies.

3. Letters from your bank attesting to your financial health.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Policies

Health, safety, and environmental considerations are increasingly important in tender evaluations, so if requested make sure you provide:

1. Copies of your health, safety, and environmental policies, procedures and manuals.

2. Any relevant certifications such as ISO 14001 for environmental management or ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety.

3. Records of past incidents and your approach to managing and mitigating such risks.

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance demonstrates your commitment to delivering high standards. Include:

1. Information about your quality management systems, such as ISO 9001 certification.

2. Detailed descriptions of your processes and procedures for ensuring quality.

3. Testimonials from previous clients that attest to your high-quality deliverables.

References and Testimonials

References and testimonials from previous clients can significantly bolster your submission. Include:

1. Contact details of clients who can provide positive feedback on your work.

2. Letters or statements from satisfied clients highlighting your performance and reliability.

3. Any industry awards or recognitions that acknowledge your excellence.

Risk Management Plans

Risk management is crucial to project success. Include:

1. A detailed risk assessment specific to the project you are bidding for.

2. Clear strategies for mitigating identified risks.

3. Well-defined contingency plans for potential issues that could arise during the project.

Compliance with Requirements

Ensure your submission complies with all the tender requirements. Include:

1. A matrix or checklist showing how you meet each requirement of the tender.

2. Evidence of your compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

3. If required, include a bid bond or guarantee as specified in the tender documents.

Make it Comprehensive and Make if Relevant

Including comprehensive, relevant evidence in your tender submission not only strengthens your proposal but also builds trust with the client. By meticulously compiling and presenting your credentials, technical capabilities, financial stability, and more, you position your company as a reliable and capable partner for the project. Remember, the goal is to provide clear, concise, and compelling evidence that you are the best choice for the job.

By paying attention to these details and ensuring all evidence is well-documented and presented, you enhance your chances of securing the tender and successfully delivering the project.

If you need a hand with your tender from a professional tender writer, I’m here to help - just call me on 0400 514 579 or shoot an email to pauline@tenderwise.com.au for a completely obligation-free chat.

What it's like working with TenderWise

I know that spending money on professional tender writing services can be like taking a walk into the unknown if you’ve never worked with the business or person before. That’s why I decided to write this blog to give you a few insights into what it’s like working with me.

First, a little about me. I’m Pauline Sabin, and I started TenderWise 10 years ago after a. long career in General Management positions in large commercial and medium-sized businesses. I founded TenderWise after leaving my employer (who wanted me to move to a different state - this would have resulted in a promotion, but I live on the Gold Coast, and I like it here, so Melbourne didn’t hold a lot of appeal).

Throughout my previous career, I’d had plenty of experience on the evaluation side of large tenders and I’ve always had pretty persuasive writing and communication skills, so the move to establishing a business that’s effectively all about writing seemed like a natural fit.

Fast-forward a decade, and I have completed successful tenders for just about every industry sector. I also have many amazing clients who use my services exclusively. I’ve also been named as one of the world’s to 20 tender blog writers, and I’ve recently won an Innovation & Excellence Award from Corporate Live Wire. One way you can get a sense of what it’s like working with me is to read some of the testimonials I’ve received, which you can do here.

In more detailed terms though, when you work with me you can expect a streamlined and effective way to enhance your chances of winning a bid. Here’s a detailed description of the process:

Initial Chat

During our initial chat (after you’ve sent me the tender documentations), I’ll assess the requirements of the tender. This includes understanding the specifications, deadlines, and criteria set by the client or issuing authority.. I’ll also take time to understand your business, including your products or services, strengths, and competitive advantages. From this, I’ll develop a strategy for the tender response, including identifying key themes, messages, and unique selling points.

Information Gathering

Once you’e agreed to my Proposal, I’ll ask for the key information I need to develop the response. Initially this will be in the form of a brain dump from you - you don’t need to worry about how it’s written (that’s my job) but I do need relevant information that I can pull into a cohesive and compelling story. If you have any existing documentation such as previous tenders, marketing materials, and project reports I’ll also review these to identify anything that can be recycled into the new tender.

Drafting the Tender Submission

Next, I focus on the tender response, with clarity, compliance, and persuasive content being top of mind. This involves several rounds of writing, editing, and revising. I’ll share the draft with you when it’s pretty close to the final version so I can incorporate your feedback into the document. I have never had a client make anything more than superficial or very minor changes at this stage of the process.

Review and Finalisation

Prior to sending you the final version, I proofread the document closely for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors to ensure a professional presentation. I also complete a thorough thorough check to ensure that all tender requirements and criteria are met, and that all necessary documents are included. Then it’s over to you to submit the tender response through the specified means (iusally an online tender portal) before the submission deadline.

Post-Submission

Sometimes the tender issuer may have follow-up questions or requests for additional information and if this happens I’ll help you to develop the post-submission response. If the bid is unsuccessful, I encourage you to seek feedback and I’ll help analyse feedback to identify areas for improvement in future tenders.

Benefits of Working with a Professional Tender Writer like TenderWise

1. Expertise: A professional tender writer brings specialised knowledge and experience, increasing the quality of your tender response.

2. Efficiency: I manage the process efficiently, saving you and your team time and effort.

3. Compliance: I ensure all requirements are met, reducing the risk of disqualification on technical grounds.

4. Persuasiveness: I’m a skilled writer, so I can present your strengths compellingly, improving your chances of winning the bid.

In summary, working with TenderWise involves a collaborative process where I take care of the bulk of the writing and compliance work, allowing you to focus on providing the necessary information and expertise about your business. If you need a hand with your tender - or if you’d like a completely obligation chat, just give me a call on 0400 514 579 or shoot me an email to pauline@tenderwise.com.au.

Are you tender ready? Check these tips before you start writing your bid.

Writing a great tender response submission is critical if you want to secure Government and commercial contracts and projects. A compelling tender submission should showcase your capabilities and demonstrate how you're the best fit for the job. Keep reading to find out how to develop an outstanding tender response:

1. Understand the Requirements

Start by carefully reading the tender documentation so you fully understand the objectives and any specific requirements. This step is crucial for tailoring your response to exactly what the tender issuer is looking for. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification from the issuer (and don’t forget to check the tender documents for the cut-off date for questions - the last thing you want to find is that something isn’t clear only to realise it’s too late to clarify it). It's always better to ask questions than to assume something that might lead to a submission that doesn’t fully answer the questions.

2. Plan Your Response

Make a checklist of all the requirements and documents you need to submit. This ensures you don't miss any critical components of the tender. You might also want to portion different parts of the tender response out to various team members who have specific knowledge or skills in certain areas.

3. Highlight Your Competitive Advantage

Identify and highlight what makes your business stand out. This could be your innovative solutions, past project successes, or specific expertise relevant to the tender. It’s also important to support your claims with evidence, so include case studies, testimonials, certifications, and awards to build credibility.

4. Pay Attention to Detail

Ensure you respond to every question as asked, and tailor your answers to demonstrate how you meet or exceed each requirement. It’s also important to be clear and concise and avoid the use of jargon or overly complex language. Your tender response submission should be easy to understand for anyone reading it.

5. Focus on Value, Not Just Cost

Of course, being price-competitive is important but it’s also crucial to focus on the value you offer. Explain how your approach or solution provides the best return on investment for the tender issuer. If possible, suggest innovative solutions or approaches that could save time, reduce costs, or improve outcomes for them.

6. Review and Refine

Typos or grammatical errors can undermine your credibility, so carefully proofread your submission or have someone else review it for you. While you’re at it, check to ensure your response adheres to all formatting and submission guidelines. This includes meeting the deadline, following any specified structure, and including all requested attachments.

7. Follow Up

Whether you win or lose, ask for feedback on your submission. This can provide valuable insights for future tenders.

The Last Word

By following these steps and continually seeking to improve your submissions, you'll increase your chances of winning tenders and growing your business. Remember, each tender is a learning opportunity and a chance to refine your approach for the future.

If you find you’re too short on time to develop your submission, our tender writing services can help. It costs nothing to have a chat, so why not give Pauline a call today at 0400 514 579 or shoot her an email at pauline@tenderwise.com.au!

How to Make Your Tender Response Really Stand Out

Tenders can be gnarly little beasts. In a highly competitive and increasingly sophisticated bidding world, making a good first impression on the tender evaluation panel is essential. 

It requires a combination of careful preparation, a compelling presentation, and a focus on addressing the specific needs of the tender issuer.

Here’s How to Ensure your Tender Response Really Stands Out:

1. Add an eye-catching cover page, and ensure it encapsulates a brief statement summarising your unique selling proposition (this should be no more than ten words). If you’re unsure how to design a nice cover page, check out Canva.

2. Create a compelling cover letter that includes the key points about why your business is a great fit for the tender requirements (the cover letter is actually the last thing you should write, but it’s the first thing - other than your cover page - that the tender evaluation panel will read.

3. Tailor your tender submission to the requirements of the response schedules. The biggest mistake I see time after time when I review my clients’ tenders is that they have tried to fit existing content into places where it just doesn’t belong. 

   Take the time to read each question carefully and then respond directly to the question asked. 

4. Write like you’re talking to someone. Don’t use overly complicated language and avoid industry jargon — the evaluation panel may not include anyone who understands tech-speak.

5. Demonstrate why your company ticks all the boxes in the tender response document without overdoing it. Keep reinforcing how your skills and experience combine to be a low-risk option for the tender issuer. 

   Highlight the expertise of your core team, including their qualifications and the relevant experience that they have.

6. Provide a Capability Statement. It outlines the strengths and competencies of your business. It is always an excellent document to add as an Appendix (as long as the tender conditions allow additional supporting information to be included in your response). Include plenty of evidence, examples, case studies, and testimonials if you have them.

Final Thoughts

A standout tender response shows a deep understanding of the tender issuer’s needs, presents a tailored solution, and demonstrates your capabilities and commitment to delivering value. 

If you need a hand to create a great response, I’m always here to help. Just call me on 0400 514 579, email me at pauline@tenderwise.com.au, or fill out this form.

Happy tendering!

Pauline

Didn’t win that tender submission? Ask for feedback!

None of us likes to lose, especially when you’ve put lots of time and effort (not to mention bucks if you’ve paid for professional help) into creating a tender submission. Although, as hard as it is to miss out, this is a golden opportunity to seek feedback so you can get some clues as to what you could do better next time.

Not all organisations will provide feedback, but you'll never know if you don't ask! Suppose your tender submission was for a local Council contract. In that case, it's also a good idea to search on the Council website for the minutes of the Councillor's monthly meetings - these are always publicly available and usually include a section relating to the outcome of tenders (aka who won what and why).

The level of feedback offered will vary substantially depending on who issued the tender. Some may offer a face-to-face debrief designed to provide honest feedback and insights on what parts of your tender letter could have been improved. This information is gold for your business, so use it well.

Other tender issuers may provide a ranking score against each evaluation criterion for all tenders received. Sometimes this will list all tenderers and their scores by name, and sometimes this will list all tenderers, with everyone but your business listed with a generic name (e.g., Company 1, Company 2, etc.).

Either way, it’s an excellent opportunity to see where you sat amongst your competitors and what areas let you down. If you don’t get much information, but you do get the chance to ask questions, it’s always good to know:

1. Who won the tender submissions? It will help you better understand your competition.

2. How many were received, and where did you rank? It’s always a good thing to know where you sit amongst your competitors so you know your relative position.

3. How you scored against the evaluation criteria, and whether there were any areas where you didn’t meet the standards required or made mistakes.

4. What areas the evaluation panel felt you should improve on next time?

Once you have this information, you’ll know what let you down and what you should improve when you start your next tender submission.  Any feedback should provide you with valuable insights, and it’s important to share this with your team as soon as you can so they can start working on creating updated content.

If you need a hand, I’m here to help, and I’ve also written my professional tender writing tips, which are free to anyone who wants them - just fill in the form on my home page, give me a call on 0400 514579 or shoot me an email to pauline@tenderwise.com.au. I’m also happy to provide you with a review of your unsuccessful tender - obligation and cost-free.

In the meantime, happy tendering!

Pauline

How to jazz up your tender submission for success

When it comes to winning tenders, content and price are both obviously critically important components.  But in a crowded marketplace you need to do more than just write a compelling tender response - you need to really stand out from your competitors.  

Here’s how to jazz up your tender submission for success!

When it comes to winning tenders, content and price are both obviously critically important components.  But in a crowded marketplace you need to do more than just write a compelling tender response - you need to really stand out from your competitors.  

Here’s how to jazz up your tender submission for success!

1. Use cover pages for your main submission and any appendices (see point 3 below).  I like to use Canva — it’s easy to use, doesn’t cost much, and comes loaded with heaps of existing templates, so if you’re a beginner with this creative stuff, you can start off by updating someone else’s design.  Pro tip: make sure you search for A4 templates, or you’ll end up with something that isn’t the right size for your tender submissions.

2. Add a cover letter. I always put this immediately after the cover page and use it to briefly outline the key aspects of the submission and why your business has the credentials and experience to deliver the tender requirements.

3. Add supporting information in Appendices. It is an excellent opportunity to include information such as evidence of qualifications, ISO certifications, your Capability Statement or resumes of your key staff. Always ensure that you reference everything in the main tender submission template, including the Appendix and the page numbers where the supporting information can be found. I usually have one Appendix for general supporting information and separate appendices for larger documents (such as your HSEQ Manual or sample Project Plan if requested).

4. Use headings to break up your text.  It’s a simple thing, but by introducing headings you’ll make your content easier to read and it will be vastly more visually appealing.

5. White space is a good thing. The team who sits on the tender evaluation panel reviewing your submission are all busy people and don’t have the time to read long boring chunks of text. So, for example, in a tender submission, along with headings,  keep your paragraphs short so you create plenty of white space, making it easier to digest the content.

6. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle through a few relevant images -  depending on your industry, think screenshots from your workflow management system, images of your vehicles, and photos of some of your projects or things you’ve delivered.

7. Celebrate your successes.  Most tenders I work on want to know about your approach and methodology to meet the tender requirements.  While you definitely need to go into detail about the process you’ll go through to deliver the services, I always try to add some real examples that showcase how well your operational expertise has resulted in positive outcomes for your clients (linking back as closely as possible to the tender requirements).

That’s it — simple but effective!  And if you don’t have the time or the inclination to jazz up your tender submissions yourself, that’s what I do all day long, so if you need a hand just give me a shout.  You can shoot me an email at pauline@tenderwise.com.au, call me on 0400 514 579 or contact me using this form right here.

Does the location of my tender writer matter?

It can be scary when faced with the prospect of parting with your hard-earned money and working with a total stranger on your tender response. So does the location of your tender writer matter? The answer is no — and yes.

NO - because relatability, experience, and proven ability should be your most important selection criteria when choosing one. YES - because it’s important that they are based in Australia (or at least have some solid knowledge of the Australian tender market and Government requirements).

TenderWise is a Queensland-based business, but I have clients spread across the country, and strangely enough, a relatively small percentage are in Queensland. Most of my clients are in WA and Victoria, so clearly, location is not an issue for them.

But there are certain requirements you must expect. My advice to all prospective new clients is to choose a bid tender writer who:

• Relates well to you

Right from your first conversation, you should feel that the tender consultant is engaged, interested in what you have to say, asks lots of questions, and is generous with their advice. If the writer doesn’t seem interested in you from the outset, it’s probably likely that the same attitude will prevail throughout your association.

• Is experienced 

Ask them what they’ve done, who they’ve done it for, their approach, and how they can help you. It doesn’t really matter if your tender bid writer doesn’t have much experience in your particular sector. However, a seasoned tender writing professional will have experience across various industries. Why isn’t it very important? Because you are the subject matter expert in your business - your tender writer doesn’t need to know the finer details, but they do need to know how to turn your story into a compelling tender submission.

• Has proven ability to perform and win

Every tender response writing business and all professional tender writers should be able to point you to testimonials (like these here) and put you in touch with existing clients who can tell you what the experience of working with them is like. It’s a good idea to ask how many of their clients are regulars so you can get a good feel for how much repeat business they have. Generally, a successful tender writing company won’t need to advertise their services since most of its business will come from existing clients and word-of-mouth referrals. Having said that, TenderWise does advertise (usually through Google Adwords) - but this is a pretty rare event, and my annual spend on paid leads is less than $300.

So, in a nutshell, location isn’t important, but relatability, experience, and proven ability are critical factors when hiring a tender writer. 

If you need a hand with your tender submission, TenderWise is here to help. Just give me (Pauline) a call for a chat on 0400 514579 or contact us here.

Thinking of engaging a tender writer? Here's what to expect

Tender writing is a specialised technical skill — it can be hard work and laborious, and many businesses choose to take the DIY route.  But if you’re thinking of engaging a professional tender writer, here’s what you should expect from them.

They remain calm under pressure

The process of writing a tender submission comes with a certain amount of pressure, particularly if the deadline is tight (tight to me generally means less than a week). Tension can get high, especially if you are dragging the chain with getting much-needed information through to your tender writer. Remember, you’re the expert in your business, and there’s only so much they can do without getting information from you. 

But no matter the situation, a good writer remains calm and cool-headed to avoid any confusion or loss of direction. Rather than asking you to write comprehensive answers to their questions, they’ll ask you just to do a brain dump or send them any relevant documentation you may already have that they can read through to get the necessary details.

They have excellent time management skills

Most of the time, tender writers have more than one tender submission to accomplish, and all of these have a deadline. But regardless, they must have excellent time management skills to complete your tender responses before the deadline. As a professional writer, I never accept a tender job if I have any doubt about my ability to complete it at least two days before the deadline. That gives my clients time to review it and let me know if they want any changes before they submit it. Usually, my clients have only minor changes to make, if any, and the draft I send them is always pretty much the final version.

They know how to ask the right questions

You can expect that your bid tender writer will ask you lots of questions so they can write an accurate and compelling submission for your business. A good one will also tell you that if you don’t have the answers, let them know as soon as possible — creativity is an essential skill, and they are there to make your life easier, not harder.

They are creative

Some of the questions asked in tender response submissions are way beyond reality for many small businesses. Questions such as how you ensure modern slavery isn’t evident in your supply chains, industrial relations plan, or indigenous reconciliation action plan. Good and professional tender writers won’t expect you to have all of the answers. They will use their creativity to develop something for you that’s believable and relevant to your business.

They are assertive

An effective writer is polite but assertive, so if they think changes need to be made to your strategic thinking, they won’t be afraid to speak up.  They should be confident to challenge internal stakeholders and propose alternatives to ensure you’ll have an outstanding tender response submission to put forward.

They have very effective writing skills

Writing tenders isn’t just about filling in the response schedules. It’s about being effective and persuasive and developing a highly compelling story that demonstrates exactly why your business meets all of the tender requirements.

They communicate regularly

Two-way communication is essential, especially if you engage a tender writer who will be working remotely. A professional will communicate the updates and status of your submission regularly. I usually communicate by email, regardless of their location, because it helps ensure nothing gets lost, and it’s also less disrupting for my clients (and me) than constant phone calls. I also tell my clients before we get started that I’m about to become their best friend for the next week or two as the submission develops, and I keep asking for clarifications where needed.

They are dependable

Dependability is a crucial factor for any tender bid writer. You don’t want to part with your cash and then find them failing to deliver, or not deliver to a high standard. How do you determine their dependability and reliability?  Check their past work and client testimonials as a starting point. I ask all of my clients to provide me with a testimonial about the service I’ve delivered and these are placed verbatim on my website.  I’m always happy to put a new client in touch with any of my previous clients so they can chat to them about what the experience of working with me was like.

They are personable

It’s important that you connect with your bid tender writer — you should feel comfortable with their tone and approach, and the best way to judge this is through your first phone call (prior to you making any commitment). Are they generous with their time? Do they talk about the strategic approach to developing the response? Do they raise items that you should be considering? My personal opinion is that the first phone call is vital for both of us so we can feel comfortable with each other and develop some rapport. Following that, I always ask my prospective new client if they would like me to send them a proposal to build their tender response submission.

Wrapping up

So there you have it — what you should expect from your tender writer. If you need a hand with your tender submission, TenderWise is here to help. Just give me a call (Pauline) or chat on 0400 514579 or contact us here.