If your RFP response document isn’t as polished as your first interview attire, would you hire you? Your response document makes a big impression. You are presenting your company and all it's qualifications. This response document may be your client's first introduction to your proposed solution.
An RFP template helps you "dress" your response documents for success. Let’s break this down.
An RFP template contains your standard title page, cover letter and/or executive summary. These elements are your first impression--like your coat and hat. The title of your cover page should capture your client’s attention. The cover letter should let them know that you not only understand the problem, you offer a solution.
But why would you respond to your client's questions with just black and white answers?
Just as small details pull your look together, perhaps a nice watch, a tie clip, or an anchoring piece of jewelry, your RFP template should also include small details such as your brand colors, fonts, bulleted text, section headers, page headers and footers, and page numbering. It can also include important details such as the confidentiality statement and supporting attachments.
A Table of Contents outlines your response. Your client can page through the document or jump right to the desired details. Allow your client to conduct the interview and seek out the details they are most interested in with an organized document.
Consider the inclusion of graphics within your answers, offering your client the visual behind your solution. An automated RFP template can make adding a custom, client-specific graphic to your response easy. The template also ends the embarrassing ‘wrinkled-shirt’ of the floating picture.
So now, go forth in your best attire.
