Discussion
Hi guys
I wanted to gauge some opinion from you all in the varied business world.
I've been working in Business Development for a number of years - incorporating a lot of bid-writing/management (but not the financials). I'm questioning my current company in terms of remaining there in the long-term, and using those thoughts as a catalyst to look at new alternatives.
One of which being a freelance bid-writer.
I know from my own experience, and that of procurement officer friends, that some people (in particular SMEs etc)really wouldn't know where to start in writing a bid - in particular in response to OJEU notices. Another potential avenue is to work with companies and help to put a professional spin on business plans, loan requests etc - all much of a much really. We've all seen the figures on how poorly a great many people approach this type and I'm thinking there could be some good potential in this.
ANY thoughts guys? Feel free to e-mail me directly with anything if you'd prefer.
Edit - and another feather in this plans cap (I think) is that I know just how awful some of these 'bid-writing' courses on offer are!
I wanted to gauge some opinion from you all in the varied business world.
I've been working in Business Development for a number of years - incorporating a lot of bid-writing/management (but not the financials). I'm questioning my current company in terms of remaining there in the long-term, and using those thoughts as a catalyst to look at new alternatives.
One of which being a freelance bid-writer.
I know from my own experience, and that of procurement officer friends, that some people (in particular SMEs etc)really wouldn't know where to start in writing a bid - in particular in response to OJEU notices. Another potential avenue is to work with companies and help to put a professional spin on business plans, loan requests etc - all much of a much really. We've all seen the figures on how poorly a great many people approach this type and I'm thinking there could be some good potential in this.
ANY thoughts guys? Feel free to e-mail me directly with anything if you'd prefer.
Edit - and another feather in this plans cap (I think) is that I know just how awful some of these 'bid-writing' courses on offer are!
Edited by muppetdave on Tuesday 12th December 22:59
muppetdave said:
Hi guys
I wanted to gauge some opinion from you all in the varied business world.
I've been working in Business Development for a number of years - incorporating a lot of bid-writing/management (but not the financials). I'm questioning my current company in terms of remaining there in the long-term, and using those thoughts as a catalyst to look at new alternatives.
One of which being a freelance bid-writer.
I know from my own experience, and that of procurement officer friends, that some people (in particular SMEs etc)really wouldn't know where to start in writing a bid - in particular in response to OJEU notices. Another potential avenue is to work with companies and help to put a professional spin on business plans, loan requests etc - all much of a much really. We've all seen the figures on how poorly a great many people approach this type and I'm thinking there could be some good potential in this.
ANY thoughts guys? Feel free to e-mail me directly with anything if you'd prefer.
Edit - and another feather in this plans cap (I think) is that I know just how awful some of these 'bid-writing' courses on offer are!
I wanted to gauge some opinion from you all in the varied business world.
I've been working in Business Development for a number of years - incorporating a lot of bid-writing/management (but not the financials). I'm questioning my current company in terms of remaining there in the long-term, and using those thoughts as a catalyst to look at new alternatives.
One of which being a freelance bid-writer.
I know from my own experience, and that of procurement officer friends, that some people (in particular SMEs etc)really wouldn't know where to start in writing a bid - in particular in response to OJEU notices. Another potential avenue is to work with companies and help to put a professional spin on business plans, loan requests etc - all much of a much really. We've all seen the figures on how poorly a great many people approach this type and I'm thinking there could be some good potential in this.
ANY thoughts guys? Feel free to e-mail me directly with anything if you'd prefer.
Edit - and another feather in this plans cap (I think) is that I know just how awful some of these 'bid-writing' courses on offer are!
Edited by muppetdave on Tuesday 12th December 22:59
How would you charge? A % of the value of successful bids or a % or a set fee per bid, irrespective of outcome?
that's a difficult one and it isn't.
My present thinking is on a flat hourly rate (no idea as yet where to pitch that though). The reason I say that is that my target market would be those companies who really have no experience in bidding. I have, and have been fairly successful. But some of the competition - that's a very different matter. As I say, friends working procurement back up my theories.
I don't say charge on a flat-hourly rate in order to protect my income, but on the basis of recent contracts my company went for having some 30-60 people at PQQ stage (sorry, I should have stated I would work on PQQ documents also, and not just the tender stage), it would not be feasible to attach some kind of 'no win-no fee' basis. Although I am sure that some sort of recompense remuneration could be developed.
As in my career and personal life, I'm very much about long-term relationships and developing opportunities. If over time I could effectively 'outsource' the bid-writing for a company, and manage their bid library etc then all the better - and I would look to really personalise the rates etc in lieu.
I also wonder, (longer-term thought) about establishing a networked organisation on this basis. I.e. proof-readers working from home on a part-time basis etc, in order to develop further work-streams etc.
My present thinking is on a flat hourly rate (no idea as yet where to pitch that though). The reason I say that is that my target market would be those companies who really have no experience in bidding. I have, and have been fairly successful. But some of the competition - that's a very different matter. As I say, friends working procurement back up my theories.
I don't say charge on a flat-hourly rate in order to protect my income, but on the basis of recent contracts my company went for having some 30-60 people at PQQ stage (sorry, I should have stated I would work on PQQ documents also, and not just the tender stage), it would not be feasible to attach some kind of 'no win-no fee' basis. Although I am sure that some sort of recompense remuneration could be developed.
As in my career and personal life, I'm very much about long-term relationships and developing opportunities. If over time I could effectively 'outsource' the bid-writing for a company, and manage their bid library etc then all the better - and I would look to really personalise the rates etc in lieu.
I also wonder, (longer-term thought) about establishing a networked organisation on this basis. I.e. proof-readers working from home on a part-time basis etc, in order to develop further work-streams etc.
muppetdave said:
I know from my own experience, and that of procurement officer friends, that some people (in particular SMEs etc)really wouldn't know where to start in writing a bid - in particular in response to OJEU notices.
This is largely because the procurement officers who put bids together have so little understanding of the product or servcie which the oganisation is seeking to buy, they construct the most ludicrous hoops through which viable companies have to jump in order just to be considered to be invited to bid.
Example: a while back, a local authority in the north posted a notice for advertising and printing services (havn't got the CVC code to hand). Looked like it was up our street so submitted a PQQ but got knocked back. Turns out they were after "computer" printers.
Another day wasted!!
So, yep - there's a market for some guidance on this (both ways methinks).
We also - potentially - have a bit of work for you!
Mail me!
steviebee said:
This is largely because the procurement officers who put bids together have so little understanding of the product or servcie which the oganisation is seeking to buy, they construct the most ludicrous hoops through which viable companies have to jump in order just to be considered to be invited to bid.
Exactomundo!!! On the whole they're complete swines, and I must say (please don't take me as arrogant) that I have seriously considered moving into procurement as I know a large proportion really are abysmal at it.
Mail en-route Mr Bee
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