1929 – 2021 May your books continue to entertain and delight for generations to come.
Everyone can come up with a compelling idea and make persuasive promises. However, as Steve Jobs famously stated, “real artists ship”. People and businesses that bring their ideas to market and make good on their promises; that they deliver sets them apart. It is extraordinary how often businesses make lofty, grandiose, and exaggerated claims when bidding for […]
Only six weeks ago, I wrote that Isolation was a “hopefully once in a lifetime opportunity to prove your business’ resilience, adaptability, and compassion”. Following an alarming spike in cases of COVID-19, the Victorian Government will be reinstating stage 3 lockdown restrictions from midnight tonight for Melbourne and some other parts of Victoria in an attempt […]
“Think like the client”
Last month I worked in a bid team for a market-leading software developer. They employ some of the best people in their industry: innovative, experienced, process-oriented, master problem solvers. People who do not, however, enjoy writing and actively shy away from it. People who felt the whole bid process inefficient and frustrating (“I write code, […]
It can be very easy to assume one client’s enquiry, problem or tender is the same as the last client’s enquiry, problem or tender. They look to be similar. You still offer the same products and services. Surely then, your last response will work again? Not if it misses addressing the client’s questions. need and/or priorities. Like a […]
Leaders are Readers
I am always seeking recommendations for a good read. Isolation saw me step up my weekly book count to new heights and I thought I would share some of my favourite books here on LinkedIn from time to time. As poignant as it is timely, The Obstacle is the Way by business and marketing guru, Ryan Holiday, […]
I have just read an extraordinarily impressive tender response. A bid by a remarkable business that was carefully prepared by subject-matter experts. A bid that was backed-up by all the experience, systems and policy compliance one could ever want. Despite all this, it was unsuccessful. Why? “Easy!” I hear you say. “You can write whatever you want […]
This is not a post about tender writing or content marketing strategy. In the spirit of our time, I wanted to share some observations drawn from my many years of recruiting experience that are assisting me navigate our new reality. I have always looked to learn from those who have previously faced the same or similar challenges […]