The 7 steps to creating a professional bid are: 1) read the client brief to understand their needs and how your skills match, 2) introduce yourself and your background/experience, 3) provide more details on why you are qualified and show relevant work, 4) outline your bid including the work, process, deadlines, and cost, 5) follow up with additional information, a way to discuss further, and contact details, 6) simplify future bids by keeping templates of successful language, and 7) maintain a professional tone, check for errors, and avoid misunderstood humor.

1. 7 Steps to a Professional Bid
A presentation by Sharon Hurley Hall

2. 1. Read the brief
Find out:
• What your clients want
• How your skills match up

3. 2. Introductions
Do your potential clients know you?
If not:
• Give them some background
• State what you do
• Show your experience

4. 3. Provide More Details
• Why are you right for their job?
• List relevant experience
• Highlight skills and qualities
• Mention previous clients in a similar niche
• Show samples and testimonials

5. 4. Bid
• What will you do?
• How will you work?
• Communication/approval needs
• Delivery/deadlines
• The bottom line

6. 5. Follow Up
End your bid with:
• Other relevant info
• A link to your client website
• Answers to client questions
• An invitation to discuss the job further
• Contact details

7. 6. Simplifying the Process
Make bidding easier by:
• Keeping track of successful bids
• Collating words and phrases you like
• Using these to creating a template
• BUT every bid is unique – the template
is a starting point.

8. 7. Keep it Professional
You don’t know how people will read
your bid so:
• Use a professional tone
• Avoid humor which might be
misunderstood
• Watch out for spelling, grammar and
punctuation

9. More Information
• Seven Steps to a Professional Bid
• Toot Your Own Horn

10. More Information
• Seven Steps to a Professional Bid
• Toot Your Own Horn