Let's be honest. Most businesses would prefer not to have to write a tender or a proposal to generate new business. But for many, business growth depends on successful tenders. It's true that writing a tender takes a lot of time and effort.

How to Write Winning Tenders 

Here are my top 10 mistakes to avoid to write successful tenders:

1. Forgetting to answer the questions
2. Too much waffle
3. Using passive, not active, voice
4. It’s not all about you! 
5. Not revealing what’s in it for them
6. Making wild claims
7. Not giving great examples
8. Looks can kill 
9. Forgetting to jog their memory
10. Overlooking typos 

1. Forgetting to answer the questions

It might sound obvious – but you’d be surprised at how many people don’t answer the questions! With formal tenders, especially to government, answer the questions in the specific order they are asked. Many tenderers fail to do this and wonder why they are never shortlisted or selected.

2. Too much waffle

Keep it snappy – your prospect will be reading more than one tender or proposal. Yours will stand out if they don’t have to read through lots of long-winded waffle.

3. Using passive, not active, voice

Active voice is more succinct and direct than the passive. The voice of a verb tells us whether the subject is doing the action (active) or whether something is being done to it (passive). 

Active: We are submitting our tender. Passive: This tender is being submitted by...

4. It’s not all about you! 

Attract attention by focusing on your prospect. Begin as many paragraphs as possible with their name, and use ‘you’ and ‘your’ to personalise your tender.

5. Not revealing what’s in it for them

All that your prospect really wants to know is what they will get by selecting you – so tell them! Highlight how your skills, knowledge or experience or what you propose will benefit them.

6. Making wild claims 

If you make statements such as ‘we are the leading/fastest/best value provider of’, back them up with proof from the media, quotes from happy clients, award wins or good survey results.

7. Not giving great examples

Give short and punchy examples of how you make a difference to your clients. Mini case studies are great. Provide specific, factual evidence (or even testimonials) to paint a picture of how you have helped a client to save time or money, or how you devised an innovative solution to their problems.

8. Looks can kill 

Poorly laid out tenders and proposals can fall at the first hurdle. If yours are well laid out, they’ll be visually appealing and easy to follow. Use headings, sub-headings, photos, diagrams and white space. If you are tendering for a project, include a timetable or a project management plan.

9. Forgetting to jog their memory

If your tender or proposal is to an existing client, remind them how much you have achieved together so far, all the problems you have resolved, or the extra value you’ve given. Describe the benefits of continuing to use your service or product.

10. Overlooking typos

Proofread your final draft. While a word-perfect tender won’t win you points alone, one with typos could cost you. Take time to check every word, and while you’re at it, check you’ve answered all the questions in the right order, and that you’ve met all the requirements for lodgement and attachments.