http://smallbusiness.blogs.cnnmoney.cnn.com/2008/07/11/responding-request-for-proposal/ Editors from FSB magazine answer your pressing small-business questions. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:07:19 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 http://smallbusiness.blogs.cnnmoney.cnn.com/2008/07/11/responding-request-for-proposal/#comment-757 Brian Javeline, Pompano Beach, FL Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:59:16 +0000 http://askfsb.wordpress.com/?p=401#comment-757 You did not say what industry you are in. I represent contractors in construction, home repair and remodeling by running MyOnlineToolbox.com. In our experience, it is important to create a clear estimate proposal, with preference to a summary financial total (to avoid lengthy line-by-line negotiations) but it is equally important to deliver to professionally (preferably by email) and further important to follow up like a salesperson would. Too often contractors spend time creating an estimate, drop it off at the prospects home and then simply wait to see what happens. The creation of an estimate is part of a business process, not just a document that should be randomily sent out without any follow through. You did not say what industry you are in. I represent contractors in construction, home repair and remodeling by running MyOnlineToolbox.com. In our experience, it is important to create a clear estimate proposal, with preference to a summary financial total (to avoid lengthy line-by-line negotiations) but it is equally important to deliver to professionally (preferably by email) and further important to follow up like a salesperson would. Too often contractors spend time creating an estimate, drop it off at the prospects home and then simply wait to see what happens. The creation of an estimate is part of a business process, not just a document that should be randomily sent out without any follow through.

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