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Track 2: Pretty In Pink (Team)

Are you curious about the color team reviews and how to use them for successful proposal development? This blog pushes past confusing color names and breaks down the reviews in simple terms.

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5 Of the Most-Searched RFP Questions

RFPs are a formal way for entities to solicit bids and proposals from potential suppliers, contractors, or service providers to fulfill specific needs or projects. As such, the world of procurement can be pretty complex. Below, we’ve answered five of the most Googled questions about RFPs.

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Goldilocks and the Three RFPs

In the vast forest of business opportunities, navigating the world of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) can be a daunting task. Like Goldilocks’s quest for the perfect fit in the fairy tale, businesses must select RFPs that align perfectly with their capabilities and goals judiciously.

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Dear Santa: A Proposal Writer’s Christmas List

Last year, our proposal writers wrote a letter to Santa asking for some cool tools to help them. Here’s what was on their wish list. Many of these tools are available to you as well. You might already have them right next to the elf on your shelf.

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Your Roadmap to Success

As a small business owner, you face many challenges from the get-go. You might run up against development roadblocks such as limited resources, financial constraints, and confusing compliance standards. Or you might struggle with building your branding, marketing, and visibility.

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Lady sitting down looking at maze drawn on wall. Information Technology
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Navigating the Labyrinth: Your Guide to Conquering the Information Technology Proposal Maze

Responding to IT RFPs is akin to entering a labyrinth. If the winding paths and unexpected turns leave you feeling lost, you’re not alone. The pathways to success are numerous and often convoluted, with challenges around every corner. Yet, those who approach this maze with a map—a clear strategy and a keen understanding of the rules—will find their way through its twists and turns to the prize at the center: a winning proposal.

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Thanksgiving Meal Dinner RFPs
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Crafting the Perfect Proposal: A Thanksgiving Guide to Selecting the Ideal RFPs

Just as a successful Thanksgiving meal requires thoughtful planning and preparation, crafting an effective capture management strategy requires a strategic approach in selecting the right RFPs (Request for Proposals). This journey, much like preparing a memorable Thanksgiving dinner, involves identifying your main ingredients (core RFPs), complementing them with the right sides (supplementary opportunities), and garnishing your choices with strategic insights to enhance your selection. Each step, from selection to strategic positioning, is crucial in crafting proposals that stand out.

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Revenue Opportunity for Diverse Businesses in Chicago: DNC 2024 

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) 2024 is coming to Chicago! Regardless of your politics, this will be a big event that brings a lot of revenue to Chicago and Illinois businesses. A lot of that money will arrive with the crowds in August. The DNC 2024 Host Committee is planning the event and has already issued 5 Requests for Proposals (RFPs).

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How to Structure an RFP

Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are crucial in business, serving as structured guides that outline a company’s project needs to potential bidders. This blog breaks down the key components of RFPs, from stating clear objectives and submission guidelines to detailing budget considerations and technical requirements. We’ll also touch on how proposals are evaluated and the importance of setting clear terms and conditions. Let’s dive into the structure and significance of RFPs in the business world​

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What is Grant Funding?

Where can I find Grant Opportunities for my small business?​ Grant funding is not a loan and generally does not have to be paid back.

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Top 5 Benefits of Hiring Proposal Experts

Many of our clients have experience responding to RFPs internally. They have been successful in their proposal efforts thus far and are initially hesitant to enlist professional proposal support. However, writing proposals can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially when balanced with day-to-day responsibilities.

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How Does the RFP Process Work?

The RFP (Request for Proposal) process is a formalized process organizations use to procure goods or services from external vendors. It typically involves the following steps:

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OUanRFP FAQs Series: “So, what do you actually do?”

For many professionals, the vast world of bidding and procurement is entirely uncharted. Therefore, it makes sense that not everyone has heard of what we actually do here at Once Upon an RFP. We like to say we’re the partner you never knew you needed!

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2022 Best of Villa Park Award – Press Release

Once Upon an RFP Receives 2022 Best of Villa Park Award

Villa Park Award Program Honors the Achievement

VILLA PARK November 8, 2022 — Once Upon an RFP has been selected for the 2022 Best of Villa Park Award in the Consultant category by the Villa Park Award Program.

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4 Lessons We’ve Learned In 4 Years

August 22, 2022, Once Upon an RFP turns four years old. Since 2018, we’ve blossomed from a one-woman operation to a rapidly growing team of proposal consultants, communications coordinators, marketing specialists, operations gurus, and program managers.

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Brown brick wall. Small business toolkit
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Lay the Foundation with Small Business Toolkit

Small Business Toolkit (SMB Toolkit) is the one-stop-shop for businesses that work with Government and Big Corporate.

Designed for solopreneurs, SMB Toolkit will take you from chaos to done. We offer services ranging from anchoring established businesses to a complete overhaul for your brand and company.

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Child reading book. Maximizing Readability
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Writing Tips: Maximizing Readability

Maximizing readability consists of helping your readers find and comprehend information efficiently. Whether writing blogs or responding to bids, it is crucial to keep your readers in mind and adjust accordingly.

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Pile of puzzle pieces What is Procurement
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Ask an RFP Pro: What Is Procurement?

RFPs and bidding processes are lucrative options for small business owners seeking stability. But first, what is procurement, and how can these processes help small businesses?

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Close up Moth resting on the ground. Social Moth
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Networking for Social Moths

If you’re not quite a social butterfly, you might be a social moth instead.

The business world expects entrepreneurs and working professionals to exude confidence and charisma. Being anxious, shy, and introverted is too often looked down upon. However, we can actually leverage anxiety, shyness, and introversion to create meaningful, affirming connections.

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Lights, Camera, Action! – Make Remote Work Work For You – Part 4

Whether you are interviewing via Zoom or conducting virtual client meetings, your background, lighting, and camera angles can affect how others in your meeting perceive you. In the before times, how we dressed or styled our hair changed others’ perceptions. In present times, our virtual setup can have a similar effect.

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What is a Signature Proposal?

If you are a small business owner looking to grow your client portfolio, a Signature Proposal might be the best next step in your business process. But what is it? ​

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Lady working at desk typing on computer Ideal Proposal Consultant
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The Ideal Proposal Consultant

Are you searching for a proposal consultant or simply interested in becoming one? What makes a good proposal consultant? In short, the ideal proposal consultant combines their expertise with the following 4 traits to provide high-quality deliverables to their clients.

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Group of climbers on mountain looking at sunset Proposal bystander effect
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The Proposal Bystander Effect

Are you having trouble engaging SMEs or struggling to assign tasks to disinterested team members? Are you missing project milestones? You may be a victim of the proposal bystander effect.

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Scribble Talk – Episode 107 – Caryn Kent Dean

“For 23 years Caryn Kent Dean has worked as a proposal writer and manager for corporate and government bid opportunities. She has been a proud member of the APMP for six years and supports the APMP Greater Midwest Chapter as a chair for the consultants virtual networking group.”

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