Blog

Blog
Lady sitting at desk with laptop and notebook taking notes.
Blog

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​

Read More »
Blog

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.

Read More »
Blog

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.

Read More »
Blog

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:

Read More »
Blog

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!

Read More »
Blog

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.

Read More »
Blog

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.

Read More »
Brown brick wall. Small business toolkit
Blog

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.

Read More »
Child reading book. Maximizing Readability
Blog

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.

Read More »
Pile of puzzle pieces What is Procurement
Blog

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?

Read More »
Close up Moth resting on the ground. Social Moth
Blog

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.

Read More »
lights camera action Man Laughing at Computer Desk
Blog

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.

Read More »
Person holding Lightbulb
Blog

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? ​

Read More »
Lady working at desk typing on computer Ideal Proposal Consultant
Blog

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.

Read More »
Group of climbers on mountain looking at sunset Proposal bystander effect
Blog

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.

Read More »
Podcast set up
Blog

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.”

Read More »
woman biting a pencil and looking super stressed out in front of her computer
Blog

Tips for Beating Writer’s Block: Proposal Edition

Writer’s block strikes at the most inopportune times. In a field governed by compliance and stringent deadlines, there’s no time to be struck down by writer’s block when you’re writing a proposal. Here are our top tips to keep your project on track.

Read More »
love with proposal content library conversation hearts love valentine's day
Blog

Are you in love with your Proposal Content Library?

Does your organization have a Proposal Content Library?

If so, does it have the information that you need when you need it?

Is it formatted consistently to play nicely with and flow into your templates?

Do you have a team that nurtures it?

Does it reflect how amazing your organization is?

Does it help you win business?

Read More »
Several children raising their hands in a classroom Proposal writer
Blog

Raise your hand if you want to be a Proposal Writer!

One of the most common questions we are asked as kids is: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

If you asked me at any point between when I started to talk and when I completed my Master’s in Library and Information Science, I would not ever have put together the words Proposal and Writer.

Read More »
parkinsons law rfps in focus hourglass sand tilted
Blog

RFPs in focus: Parkinson’s Law

Parkinson’s Law: “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”

Is this ever so true as when you are working towards a deadline, such as for an RFP response? I feel this from all of the perspectives: Client Relationship Executive, Sales Executive, Proposal Manager, Proposal Writer, Subject Matter Expert (SME).

Read More »
Scroll to Top