Our career path will inevitably require us to try to win projects or land a job. There are simply no ways to avoid that. That means that almost every time you apply for a project or position, there will be others to compete against. Here are three ways to put your best foot forward and separate your proposal from the others. While these do not guarantee wins, they will help you stand out and get you in the door (literally or figuratively).
Win Projects By Addressing Details
The easiest way for someone to throw out a proposal is when it does not address the requirements. Boilerplate applications and responses that skip over the details will almost always be ignored before reading even half of the proposal.
The more you can focus on listed (and implied) requirements, the better. This step allows you to highlight how well you are a fit and that you have shown the author respect by thoroughly reading the request. A detailed response also shows a thoughtful and professional approach to work that can often move you way ahead in the line against the competition. It is depressing how many applications for important roles and projects show almost no forethought. That also happens to be a leading reason for projects to fail. Why hire someone that does not show much concern for your project?
Landing a Project for Your Side hustle
Remove Fluff – Focus On Needs
There is a time and a place for marketing materials. Yes, your proposal should include some of this material to sell your case. However, that tends to be “fluff” and not pertinent to the reader in making a decision. Limit the marketing and general content. Make an introduction, provide a little background, then dive into how you can address their request. Consider how much time is required on the other end to read numerous proposals and dig through for details to compare vendors. The easier you make their job, the more likely you are to start on the right foot with them.
References, Examples, and Suggestions
Words are great, but concrete examples are better. Include references and examples of past work where applicable. Also, the closer your previous work is to the type requested, the more that helps those that will decide on a winner to see how good you will be. You lower or remove risk when you can show that you have done the same work before.
Finally, do not be afraid to include some suggestions among the references and examples. You can throw out ways that past solutions you have provided will be a good fit for them. It may be even better to show how adjustments to previous solutions can provide a better end-result for this new project.
