The modern marketplace sometimes makes Games of Thrones seem like an amicable game of charades. It’s cut-throat, fiercely competitive, and difficult to find an entry point if you don’t find a way to stand out.

From our vantage point of being online accountants we’re pretty well immersed in the world of business, so here are our tips and tricks for when you’re next bidding for a project or submitting a tender response.

Use the same language and refer back to the brief

When assessing your bid, your potential client really wants to see that you ‘get’ what they need. Describe all the ways that you’ll meet the brief, whilst strategically mimicking the language used in the brief. Talking in a way that seems natural to the client helps them to empathise with you, while demonstrating a clear awareness of what is being asked.

For example, if the brief says something along the lines of: “Clearly show how you will be structuring payment and be transparent about project costing”, concisely respond with something like, “Here, I clearly show how your payments will be structured, with a complete and transparent breakdown of costs”. You would then, of course, go on by putting flesh on the bones of this response.

Think of it as a great big signpost to the answers they’re after.

Your bid should show how your brand values and objectives align

When values and ethics are drastically misaligned it can cause an ugly amount of friction. Some clients may be persuaded to choose you based on how it seems you might become an extension of their business, and how you gel with their mantra and mission statement. It might even be what tips the balance between your bid and someone else’s.

When writing bids or putting tender documents together, make sure you do your research first. Thoroughly digest any prospective client’s website to find out more about them and how they operate. That way, you can promote yourself in a way which positions you as the perfect match. Be authentic and genuine about it though – even little white lies tend to surface eventually.

If you’ve got if, flaunt it – then flaunt it some more

Bid writing and tender response submissions are not the time to be humble. Even if tooting your own horn doesn’t come naturally to you, it’s time to put your modesty aside and shout about your USPs and achievements. To avoid seeming arrogant rather, remember the mantra; don’t tell them that you’re great, show them.

Use client testimonials, case studies, examples of past projects, ROI data and anything else you’re willing to share to help demonstrate that any bold claims have serious substance behind them.

Enlist the help of an eagle-eyed proofreader

Nothing screams sloppy like multiple typos and poor presentation. You can read over your bids or tenders until you’re blue in the face, but it really does pay to have somebody else – with professional proofreading skills – to cast their eye over it too.

If you’re winning more business and need some support with your bookkeeping and accounting, let our team of friendly experts help you out. Just call 020 3355 4047 or email info@theaccountancy.co.uk