After submitting a proposal, it is important to engage with your audience effectively. Here’s a guide to help you do that:
Develop a Follow-Up Plan:
- Develop a plan for follow-up communication as part of your proposal strategy.
- Decide when and how you will follow up.
Prompt Acknowledgment:
- Send a prompt acknowledgment of the proposal submission.
- Express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your enthusiasm for the proposal.
Provide Contact Information:
- Clearly provide your contact information in the proposal.
- Encourage stakeholders to reach out to you with any questions or concerns.
Timing Matters:
- Choose an appropriate time to follow up.
- Don’t be too immediate or wait too long to initiate contact.
Open the Door for Questions:
- In your follow-up communication, explicitly invite stakeholders to ask questions.
- Reassure them that you are available for clarification.
Personalized Communication:
- Personalize your follow-up communication.
- Mention specific points from the proposal to show attentiveness.
Address Specific Concerns:
- If there were concerns or objections during the proposal review, proactively address them.
- Provide additional information or clarification to alleviate any doubts.
Provide Additional Materials:
- Share supplementary materials or documentation that further supports your proposal.
Schedule Follow-Up Meetings:
- Propose follow-up meetings or calls to discuss the proposal in more detail.
- Use this opportunity to build rapport and have in-depth discussions.
Be Responsive:
- Respond promptly to any inquiries or questions.
- Show your commitment by being consistently responsive.
Clarify Expectations:
- Clarify the next steps in the decision-making process.
- Set clear expectations for when stakeholders can expect a response.
Express Willingness to Revise:
- If appropriate, express your willingness to make revisions or adjustments to the proposal.
- Show flexibility in addressing specific needs or preferences.
Collect Feedback:
- Encourage stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposal.
- Use this feedback to improve future proposals and strengthen relationships.
Maintain Professionalism:
- Maintain a high level of professionalism in all communications.
- Even if the proposal is not accepted, leave a positive and lasting impression.
Document Interactions:
- Keep a record of all interactions and communications.
Express Gratitude:
- Express gratitude once again for the opportunity to submit the proposal.
- Show your appreciation for their time and consideration.
Follow-Up Periodically:
- Periodically follow up, especially if the decision process is prolonged.
- Stay on their radar while being respectful of their time.
By following these steps, you will be able to engage with your audience post-submission in a thoughtful and strategic manner. This ongoing dialogue contributes to building relationships and can positively influence the decision-making process.
