Albert Einstein was spot-on when he said "nothing is so complex that it cannot be explained simply".
Tenders, proposals, and informal pitches for business are not times to show how clever and capable you are by using legalese, technical terms, professional jargon, and if-you're-as-smart-as-me-you'll-be-able-to-digest-this language.
Don't shroud your good ideas and strong professional credentials in a deluge of:
- many words where few would do better
- complex language
- long sentences and paragraphs
- difficult and odd constructions
- pompous, old-fashioned expression and anachronisms.
So you will shine through and communicate strong "buy us" messages when you next propose your services:
- remember that well-chosen metaphors can be powerful ways to get your story across
- use clear, modern business language
- lots of white space, headings, subheadings, and bullet points will help
- choose expression which evaluators will both grasp and warm to
- offer examples and case studies which show your expertise at work
- include hypotheticals directed to showing how this prospective client will experience your service
- cite referees, references, and testimonials which will strike a chord
- show you are forward-thinking and strategically focused by hooking into contemporary management issues and concepts
- pepper your proposal with important "feel good" factors
- distil and articulate the value and benefits you promise - financial and non-financial - which the client will derive by hiring you.
Way back, trainers used to tell salespeople to adopt the "KISS" approach: Keep It Simple Stupid. Einstein's more sophisticated framing fits better with selling professional services. Tell your story simply and succinctly. Pitch your case plainly.
By reducing the complicated and complex to the clear, straightforward, and simple, you put a compelling case as a truly client-friendly professional and the right choice.
|
