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There can be a very tangible excitement associated with the proposal preparation process. And there is enormous satisfaction in preparing a winning proposal! There is nothing as exhilarating as learning that your proposal has won.

One of the fondest memories of my career was winning my first contract at a firm that I had just joined. The firm was in a dilemma as a major Request for Proposal (RFP) had just been received for the development of a large software program for marine engineering design. Unfortunately, the person in charge of this area was on holiday and no one was else was prepared to take the lead in the proposal preparation. I volunteered, and although I was a junior employee with little expertise in this area, I was given the green light. I set to work with an enthusiasm that only youth and naiveté can generate. I enlisted the help of a bright engineer who ensured that the proposal was technically strong, and I tried a number of new slants that my new firm didn’t usually employ. We worked long hours and assembled a fine-looking document. We took care not only with the technical aspects but also with the visual appearance of the proposal. We used graphs, figures, and a cover specially designed to reflect the theme of the proposal. I was proud of the final product.

As often happens, almost a month passed after the submission, during which time the daily humdrum of consulting life took my mind completely off that proposal. One day, the president of the firm, who up to that time had never acknowledged my existence, walked into my office and began to heartily congratulate me. My proposal had won.

I was ecstatic! My colleagues were ecstatic. The proposal resulted in a major contract, which in turn led to further contracts; the financial contribution to my firm was significant. My reputation at the firm soared and I was accepted as part of the established circle. All this because of one proposal!

A good proposal writer is a valuable commodity and a key person in the organization. He or she is the breadwinner and the bringer of contracts and work. A good way of enhancing career growth is to learn the basics of writing good proposals. This skill will be a valuable asset on your résumé. As you will see, this skill is transferable and will also help improve many other areas of your life.

Every proposal submission is like a lottery ticket. It brings excitement and the unbridled hope that is an intrinsic component of the human spirit.