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The new business process is always an interesting one for agencies.
RFPs, networking, conferences, and trade shows…oh my!
During this week’s episode we talk about blogging, speaking, and other ways to generate qualified leads, just like many of us would do for our clients, and Joe shares a secret on how they recently generated 15 qualified leads for the video side of his business.
But that’s not all!
Martin throws in some face-to-face opportunities, and recommends we get away from the echo chamber.
And I share our number one driver of new business: Speaking. Joe says he has lost his appetite for traveling (me too!), but I counter that with how well it works and provide an example. Joe also makes a good point about sticking around after you speak to talk with those who are too shy to approach a speaker as he or she is leaving the stage.
But the creme de la creme is what Martin proposes agencies do when asked to write a proposal. It’s an interesting thought and one that is worth exploring.
So take a listen and let us know what you think. If you’ve tried his idea, we’d love to hear about that, too.
P.S. Between the recording of this episode and today, Chicago got seven inches of snow. So I’m no longer jealous of Joe!
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Our theme music was created by Damon de Szegheo; Roger Dey is our announcer.
Inside PR is part of the FIR Podcast Network.
Inside PR is produced by Kristine D’Arbelles and Ashlea LeCompte.
I really liked you conversation about the RPF process.
For many organizations needing a new service, the process of issuing an RPF is mandatory. In my experience in the non-profit sector, any service over $1,000 requires issuing an RFP.
As non-profit employee in Communications, I find it frustrating being asked to issue an RFP, especially when I have done my own research, have made the effort to find three companies that fits with our budget, project needs, requirements, and have sourced reviews and testimonials from similar clients.
As a Communications Specialist in for a non-profit (one that is NOT scantly funded), I find RFP process time consuming and postpones the work that needs to get done now not later.
First you have to issue the RFP and hope the organizations you want answer…then… after receiving the proposals, they have to go up the “approval ladder” and debated at the executive level and then at Board level, which can take many months (if not years).
And in the end your initial company or companies of choice may be approved. What’s worse is if the services you require(d) have become obsolete because of technological advances or have increased in price…and the process must be started over again.
Why do organizations, more specifically those funded by the government, make RFPs a mandatory part of purchasing services?
In my experiences, there are not many services out there today that cost less than $1,000…so does this mean everything must have an RFP?