Using Empathy and Self Reflection to Create Success and Get Wins - with Deb Zahn - EP092
Episode description
Crafting your #RFP to get a win is a large and technical undertaking. But telling the story of why your business is going to do something wonderful for this world can be the key to getting on your reviewer’s good side. How can you make sure you are doing everything you can to get your RFP approved? Does taking a moment to step back and reflect on your mistakes help you get ahead as an entrepreneur?
Deb Zahn is the Founder and CEO of Craft of Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping accomplished professionals start, build and grow their own consulting businesses. A practicing consultant herself, Deb has earned a reputation for getting high-value contracts with hard-to-get clients, turning them into her biggest fans and best marketers. Deb also has 25 years of experience with RFPS, yielding over $100M in business for her clients.
On this episode of The RFP Success Show, Deb dives in to what it’s like to work on an RFP from a reviewer's perspective. And why this perspective is necessary to think about when crafting your reports. She also lays out some of the biggest mistakes she has seen in RFPs, reviewers, and consultants.
Deb lays out why crafting a gripping narrative throughout an RFP will benefit a client more than technical writing. She also offers advice for every entrepreneur on how to achieve growth by reflecting on your mistakes.
Listen in to learn more about how being a great reviewer and entrepreneur revolves more around empathy and self-reflection than just getting the technical aspects down. And how not taking the time to cultivate those true feelings will get in the way of your success.
Key TakeawaysContinuing the conversation with Deb about being a consultant
What the biggest mistakes responders make in their RFP responses and how to avoid them
Deb's reviewer horror story and why writing thoughtful RFP responses will not only help your reviewer but your request
How to make sure you actually answer the questions in your RFP
How using your narrative throughout your request is crucial to getting a win
Why empathy and self-reflection are the number one thing every consultant and entrepreneur needs to be successful
Why recognizing your mistakes is a key to success as an entrepreneur
Connect with DebCraft of Consulting on Instagram
Craft of Consulting on LinkedIn
Connect with LisaThe RFP Success Company on YouTube
The RFP Success Company on LinkedIn
Email podcast@rfpsuccess.com
ResourcesDeb’s Prospects to Proposal Blog