by fmadmin | Aug 23, 2018 | Uncategorised
You’ve spent endless hours on your tender and with 24 hours until submission time, you believe you’ve given it all you’ve got.
But have you?
Take the time to sit down and read through your tender submission (yes, again!) whilst asking yourself these questions:
- Do you have a go/no go process in place? Yes? Good. And you followed it? Awesome.
- Do you have a bid management system which allows for at least 1 draft for review/feedback and then a final which is approved prior to submission? Brilliant! Well done.
- Do you have an agreed win theme/strategy? Have you created a tailored executive summary at the beginning of the response document, answered all the questions and clearly articulated ‘why you’? This one is important. If you haven’t done this, there is a strong chance they won’t know why to choose you. If you only focus on one thing in the next 24 hours, focus on this!
- Have you scanned the environment for any information that may help you to tailor your submission? You have? Nice work.
- Have you used clear concise and interesting language – easy words, short sentences and limited use of jargon, abbreviations or acronyms? Regardless of what the techies say, the evaluation panel will include technical and non-technical evaluators, so it is wise to cater to the full spectrum of possible readers.
- Does your tender speak in benefits, not just features? Does it ask the question ‘So what?’ If it doesn’t, you better get editing!
- Do you have clear indexing and cross-referencing? Excellent!
- Have you proved everything you assert? Ensure you have used relevant case studies and testimonials. Don’t take anything at face value — the readers won’t. Challenge your authors to provide you examples of why this solution works, where it’s worked before, why it’s better than competitive solutions.
- Is the presentation aesthetically pleasing and the document easy to follow? It is? You’re nailing it!
If you answered yes to all the above, then congratulations! You have most likely written an excellent submission. However, if you have found yourself saying no, or even if you aren’t 100% confident on your ‘YES’ then reconsider your content and make the most of the next 24 hours!
by fmadmin | Aug 23, 2017 | Uncategorised
The fast paced atmosphere that you breath in when you walk through Focused Marketing’s white door is extremely motivating. Watching the creative, passionate and highly skilled team ‘making it happen’ (the agency’s tagline) is exciting for a student. It encourages me to want to learn more and work hard.
Coming into to an office as an intern, after three and a half years of studying is a relief. I can finally translate my studies into something that I can put into practice. Also I can diminish the fear I have of working in the ‘real world’, there’s only such much knowledge the QUT university for the real world can prepare you for.
The welcoming Focused team has been showing me how it all comes together. A total of eight days over four weeks as an intern has taught me a plethora of skills that vary from what I’ve learnt at university. The Focused team have helped me to identify areas of marketing that I enjoy. The overall experience so far has been an exciting journey and has helped break down the huge barrier that sits between university and work life.
I highly recommend doing an internship is imperative as it allows students to gain real world experience and understand the dynamic of an office.
by fmadmin | Aug 23, 2017 | Uncategorised
Although people say things like ‘I really need a coffee’ and ‘I simply must have those shoes’, clearly these items are not needs.
They are shameless wants.
A need is something you can’t live without. Like shelter, which drifts further into want territory every time an episode of The Block is aired.
Or water, which is now sold as a want because it’s sourced from a mountain and comes in a bottle.
It’s rare for marketers to deal with needs because those things tend to sell themselves. We work almost exclusively in the business of wants.
This is an important distinction because knowing the difference means you can craft your sales messaging more effectively.
Instead of delivering a rational argument that highlights the logical reasons why your product is better than theirs, you can start to create want in the heart of your prospects. You can start to stimulate emotions.
The easiest way to do this is to follow the old rule that favours a benefit over a feature. It dictates that describing a loaf of bread as containing whole grains isn’t as powerful as saying it helps lower cholesterol. Or that it helps digestion and is less fattening.
For the customer, the rational thinking comes later. After the emotional buy-in has already happened and they’re on the hook. Features will help them justify their decision for sure, but in most cases it’s the heartstrings that control the purse strings.
Stevie Smiles, Creative Director
by fmadmin | Aug 23, 2017 | Uncategorised
Business cards create an instant impression. In one quick glance they convey more about your business than you probably realise. The design, the finish, the way they feel – each element communicates a message about the quality and credibility of your brand.
So…what are your business cards saying about you?
The first step in creating a memorable business card is knowing your target audience. The second is being clear on the message you want to send.
Keeping your audience front of mind will ensure you make choices that appeal directly to them. Think about how they will use the card as well. A good example is not choosing a white card for an industry such as construction or mining, where chances of the card getting dirty when handled are high.
It is also important to think clearly about the brand message you want to communicate. How do you want this card to position your business? Are you sleek and professional, high-end luxury, or fun and accessible?
Once you’ve locked the key elements of audience and message down, it’s time to focus on the detail.
Here are 5 Top Tips to consider when designing your business card:
1- COLOUR
Your business card should always incorporate your brand colours. Don’t introduce design elements or colours that are not associated with your brand, apart from white. White can be used to create space and flow, as well as draw your attention to text and design elements.
2- PAPER STOCK
Confession time…I’m obsessed with the texture and weight of different paper stocks. Choosing the right stock is an easy way to create a business card that is instantly memorable. Different stocks feel different to touch. An uncoated stock has a raw, matt feel, while a glossy stock feels smooth to touch. Textured stocks create a tactical experience that can become a talking point. The rules are simple. Go for a paper stock that will appeal to your audience and that suits your brand. For example, a raw textured stock is a great option for a natural or organic brand.
3- STYLE
This is where you think about shape, size and any special design features. While an unusual shape – such as a square or a card with rounded edges can be memorable – be careful not to make it impractical. The top tip is to make sure your business card fits easily into the card slots of a standard size wallet.
4- FINISH
Adding a unique treatment to your business card can instantly add a level of professionalism and style. There are a wide range of treatments available from embossing and foiling, to varnishing and die cutting. While they come at a higher cost than a standard card, the impact is also superior.
Remember, your business card is the impression you leave in the hands of contacts and potential clients/customers. Make sure your card is sending the message you want to communicate to the world.
