Almond latte, extra shot (yes, that’s three).
What are the Tender Plus team members really like, we hear you ask? Well, we asked them to fill you in.
Meet … Chelsea Steele, Senior Tender Specialist, Brisbane
What's the most rewarding part of consulting as a specialist on tenders?
The feeling of accomplishment once the “submit” button is hit. Knowing the challenges you’ve faced as a team on that tender have been successfully overcome and I’ve been a part of bringing it all together. Then the anticipation of a hopeful win for our client.
How do you adapt to the different subject matter that you deal with on a day-to-day basis?
Read, read and read! The way I gain an understanding of the vast subject matter that comes across my desk is to absorb as much information as I can. This involves thoroughly reading customer issued tender documents, relevant client content and doing my own independent research.
What's the best tip a mentor or colleague in the field has given you about tendering and why?
I have two:
1) In the absence of a known difference or better value, people buy on price
2) You don’t have to have the lowest price to have the greatest value
I think these two gems highlight the essence of tender proposals.
If you can clearly and visually demonstrate your value proposition to the customer and how your business solution is a gain creator and pain reliever to their benefit, the greater the opportunity of a successful tender outcome.
Coffee or tea? (Discuss)
Almond latte, extra shot (yes, that’s three). My morning coffee rates very high on my priority list and must be kick-start strong. I don’t mind a refreshing green tea throughout the day too.
What's the most important quality that you think you bring to the bids that you work on? Why?
My razor sharp attention to detail. Because “Accuracy builds credibility” ~ Jim Rohn
What's it like being part of the Tender Plus team?
Being surrounded by like-minded supportive, kind and caring people.
If you could immediately change one thing about tendering that would make the discipline better for everyone, what would it be?
To eliminate all tender deadlines from mid-December through to mid-January so tendering professionals can shift into holiday mode and genuinely relax.
What are the top three tips you would give to a client about writing a tender?
We need to ensure that our value quantification responses are:
1. Compliant
2. Compelling
3. Concise
What's the funniest word, phrase, or acronym you have seen in a tender?
Not funny but odd. I’ve seen “best in breed”.
"We came a close second." Thoughts?
To utilise this opportunity for a tender debrief to discuss business drivers and lessons learned. Then take this knowledge forward to improve and strengthen our client’s next tender submission.
What's the word you never want to see used in a tender again?
Vague words such as “may” and “would” and jargon such as “industry leading” or “world class”. These are redundant words in tenders that hold no meaning, so are best replaced with specific words that will be more effective in really communicating your message.
What is your favourite sector to tender in? Why?
Waste management. Not a glamourous industry by far, but far reaching. Being involved in the circular economy movement to reduce landfill, impact climate change and help protect and preserve the earth for our future generations gives me a sense of purpose.
Cat person, dog person or other? If other what?
Definitely a cat person. As a child my parents bred Siamese seal points for a while.
How do you describe what you do for a career?
My short and sharp elevator pitch is: “I’m a writer who specialises in helping organisations write business proposals to win work.”
Why do you think that you thrive under pressure? What makes you so resilient?
Life’s experiences and the self-learned ability to ground myself.
"It's all about the price." Thoughts?
A great opportunity for Tender Plus to help develop a powerful non-price response through strong customer-focused features and benefits messages to clearly articulate our client’s competitive advantage.