This article introduces you to most common mistakes people make when producing tenders and shows you how to learn from these mistakes and turn them into a positive outcome for your company.

Sin no. 1. Not knowing"why"

"Not knowing answer to this question means that your tender response could miss mark completely, simply because you're not aware of any bad experiences or challenges they have had in past ."

The reason why a company or a Government body calls for tenders always plays a HUGE role in what factors are important to them when selecting a supplier, So, it makes sense knowing REAL reasons why. This is something that isn't usually FULLY listed in tender documentation.

For instance, if their previous supplier is hopelessly unreliable, proof of reliability, capacity, and a money back guarantee will probably be very important to them.

Dig around. Talk to everyone you know in industry. See how resourceful you can be.

Telephone purchasing officer and ask them why they are calling for tenders, why they want to undertake project, and what's important to them.

Strike up a conversation. Get to know them a little and discover what makes them tick. You'll be surprised at how much information you can find out - information that will be priceless in tender creation process.Attend "meet buyer's nights.

Ask questions like:

Why do they want to start using this type of product/service now?

Who did they use in past and why?

Why do they want to change?

What do they know about potential positives and negatives of dealing with people?

Why is this of particular importance to them?

Why do they want to change?

Who have they been using in past?

By now you have decided what kind of writer you'd like to be:

You either want to write for pleasure or for profit.

To write articles or just to write for your own enjoyment?

Or perhaps just start writing and see what develops.

To perhaps even one day write a book-about your life or about life of someone you know.

To one day write novel you always dreamed of...and I believe everyone has some tale to tell. We can all reach out and help others by sharing a little of our little (don't repeat 'little' in such close proximity- "yes sir, boss"!) world. Somebody else said: "No one but a blockhead would write not to be published."... but I don't agree with that one.

I believe writing is for pleasure or profit, but it can be both. That's ideal to aim (and wish/hope) for. Could I end that sentence with a "preppie" (preposition)?

That was my ideal when I started out in my quest to do something worthwhile with my life after being dropped out of sky here in "Sleepy Hollow". I try to have a bit of FUN with my writing, because life (together with all appendages, like mortgages, bills (but not my business associate, Bill Rosoman), wives, "hubbies", etc) can be ever so serious.

We spoke about making a writer out of you.

Decide where and when to write.

Which room is most comfortable and gives you peace and quiet?

When are you most creative?

Are you a "morning" or "evening" person, when your concentration is at it's highest level? My body rhythms (correct spelling - for a change!) work best in early morning, so I'm in bed with my teddy bear and hot "choccie" and pussy cat by 9pm. How utterly boring!

When are you most likely to be undisturbed? I have strangest type of people (plenty of "weirdos") dropping in to visit "recluse" me. Must be lot of an "artist"!

Treat your writing seriously and bar visitors - it is your work or leisure time, yet people don't seem to understand that. "When are you going to get a proper job", ask locals continuously (should it be 'continually'?), as they can't seem to understand us "strange" writers. Nor even my good Aussie friend, Kaye who is visiting at moment!

* GETTING STARTED What to write about?

This is writer's principal dilemma.

Write what market wants, but draw on your world, your unique experiences in life.

Ask yourself this:

How can I best inform, entertain, help or perhaps even inspire other people?