Dear Bidding,
When We First Met
I vividly remember when we first crossed paths in 1995. You were immature, disorganised and stressful to be around. Few understood your role or what you could achieve. Many mistakenly believed anyone could fill your shoes.
But something about you intrigued me – the competition, persuasion, and high stakes. Though still in your infancy in my corner of the world, I knew you were something special. What I didn’t know was that our journey would shape my career and the way businesses win work and grow.
How Far We’ve Come
In the early days, many saw you as just paperwork – a tedious administrative process. But those who understood your power knew better. Over time, you matured. Best practices emerged and methodologies became refined. You are now recognised as a strategic function, a critical driver of success. When I look at you, I see a profession with a strong sense of identity.
But your evolution hasn’t come without challenges. The relentless pace, increasing competition, and the growing complexity of client demands have tested those who dedicate themselves to you. Yet, despite the pressures, the thrill of winning hasn’t changed.
The Road Ahead
As you turn 30, you stand at the edge of transformation. The future of bidding will be defined by speed, intelligence, and strategy. Data-driven insights will become the backbone of decision-making. Bidders must therefore move beyond just compliance and pricing; they must craft proposals that anticipate client needs, offer innovation, and demonstrate real value.
Let’s also not forget AI’s arrival. It has brought us to the cusp of a professional revolution, augmenting the painstaking writing process. These developments are continuing at a mind-blowing pace and it’s going to be a fascinating ride.
A Call to Elevate
Although now recognised as a specialised profession with defined career paths, practices, and standards, it’s crucial to continue advocating for our value. Make your case with strength, logic, and persistence. Get comfortable with numbers, turning your evidence and ROI-based approach inwards.
Those of us inside the tent understand our value, but we’re not our audience. Keep proving it to those who rely on your skills and your influence will grow. Organisations must invest in bid professionals. So aim for the top table to elevate our influence, shape strategy and drive growth. We are not just responding to opportunities; we are creating them.
The Next Chapter
The deadlines will remain relentless, the pressure will always be high, but the impact we create is undeniable. Integrity, perseverance and a passion to succeed have carried us far. Keep these qualities close as we embrace the future together with confidence.
Happy 30th, Bidding. Here’s to our mateship and the incredible journey ahead.
Nigel Dennis
Nigel has been called a proposal pioneer in Australia for his work in shaping the professional bidding landscape in the region. He has three decades of proposal consulting experience and has trained thousands of people. Nigel started the APMP Australia New Zealand Chapter, runs Australia’s largest specialist bid consultancy and is a strong advocate for development of the profession.
