Educators providing Proposal courses in Nottingham

Business Writing 1 Day Workshop in Nottingham

Business Writing 1 Day Workshop in Derby

This workshop will help you improve the impact, clarity, accuracy and effectiveness of your sales proposals. It takes bid and proposal teams right through the process, from start to finish - from forming the team and gathering the information, through to writing and reviewing the proposal document, and on to presenting it to the client. The learning points shared in the programme come from the trainer's extensive real-world experience with a wide variety of businesses. As a result of attending this programme, participants will be able to: Write more clearly, more grammatically and more persuasively Structure their written communications more effectively Avoid the 'howlers' that can cost you business Impress your clients Win more business 1 Bid strategy How to combine your knowledge of the market or customer, your products and services, and your competitors, to create a quality bid New insights into your comparative advantages and competitive position in the marketplace Understanding more about how your client views you and other suppliers A plan of attack to build on your strengths and attack the weaknesses of your competition Dealing with RFP/ITT situations 2 Teamwork How a bid or proposal team needs to prioritise and manage preparation time Co-ordinating input from team members Agreeing responsibilities 3 The importance and role of a well-written sales proposal Why bother? - the value of the sales proposal to you and to the customer What the customer wants and needs to make a decision in your favour Understanding and delivering on customer expectations Review and discussion of different proposals - with real-life examples 4 The best way to structure your sales proposals A section-by-section, page-by-page review of best practice in structuring great sales proposals How to improve the way you match your proposal to the customer's objectives and requirements Plan your sales documents systematically - to make them easy to read and more persuasive How to make your proposal look like the 'least risky' option 5 Making your proposal a compelling and persuasive proposition Choosing the right words that sell effectively Selecting the right content and information for your document or proposal Using an option matrix to summarise complex choices and increase final order value How to write an executive summary 6 Well-written and error-free Developing your writing style for maximum impact Expressing the content (ie, selling points) clearly, concisely and correctly Proof-reading and editing work effectively, using formal marks and techniques Improving visual layout, format and appearance Keeping it customer-focused 7 Presenting to the client - overview Presentation options Understanding the client's objectives - as well as your own The proposal review meeting - logistics Managing to the next step Designing and delivering a compelling presentation Isolating objections and concerns Follow-up and follow-through 8 Positioning your final proposal Finalising your bid - presenting the right 'best few' USPs, features and benefits and making them relevant and real to the customer Smart ways to position price and be a strong player - without being the cheapest How to differentiate yourselves by how you present, as well as what you present How to design and deliver a successful bid presentation 9 Bid presentation practice session with structured feedback Participants work in small groups or pairs to prepare and later present a sample section from a real life bid or proposal presentation The trainer will provide assistance and input During group review and discussions, input from others will be encouraged and many best practice ideas summarised 10 Managing the end game How best to draw-out, understand, isolate and answer customer objections, negotiate points and concerns How to read the situation to plan the next step Identifying negotiation tactics - and how to deal with them Planning for a negotiation and how to get the customer feel they have the 'best deal' 11 Workshop summary and close

Overview In the organisation, tender and bidding skills are very essential to do new business. It is important that bids and tenders mark the right factor and give a promising argument for the organisation to make a profit.  This course is designed to give knowledge and skills in managing the Tender and bidding process. It highlights key areas to bid and tender efficiently in a competitive environment. It will provide you with all the essential tools that are necessary to increase the rate of success in the bidding process. It will focus on key areas which contracts are searching for during the whole process which is called the client-focused approach.  With this course, they will evaluate and differentiate between different bids while making sure the process is fair and complete. As well as help the participants to gain the essentials of the bidding process and the making of a successful proposal and evaluation

Better Business Cases™ Foundation: In-House Training: In-House Training Better Business Cases™ is based on the Five Case Model - which is the UK government's best practice approach to structuring spending proposals and making effective business decisions. Using this best practice approach will allow organizations to reduce unnecessary spending and improve the decision-making process which gives you a greater chance of securing necessary funding and support for initiatives. The goal of the foundation course is to enable participants to work effectively with a team to develop a strong business case in their work environment. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Describe the philosophy and the underlying rationale of the Five Case Model Identify different types of business case, their purpose, who is responsible for them Recognize when the different types are required in the development of a spending proposal Develop the business case in relation to other recognized and recommended best practices for programme and project management Overview of the Five Case Model Five key components of a business case and the order in which they are presented Three key stages in the development of a spending proposal Definition of a programme / project and the key differences between programmes and projects Purpose of a Business Justification Case (BJC) and in what circumstances it should be considered Purpose of a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) Purpose of an Outline Business Case (OBC) Purpose of a Full Business Case (FBC) Relationship between policies, strategies, programmes, and projects and their deliverables Developing the Strategic Case Purpose and core content of a Strategic Case Purpose of SMART robust spending objectives and the key objectives for spend: economy, efficiency, effectiveness, re-procurement, and statutory or regulatory compliance Four main categories of benefits criteria and the parties involved in their development Three key categories of risk Purpose of identifying constraints and dependencies Difference between direct and indirect benefits Developing the Economic Case Purpose and core content of an Economic Case Purpose of critical success factors and the key critical success factors based upon the Five Case Model Purpose of the long list options and how to generate options and undertake SWOT analysis Minimum of four short-list options, how they are derived, and what they should include (Reference Project / Public Sector Comparator [PSC]) Difference between the preferred way forward and the preferred option Purpose, objectives, key participants, and outputs of Workshop Stage 2 - identifying and assessing the options Rules that should be followed for the treatment of costs and benefits Key differences between economic appraisals and financial appraisals Factors considered when selecting the preferred option Developing the Commercial Case Purpose and core content of a Commercial Case Guiding principles when apportioning risk between the contractual parties Purpose of payment mechanisms Purpose of Step 9 in the development framework: Contracting for the deal Developing the Financial Case Purpose and core content of a Financial Case The financial statements required for all projects The possible impacts to consider Developing the Management Case Purpose and core content of a Management Case Purpose of a programme / project management strategy, framework, and plan Purpose of a change management strategy, framework, and plan Purpose of a benefits realization strategy, framework, and register / plan Purpose of a risk management strategy, framework and register / plan Purpose of a post programme / project evaluation strategy, framework, and plan

Better Business Cases™ Foundation and Practitioner: In-House Training Using this best-practice approach will allow organizations to reduce unnecessary spending and improve the decision-making process which gives you a greater chance of securing necessary funding and support for initiatives. The goal of the combined foundation and practitioner course is to develop a candidate's ability to deliver a comprehensive business case through encouraging expanded knowledge to guide the practical application of theoretical foundations. Upon the completion of this course, a candidate will be able to start applying the model to a real business case development project. The outline presented in the course overview will be addressed in the first 2 days, with the Foundation exam conducted on the morning of Day 3. Then the topics will be revisited at a deeper level, for 2 more days, with the Practitioner exam conducted on the afternoon of Day 5. What you will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Develop the lifecycle of a business case and establish the relationships between the five cases Apply the steps in the business case development framework, in order to support the production of a business case, using the Five Case Model, for a given scenario. Overview of Better Business Cases Alignment with the strategic planning process Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model Overview of the Five Case Model Purpose of the key stages in the development of a spending proposal Purpose of a Business Justification Case Business Case Development Process Purpose of project / programme assurance and assurance reviews Responsibility for producing the Business Case Determining the Strategic Context and Undertaking the Strategic Assessment Scoping the Scheme and Preparing the Strategic Outline Case Planning the Scheme and Preparing the Outline Business Case Procuring the Solution and Preparing the Full Business Case Implementation and monitoring Evaluation and feedback Making the Case for Change Agree on the strategic context Determine spending objectives, existing arrangements, and business needs Determine potential business scope and key service requirements Determine benefits, risks, constraints, and dependencies Exploring the Preferred Way Forward Agree on critical success factors Determine long list options and SWOT analysis Recommend a preferred way forward Determining Potential Value for Money Revisit the short list Prepare the economic appraisal for short-listed options Undertake benefits appraisal Undertake risk appraisal Select preferred option and undertake sensitivity analysis Preparing for the Potential Deal Determine the procurement strategy Determine service streams and required outputs Outline potential risk apportionment Outline potential payment mechanisms Ascertain contractual issues and accountancy treatment Ascertaining Affordability and Funding Requirement Prepare the financial model Prepare the financial appraisals Planning for Successful Delivery Plan programme / project management Plan change and contract management Plan benefits realization Plan risk management Plan programme / project assurance and post-project evaluation Procuring the Value for Money Solution Revisit the case for change Revisit the OBC options Detail procurement process and evaluation of best and final offers (BAFOs) Contracting for the Deal Set out the negotiated deal and contractual arrangements Set out the financial implications of the deal Ensuring Successful Delivery Finalize project management arrangements and plans Finalize change management arrangements and plans Finalize benefits realization arrangements and plans Finalize risk management arrangements and plans Finalize contract management arrangements and plans Finalize post-project evaluation arrangements and plans

Better Business Cases™ Practitioner: In-House Training: In-House Training Better Business Cases™ is based on the Five Case Model - which is the UK government's best practice approach to structuring spending proposals and making effective business decisions. Using this best-practice approach will allow organizations to reduce unnecessary spending and improve the decision-making process which gives you a greater chance of securing necessary funding and support for initiatives. The goal of the practitioner course is to develop a candidate's ability to deliver a comprehensive business case, through encouraging expanded knowledge to guide the practical application of theoretical foundations. Upon the completion of this Practitioner course, a candidate will be able to start applying the model to a real business case development project. What You Will Learn At the end of this program, you will be able to: Develop the lifecycle of a business case and to establish the relationships between the five cases Apply the steps in the business case development framework, in order to support the production of a business case, using the Five Case Model, for a given scenario Overview of Better Business Cases Alignment with the strategic planning process Importance of the Business Case using the Five Case Model Overview of the Five Case Model Purpose of the key stages in the development of a spending proposal Purpose of a Business Justification Case Business Case Development Process Purpose of project / programme assurance and assurance reviews Responsibility for producing the Business Case Determining the Strategic Context and Undertaking the Strategic Assessment Scoping the Scheme and Preparing the Strategic Outline Case Planning the Scheme and Preparing the Outline Business Case Procuring the Solution and Preparing the Full Business Case Implementation and monitoring Evaluation and feedback Making the Case for Change Agree on the strategic context Determine spending objectives, existing arrangements, and business needs Determine potential business scope and key service requirements Determine benefits, risks, constraint, and dependencies Exploring the Preferred Way Forward Agree on critical success factors Determine long list options and SWOT analysis Recommend a preferred way forward Determining Potential Value for Money Revisit the short list Prepare the economic appraisal for short-listed options Undertake benefits appraisal Undertake risk appraisal Select preferred option and undertake sensitivity analysis Preparing for the Potential Deal Determine the procurement strategy Determine service streams and required outputs Outline potential risk apportionment Outline potential payment mechanisms Ascertain contractual issues and accountancy treatment Ascertaining Affordability and Funding Requirement Prepare the financial model Prepare the financial appraisals Planning for Successful Delivery Plan programme / project management Plan change and contract management Plan benefits realization Plan risk management Plan programme / project assurance and post project evaluation Procuring the Value for Money Solution Revisit the case for change Revisit the OBC options Detail procurement process and evaluation of best and final offers (BAFOs) Contracting for the Deal Set out the negotiated deal and contractual arrangements Set out the financial implications of the deal Ensuring Successful Delivery Finalize project management arrangements and plans Finalize change management arrangements and plans Finalize benefits realization arrangements and plans Finalize risk management arrangements and plans Finalize contract management arrangements and plans Finalize post-project evaluation arrangements and plans

Are you requiring additional training to support your or your teams skills but can't see what you need in our advertised training courses? Then get in touch to design training/teambuilding specific to you or your team. How does it work? A free 30 minute consultation to discuss what you would like to achieve from a bespoke training course. A written proposal of what training may look like along with costings is emailed to you within 3 days of the initial consultation. If the proposal is agreed, then a date and time is agreed with both parties. Trainings can be delivered on a one to one basis, or with small - large groups. Recent bespoke training have been delivered covering topics such asCommunicationCustomer serviceTime ManagementDelegationWhat does professionalism look like? Prices start from £75.00. Contact us directly to organise bespoke training.

Management of Value (MoV®) Foundation This interactive MoV® Foundation course provides a modular and case-study-driven approach to learning Management of Value (MoV). The core knowledge is structured and comprehensive; and well-rounded modules cover the methodology and various techniques. A case study is used to help appreciate the relevance of MoV in its practical application. What you will Learn Upon completion of an MoV course candidates should be able to discuss and explain: The main processes and techniques used within MoV and the reasons for using them How MoV may be applied at portfolio, program, project and operational levels The differences in applying MoV at different stages in a project and the expected outputs from a MoV Study at each stage The circumstances under which MoV should be used The concept of value and how value may be improved The main benefits arising from the use of MoV Approaches for implementing MoV How to respond to external and internal influences The principles of embedding MoV into an organization The key topics in document checklists, the toolbox, health check, organizational maturity and individual competence. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: Organize and contribute constructively to a Management of Value (MoV) Study Demonstrate a knowledge of MoV principles, processes, approach and environment Analyse a company, program or project to establish its organizational value; includes identification and weighting of Value Drivers Pass the AXELOS MoV Foundation Examination Introduction to value management and MoV Value and Value Management Capabilities, Outcomes, Benefits and Disbenefits What is Value? What is Management of Value (MoV)? Why use MoV? Where use MoV? When MoV should be used? What using MoV involve? Selected MoV benefits Relationship with other AXELOS Global Best Practices and Models How MoV fits with other AXELOS Global Best Practice Guides MoV principles Align with organization's objectives Focus on functions and required outcomes Balance the variables to maximise value Apply throughout the investment decision Tailor MoV to suit the subject Learn from experience and improve Assign clear roles and responsibilities and build a supportive culture MoV processes Frame the programme or project Gather information Analyse information Process information Evaluate and select Develop Value Improving Proposals Implement and share outputs MoV techniques Function Analysis Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) Traditional (or classic) FAST Technical FAST Customer FAST Value Trees Measuring value Value profiling (a.k.a. value benchmarking) Simple multi-attribute rating technique (a.k.a. SMART) Value index Value metrics Value for money (VfM) ratio Value Engineering / Analysis Common techniques used in MoV Analysis of information Benchmarking Process Mapping Root Cause Analysis Discounted Cash Flow Analysis Generating Ideas Brainstorming Evaluation and option selection Option Selection Matrix Idea selection Allocation to Categories Idea Selection Matrix Weighting techniques Paired Comparisons Points Distribution Developing VIPs Developing Proposals Cost Benefit Analysis Building Decisions Implementing VIPs Implementation Plans Feedback Following up Tracking Benefits Approach to Implementation Generic approach to MoV implementation Plan the MoV activities Understand and articulate value Prioritize value Improve value Quantify value Monitor improvements in value Learn lessons Environmental factors Portfolio Considerations Programme considerations Project considerations Operational Considerations Embedding MoV into an organization Benefits of Embedding MoV into an organization MoV Policy MoV Policy Composition Embedding MoV into an organisation Key steps Suggested MoV Management Structure Overcoming barriers We do it anyway It takes up too much time We can't afford to make the changes What's in it for me? Don't fix it if it ain't broke Fixed returns on investment MoV products Briefing Meeting Agenda (A.1) Communications Checklist (A.2) Equipment list for an Effective Study/Workshop (A.3) Invitation to join the Study Team (A.4) Option Evaluation Matrix (A.5) Plan the Study (A.6) Recording Idea Selection (A.7) Reporting Study outputs (A.8) Scoping the Study (A.9) Study or Workshop Handbook (A.10) Value-Improvement Proposal Forms (A.11) Value Improvement Tracking Report (A.12) MoV toolbox MoV health check and maturity model P3M3 Maturity Model MoV Maturity Model (aligned with P3M3)

The 'golden rule' of negotiation is simple - don't! But life's rarely that simple and very often we do have to negotiate, particularly if we want to win the business and especially if we want to win it on our terms. Such negotiations are crucial. We need to prepare for them. We need a strategy, and the skills to execute it. Does your team have a structured approach? Is it flawlessly executed, every time? Or is there room for improvement? This programme will help them master the six fundamentals of closing better business: Manage all these elements well and you will win more business, more profitably. This course will help participants: Negotiate from a position of partnership, not competition Deal more effectively and profitably with price objections Identify and practise successful sales negotiating skills Identify strengths and weaknesses as a sales negotiator Understand different types of buyer behaviour Learn to recognise negotiating tactics and stances Apply a new and proven structure to their business negotiations Identify and adapt for different behavioural styles Be alert to unconscious (non-verbal) communication Prepare and present a proposal at a final business negotiation stage Project confidence and exercise assertiveness in all sales negotiations 1 Planning for successful business negotiations This session introduces the concept of business negotiation and looks at its importance in the context of the participants' roles and activities. It briefly examines why we negotiate and the dynamics involved. Session highlights: What kind of a negotiator are you? Negotiation skills self-assessment and best practice How to establish roles and responsibilities for both parties How to identify and set objectives for both buyer and seller How to research and establish the other person's position (business negotiation stance) 2 How to structure your negotiations This module presents an eight-step framework or structure for use in negotiations and considers how best to prepare and plan your negotiations within the context of a supplier/customer relationship or business cycle. It also includes a brief review of legal responsibilities and what constitutes a 'deal'. Session highlights: Learn and apply a formal structure to use when negotiating How to establish short- and longer-term objectives and opportunities How best to plan, prepare and co-ordinate a major business negotiation meeting, or on-going negotiations Understanding of basic legal and organisational requirements 3 Verbal negotiation skills This session examines the human and communication dynamics inherent in any negotiation situation. It emphasises the importance of professional skills in preparing for a negotiation by identifying needs, wants and requirements accurately and by qualifying the competitive and organisational influences present. Session highlights: How to fully 'qualify' the other party's needs, requirements and constraints during the negotiation process by using advanced questioning and listening skills How to pre-empt negotiation objections by promoting and gaining commitment to options, benefits, value and solutions How best to propose and suggest ideas, using drawing-out skills 4 Non-verbal negotiation skills This module highlights how different personal styles, corporate cultures and organisation positions can influence events, and demonstrates practical methods for dealing with and controlling these factors. It also examines key principles of body language and non-verbal communication in a practical way. Session highlights: Gaining rapport and influencing unconsciously Understanding the importance of non-verbal communication; reading other people's meaning and communicating effectively as a result Ensure that non-verbal behaviour is fully utilised and observed to create maximum impact and monitor progress (eg, buying signals) Recognising that business negotiations are precisely structured and agreements gained incrementally 5 Proposing and 'packaging' This session highlights how best to present and package your proposal. It looks at how to pre-empt the need for negotiating by creating minor-options and 'bargaining' points, as well as how to manage the expectations and perceptions of the customer or buyer. Session highlights: How to identify the key variables that can be negotiated The power and use of 'authority' within your negotiations How to structure and present your proposal, ideas or quotation to best effect The importance of when and how to identify and influence buyer's objections 6 Dealing with price This module highlights how to best present and package price within your proposal or negotiation. In most cases, price has more to do with psychology than affordability and preparation and careful handling are essential. Session highlights: The three reasons that people will pay your asking price How to set price in a competitive market The key differences between selling and negotiating Ten ways to present price more effectively and persuasively 7 Getting to 'Yes': tactics and strategies There are many different tactics and strategies common to successful negotiators. This session looks at those that are most appropriate to the participants' own personal styles and situations. The importance of 'follow-through' is also explained and how to deal with protracted or 'stale-mate' business negotiations. Session highlights: How to negotiate price and reduce discounting early in the process How to recognise negotiating tactics and strategies in your customer or supplier Key strategies, techniques and tactics to use in negotiation The importance of follow-through and watching the details How to deal with stalled business negotiations or competitor 'lock-out' 8 Case studies and review This session examines a number of different situations and participants discuss ways to approach each. This will allow learning to be consolidated and applied in a very practical way. There will also be a chance to have individual points raised in a question and answer session. Session highlights: Case studies Question and answer Planning worksheet Negotiation 'toolkit' and check-list 9 Personal action plans Session highlights: Identify the most important personal learning points from the programme Highlight specific actions and goals Flag topics for future personal development and improvement