Part of my business (and I am sure yours too) involves responding to RFP’s. I average at least ten a week and get about twenty percent of the jobs. Whether these are small projects or on-going retainers I have learned that there are some absolute musts when it comes to you job proposal. Outline Everything: Do not leave your potential client guessing. List your services, your rates and limit the grey areas. In fact, clear them up as much as possible. Paper Trail: I have developed a habit to saving all my correspondence with clients and potential clients. Its m way of covering my you know what in case there is ever a problem, for instance, non payment of invoices, etc. Include a clause for project changes: Often there may be changes in the requirements or responsibilities. To be prepared for this include a clause stating that any project changes will incur additional charges. Don’t forget the contract: Especially if you do not know or have no connection with the potential client. For most jobs it is customary to request a 50% advance before work commence. FSE

When we decide to set up  a business we give priority to a number of things and do not give a second thought to others. We have heard stories of plagiarism, of businesses that start off using names and images that belong to others. The other end f the spectrum arises when we use common names and logos that cannot be trademarked. This sometimes happen after we are well established and finally spare a thought for getting the business trademarked. Only to find out that your business name or logo was too commonplace to be trademarked. Spare yourself the agony and choose distinctive names to begin with. At least seek advice in the early phase of your business this way making the necessary adjustments won't affect your image and your bottom line.