Riding Tandem

RFPs, creating them, getting past feeling intimidated, what happened when we turned an RFP down, and how to navigate sticky conversations early in the proposal process. Guest Nicole Lindquist has a candid conversation about these topics and shares about the Iowa West Foundation and the IWF team's goals when approaching Tandem Works with 2 RFPs.

**Special Note: This is part 1 of a two-part conversation, be sure to check out Episode #4 for part 2**

Show Notes

Unpacking this episode min by min:

2:51 - Meet Nicole Lindquist from newspapers to Communications Director at Iowa West Foundation
4:15 - What is the Iowa West Foundation
5:22 - Iowa West grant partnerships explained
5:55- How Iowa West Foundation supports local business owners
7:54 - The proposal Iowa West Foundation offered us and why we turned it down
8:38 - How Nicole reacted when we turned down her first RFP
10:13 - The fear of turning down a project
10:58 - How we got another opportunity for creating an RFP for the second half of the project
12:31 - Both clients and business owners often are having similar experiences
14:30 - Iowa West Foundation was ready to revisit the vision, and mission and to authentically hear from the community
15:09 - What an RFP is
16:09 - The RFP process and how staying flexible was key
17:05 - RFP's can be intimidating, how we navigated the unknowns
19:03- The "need" business owners have to impress clients and how that can get in the way
19:50 - Small businesses often have an advantage when creating RFPs and the scope with clients
20:54 - Navigating sticky conversations in the RFP process
23:49 - Time is money on both sides


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Reach out! Send your feedback and comments. What would you like to know about RFPs, creating proposals, or the negotiation process?
 

Vivian Kvam:
Nicole Lindquist:
Tandem Works Team:
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Riding Tandem with Vivian Kvam
A podcast from Tandem Works
Email the team: RidingTandem@thetandemworks.com

What is Riding Tandem?

Are you a business owner? Or are you on the verge of taking that side hustle to the next level? Or curious about the world of entrepreneurship? Join Vivian Kvam, Co-Owner of Tandem Works, each week for a behind-the-scenes at small businesses and what it takes to succeed.

Each episode is full of inspiration, education, tips, and great conversation with people like you, people who are figuring it out. Take your business to the next level with insight from expert guests in business, leadership, and marketing.