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The Game Has Changed for Proposals: Pretty No Longer Wins
The Game Has Changed for Proposals: Pretty No Longer Wins Back in 2008, I worked at an executive search firm where we re-typed every resume we received into the same format: same font, same layout, no bells or whistles. The goal? To remove distractions and allow recruiters (and clients) to compare candidates based on substance, not style.
Practical Tips for Using AI in Writing Highly Customized Proposals: Part 3 – Reviewing and Refining AI Outputs
In the first two parts of this series, we focused on mastering discovery and structuring inputs for precise outputs. In this final installment, we turn our attention to the critical step of reviewing and refining AI-generated proposals. This is where the work comes together—and where you have the chance to transform a good draft into an exceptional, client-winning solution.
Practical Tips for Using AI in Writing Highly Customized Proposals: Part 2 - Structuring Input for Precise Outputs
At Hyphenate, we think about structuring input for AI all day, every day. It’s what we do, and it’s why we’re sharing this article with you. When it comes to writing highly customized proposals and SOWs, the difference between “good enough” and “truly great” often comes down to how you frame the information you provide to the AI. And while we’ve built systems to make this process easier and safer for our users, we understand that many organizations are still navigating this challenge manually.
Practical Tips for Using AI in Writing Highly Customized Proposals: Part 1 - Mastering Discovery
When it comes to crafting highly customized proposals and Statements of Work (SOWs), artificial intelligence (AI) is an extraordinary tool for saving time and enhancing creativity. But let’s be clear: AI doesn’t replace humans—it transforms their role. To unlock AI's full potential, we must lean into the aspects of solution creation where our expertise and judgment are irreplaceable. One critical area where this becomes evident is discovery.
Going Beyond the Ask
In my years of working with clients, I’ve learned that a proposal is only as effective as the depth of understanding behind it. It’s easy to assume that we know what a client wants after a first conversation or two, but truly transformative proposals don’t just respond to the surface-level ask. They address the "why" behind the need, integrating an understanding that’s built from empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to discovery. Early on, I struggled with this myself. I’m a problem-solver by nature, so when I see a problem, my instinct is to jump straight to solutions. But as I’ve learned, often the "why" needs a bit more digging to be fully understood – and this extra depth is where the real magic happens. Here’s how I’ve developed the practice of uncovering, distilling, and integrating a client’s true needs into proposals.