fbpx

Connecting Proposal Graphic Artists with Proposal Managers

Step by Step Marketing for Small Businesses

Connecting Proposal Graphic Artists with Proposal Managers

What is the best way to connect the designer with the manager? I have worked on several proposals with several managers. My most useful way has been to contact people directly that are in the proposal field thru Linkedin. What is your best way?

  • Word of Mouth
  • Linkedin Groups
  • Join a proposal placement agency


Let’s describe a few key pieces in this equation to begin with.  A proposal manager’s job is to manage the collection of data and materials to write a successful proposal Some proposal managers are employed by the company writing the proposal while others are hired specifically to write the proposal on a contract basis.
Those companies that have full time proposal managers typically also have their own design staff while those managers brought in on a contract basis often do not have a design staff.  This is the group that I want to focus on.
I have found the most common scenario is that a company hires a proposal consultant business to hand the proposal and expects them to provide all needed support, including the graphic designer. I find that most managers also agree that not all graphic designers are suited for this kind of work.  This is not a skill taught in school or picked up after perusing the net for 20 minutes.  It is a skill developed thru experience and an eye not only for design, but also of a way to convey information and text in a clean graphic.  So how does a manager find the right kind of designer that has all the tools needed to contribute to a successful proposal?
As we all know, the most successful way by far is by word of mouth.  Asking other managers and consultants is the best way to find the needle in the graphically designed haystack.  This way others have narrowed down the list of competent proposal graphic designers.  A quote from a manager sums it up nicely.  “by the way, both John and the client were very complimentary of your work. I’ve been working with John on proposals and other BD efforts since 2008 and he’s very picky. I’ve experienced him working with at least 3 other graphics developers over the years and he had issues with each. You’re the first one he’s raved about. Thanks for the effort you put in and the excellent work.”  I was overjoyed to get such a compliment and this goes to show that not all designers are cut out for proposal work.
Another way to connect with competent designers is thru LinkedIn.  Some of these designers participate in the forums and groups and others have links to their work.  A close second to referrals is to see actual samples of the designer’s work.  Unfortunately, this becomes difficult since the majority of that work is covered under privacy contracts, but some designers have cleaned up and gotten approval to show some of their samples, thus giving a great insight into the skills they bring.
One other way for the designer to get their name out there is to join one of the proposal consultancy groups.  This is often just as hard as they clearly know what they are looking for and can easily spot someone that has what it takes.  The good thing is that there are several companies out there.  One thing I have done is offer to work thru a couple sample graphics with the potential client.  This way they see how you work and what you can produce before the deadline starts.  I have found great success with this offer.
In the end it is like anything else.  Hard work and consistent effort is needed from the side of the manager and the designer.  And ultimately this is why few designers are kept very busy with consultant groups because they have proven their adeptness and abilities to design this niche graphic.

Related Posts:

7 attributes of a quality proposal graphic designer
Proposal Graphics Certifications
“Noiseless” Proposal Graphics

Want to give us a try?  Let’s Chat


Contact Us