Hello,

I need some expert advice...

I bid on two proposals for eLearning contract work at two different organizations. One is in the private sector, and the other non-profit.

It has been over 1.5 months and still haven't received a final YES or NO yet. I've followed up every two weeks, but they either say they are still reviewing or will get back to me.

What should I do? Continue waiting??? Should I give them a deadline?

Is there an industry standard on the time a consultant should hear back from a potential client?

Maybe I'm just impatient, but 1.5 months seems like a long time.

Would appreciate the advice!

When you follow up with these potential clients, what questions are you asking?

My best advice: Keep marketing! If you turn in a written proposal, one way you can manage the expectations is include a statement such as: "The prices quoted in this proposal are good until Month, Year." Otherwise, my advice is to let this sit on the backburner, don't turn it off, and keep marketing! If you would like to discuss it more, you are welcome to contact me: Markf@mjfassociates.com

I agree with Mark. Keep marketing, let the proposal ride, and be patient about a response.

Here's a true story. We had submitted a proposal and learned that the company had narrowed their choice to two vendors, of which we were one. Other things happened within the company and the selection process dragged on for FOUR months. I would check in periodically, always trying to use a casual tone ("just let us know when you need us").

The other vendor was much pushier and ended up alienating the client. We got the work when it finally came through.

Sometimes a delay means that the project/budget is not really there yet. But how you react can help you build a stronger relationship.

Good luck,

Jay

Wow! Thanks everyone for your advice! This is good stuff!

Fanatic - The only type of questions I'm asking when following up is..."Just wanted to see if you have any questions about the proposal?" or "Just wanted to follow up to see how things are going. Please let me know if I can answer any questions."

Is it too pushy to follow up like I have been doing about every 2 weeks?

I'll take everyone's advice and continue marketing and just wait it out. Do most potential clients eventually contact vendors back to say "NO" or do some just never call you back, meaning that they went with someone else?

The other thing I'm confused about is that one of these clients said that they need these eLearning courses 100% complete by Sept., and my proposal said that it would take approx. 3 months to complete. It is coming down to the wire.

Thanks again for all the help! Like the old saying goes: "Patience is a virtue!"