Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Budget leaks, Formula One and proposal

We get constant trails and leaks about what is going to be in the upcoming budget...I guess it makes sure that there aren't too many surprises coming up, which is why it's done - to manage expectations and even to get a sense about what the reaction will be.

In Formula One  meanwhile, we had a few teams who interpreted rules differently, sought clarification and still came up with different solutions; all it turns out, within the rules.

What has this got to do with anything?

In each case there has been a consultation of a kind. A consultation that results in important changes and decisions being made which are key to the success of in one case a sports team and in the other a goverment and a country.

So when we have a proposal to submit, how often do you consult with the issuing body to get clarification, get a meeting or even to test out or ideas beforehand. Of course sometimes, especially in public tendering you may be prohibited from this, but it's always worth asking.

There's a lot at stake, so when you can don't waste an opportunity to get your ideas in front of the people who evaluate, get feedback and develop you proposals in the winning direction. If it's good enough for the government (and more to the point Formula One!) it's good enough for the rest of us.