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A lot of misunderstanding exists about storyboards. This is partly because, when they are not properly implemented, data acquired in the storyboard process does not make it into the files that the writers start with. To often, storyboards are treated as a discreet step that, once finished, is never looked back upon -- storyboards become a brainstorming tool that every one is forced into. No wonder so many people try to avoid doing them.

10) Start after RFP release. The winner has already started, the clock is ticking, and you don’t have you act together? No bid.
 
9) Start writing with the intent to improve the draft. You’re going to write it wrong and then correct it with no way of knowing when it’s right? No bid.
 

During the past 20 years, I have assisted in preparing over 200 proposals ranging in value from $1 million to $1 billion. If I were to boil down my experience into 10 rules that would help companies win more contracts, it would be the following:

The RFP lands on your desk and you must begin turning a mass of ill-fitted requirements into a custom-crafted and well-planned solution. The first five days are the most important—the time to make basic decisions and establish controls. Compare your method with this five-day approach.

The first step in the proposal writing process after receipt of the RFP is a detailed analysis of the RFP and "decomposition" of the RFP into a comprehensive proposal - solicitation compliance matrix.