How Solo PR Pros Can Use RFPs To Land New Business - Episode 330

How Solo PR Pros Can Use RFPs To Land New Business Episode 330 Episode Summary In this new year, many independent communications professionals are often looking for ways to make some noise and grow their businesses. For some, that path may lead to the dreaded Request for Proposal (RFP). In this episode of That Solo Life, Karen Swim, APR, and Michelle Kane tackle the topic we all "love to hate." While RFPs can sometimes feel like a heavy lift for a solo practitioner, they remain a vital avenue for securing work with corporations, government entities, and nonprofits. Karen and Michelle break down how to stop fearing the process and start strategizing for success. They discuss the importance of discerning which opportunities are worth your time, how to humanize a sterile bidding process, and why relationships often trump qualifications on paper. Whether you are looking to streamline your proposal workflow with an asset library or wondering how to use AI as a thinking partner, this episode offers practical tips to help you turn the RFP process from a burden into a winning business strategy. Episode Highlights [00:01:26] The Necessary Evil: Introduction to RFPs as a topic and why they are a valid pathway to new work in the current business climate. [00:03:24] decoding the "Cattle Call": Distinguishing between different types of RFPs—from government contracts to open calls on PR sites—and determining which are worth the effort. [00:04:51] The Human Element: Why you should always try to move beyond the document to have a personal conversation or "discovery call" before submitting. [00:05:37] Red Flags and Alignment: How to spot budget mismatches early and decide if a prospect aligns with your values before you write a single word. [00:09:32] Streamlining the Workflow: Tips for building a "library of assets," including case studies and testimonials, so you never have to start a proposal from scratch. [00:10:15] AI as a Strategist: Using artificial intelligence to perform SWOT analyses on prospective clients to demonstrate big-picture thinking in your response. [00:14:47] Standing Out Visually: How to use creative elements, visuals, and even audio/video to showcase your personality and brand alignment. Related Episodes & Additional Information Solo PR Pro Blog: How to Evaluate RFP Opportunities Solo PR Pro Blog: Succeeding at Business Development in a Tough Year Episode 313: Strategies for Securing New PR Business   Join the conversation and share your own RFP success stories (or horror stories) with the community. Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape.   Ready to take your solo business to the next level in 2026? Don't navigate this journey alone! Subscribe to the Solo PR Pro Youtube channel for That Solo Life episodes and actionable tips and insights. If you found value in today’s discussion about RFPs, please leave us a review and share this episode with a fellow communication professional.