The Shredder Test: a step-by-step guide to writing winning proposals Paperback – January 11, 2013

I bought this book during a time I really needed expert advise on how to write a proposal that would grab someone's attention.I read the Shredder test and followed almost all the advise given in this book - afterwards I won the tender. Really!I advise any entrepreneur out there that is in need of proposal-writing advise to purchase this book.

Fantastic read! The Shredder Test has actually made me re-look at how how I've been planning and writing my proposals and may have also provided the answer to why I haven't been very successful with a lot of my proposals.

The Shredder Test will far exceed the expectations of anyone who reads it - it's bound to contribute to your proposal writing skills, your sales outcomes and your whole approach to selling.Haydon's easy to read and comprehensive guide holds valuable insights and tips to ensure successful proposal writing is at your fingertips. The Shredder Tests removes the `fear factor', offering a simple and structured approach to pitching for business. A "must have" sales induction tool for those employing sales professionals in any capacity.

As a copywriter and corporate writing trainer myself, I know a lot about writing winning proposals. But The Shredder Test taught me more. My copy of the book is bristling with Post-It Note bookmarks reminding me of important tips.Haydon gives experience-based, real-world insights into buyer psychology. Who'd have thought that a buyer saying, 'Send me aproposal' means 'I'm not ready to buy'?The book isn't too long, and is well organised. It's easy to figure out the best section to consult based on the stage in the proposalprocess that you're in. I love the end-of-chapter summaries, too. They make it easy to revise quickly after you've read the book.My only criticism is that it focuses mainly on bid and tender writing. Smaller proposals/opportunities are covered, but I'd haveliked a few more tips on these.All up, this is required reading for anyone who wants to know how to write a proposal, and give it a winning chance.

I first read The Shredder Test when I needed help to put together a comprehensive, compelling tender for a not-for-profit organisation facing unknown competition and tight time frames. I read it over a weekend, followed the process and included the suggestions and it certainly proved to be a successful formula. Thanks to The Shredder Test, my client was successful in winning the 3 year contract and I credit our success to the practical and applicable advice contained in this book.A year later the stakes were much higher, as the same client wanted to bid for a significant government grant, competing with more than 60 other tender submissions. Out comes The Shredder Test which I used as a checklist to ensure I got it right! Again, the bid was a winner and the client was delighted. This proves that The Shredder Test continues to be an easy and effective way to succeed in what's becoming an even more complex process.A sincere `thank you' to Robyn Haydon for helping me to make the difference that counted.

Robyn is perhaps Australia's leading authority on effective proposal writing and "The Shredder Test" imparts all of her vast knowledge on the topic. Whether a first time proposal writer, or a seasoned campaigner, this guide is a must have tool for anyone who undertakes proposal writing as part of their role. Robyn's step by step guide takes the reader through each step of the bidding life cycle from establishing whether a particular opportunity is for you, through to bid strategy and effective techniques for writing and submission of your proposal. Since reading "The Shredder Test", and adopting many of Robyn's suggestions and techniques, our tender success rate has improved significantly. I cannot speak highly enough of "The Shredder Test" and I recommend that anyone who wants to improve their proposal writing skills should invest in this powerful business tool.

This practical book will help an individual or firm to write a winning proposal. Whether it is for non-for profit or government, this step by step text will help.Robyn Haydon writes clearly and succinctly and is based on case studies.

As someone who is new to the world of consulting, I came across Robyn's book when I was looking for a structured process for putting my value proposition into a pitch-ready format. Easy to read and detailed without being heavy, this book has helped me win business by learning how to put my best case forward. My client benefits by reading a clear and interesting proposal, and I benefit by getting their business.A few of the key lessons I got from this book* Send me a proposal may be a fishing exercise rather than a buying signal* How to craft an effective credentials statement* Understanding what the buyer values and articulating my offer from their perspectiveI highly recommend this book.

Clear, concise, and packed with useful advice. A must-read for anyone who prepares proposals or tenders. A timeless reference book.

i was not too happy with this book, first of all it seems that the book is aimed at the austalian market, which is different to the way business is done in the UK. secondly the book is aimed for large tenders councils and big companies etc. the info given is repeated several times in what is a small book to start with. the price was expensive for the number of pages and the info given !!!