I've noticed a surge in quotes I'm being asked to give on projects of varying sizes and scopes. Some of the quotes take minutes and some take many hours to research and prepare. What I've also noticed is that I end up being the one to follow up to see if my bid was accepted or not.
If you are the one asking companies and contractors to bid on projects, please have the courtesy to let them all know, even through a BCC, that they were not selected. It's a simple courtesy to thank them for their time in submitting the bid or scope. It also allows these companies to cross it off their list of potential projects.
Recently, I've put several printing projects out to bid. Once the printer was selected, I sent the ones not chosen a short note of thanks to let them know I appreciated their time. It was a polite way to inform them that they were not selected. In return I received many notes of thanks. Many said that it's rare to receive such a note, where it used to be standard practice.
We are all in a hurry to fill the day with the most productive activities to generate business. We need to remember to take the extra few minutes to thank those whom we asked them to drop everything and quote on a project for their time and efforts. Their time is as valuable as yours. It just takes a few minutes and will have a positive ripple effect.
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