PanNotes

Writing proposals for web development is often tedious because few of the RFPs are clear and detailed. In such an imperfect market it means getting creative in our responses is the only solution.

Recently, however, it’s become more tedious than usual because more than a few of the requests for proposals might be called false alarms. These seemingly prospective clients aren’t really interested in what Panmedia has to offer. They are sending us an RFP simply to fulfill procurement requirements. These tender requirements are Jamaica’s worst blow to business productivity.

In a way, we don’t mind if someone asks us a favor in that kind of situation. Knowing the purpose of the exercise saves us time and our expectations are nil. But most of those people with such needs are usually in no mood for honesty.

To protect our valuable time and avoid rancor we now interview prospective clients with a rigor that elicits righteous indignation when their motives are not pure. When they object too strenuously to our questioning then we know to take a pass.