The podcast discusses the flaws of RFPs, including favoritism and wasted time. Alternative approaches and building relationships are suggested. The importance of understanding buyer's criteria and evaluating RFPs is explored. Two-way communication and building relationships before the RFI and RFP process is emphasized.
RFPs should focus on defining problems instead of specific solutions to encourage innovation and diverse approaches.
Building relationships with vendors before issuing an RFP can lead to better understanding and influence in decision-making process.
Deep dives
The limitations of RFPs and the need for improvement
RFPs have flaws and limitations that make them ineffective in certain situations. Some common complaints include favoring specific vendors, being time-consuming, and not allowing for innovation. To improve the process, it is suggested to focus on defining desired business outcomes instead of specific solutions, allowing for two-way communication between buyers and vendors, and considering diverse approaches to solving problems.
The importance of building relationships in the RFP process
Building relationships with potential vendors before issuing an RFP can be beneficial. It allows for better understanding of the market and helps in influencing the decision-making process. Buyers should consider asking questions about the vendor's plans for supporting the relationship over the contract period.
Shifting the focus towards problem-solving in RFPs
Instead of specifying exact solutions, RFPs should focus on defining problems and asking vendors to propose approaches to solve them. This approach encourages diverse and innovative solutions and can result in more advanced and effective outcomes.
All links and images for this episode can be found on CISO Series.
Do RFPs or request for proposals work as intended? It seems they're loaded with flaws yet for some organizations who must follow processes, they become necessary evils for both buyers and sellers. What can we do to improve the process?
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In this episode:
Do RFPs or request for proposals work as intended?
Does it seem they're loaded with flaws?
Have they become necessary evils for both buyers and sellers?
What can we do to improve the process?
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