Holiday Capacity Planning
Summer: A Season of Sun, Fun, and... Bids?
Summer, the time of year that brings visions of sandy beaches, sizzling barbecues, and long, lazy days. But for those of us in the bidding world, summer isn't just about relaxation. Sure, it can be a bit quieter, but that doesn't mean opportunities take a holiday. That’s why smart capacity planning is your secret weapon during this sunny season. With many team members off enjoying their well-earned vacations, planning ahead isn't just a good idea – it's essential.
Know Your Pipeline Like the Back of Your Hand
The first step in rocking your summer capacity planning is getting intimate with your pipeline. This isn't just about knowing what bids are coming up; it's about having a detailed, well-thought-out plan. Anticipate when bids might drop and align this with your team's vacation schedules.
Start by having proactive chats with your commissioners or key stakeholders. Get a sense of their plans and how these might impact your bidding activities. This insight is gold, allowing you to prepare and prioritise resources so you’re never caught off guard.
Strategic Measures to Keep the Wheels Turning
With summer holidays potentially leaving you with fewer hands on deck, it’s crucial to implement measures that ensure smooth sailing:
Staggered Holidays: Coordinate vacations so there's always enough coverage. It's all about balance – making sure your team gets their break without stretching resources too thin.
Internal Coverage Plans: Identify key team members who can juggle multiple roles or have cross-functional skills. This flexibility can be a lifesaver.
Interim Help: Even the best-laid plans might leave some gaps. Having a go-to interim bid manager or writer can seamlessly fill these gaps.
Consultancy Support: When internal resources are tight, consultancies like BidVantage can step in to provide the extra hands or strategic insight you need. We’re geared to jump in quickly and efficiently, with expertise that makes a big difference during crunch times.
Key Takeaways: Preparation is Key
To navigate the summer bidding landscape successfully, keep these tips in mind:
Be Prepared: Forewarned is forearmed. Know what might come your way and have a plan ready.
Understand Your Pipeline: Keep a close eye on upcoming opportunities and align them with your team's capacity.
Have the Right Measures in Place: Whether it’s staggered holidays, interim solutions, or leveraging external consultancies, ensure you have strategies to maintain momentum.
With thoughtful planning and strategic adjustments, summer can be both a productive bidding season and a time for your team to recharge. At BidVantage, we believe in enjoying the summer without missing out on valuable opportunities. Let us help you make this season your most successful one yet!