Thursday, October 4, 2018
Using Slack Time Well During a Live Bid
Updated September 2026: in 2018 I wrote about a bid that warned of weekend work but needed only minimal support at first, where I finished my deck in under an hour and spent the rest of the day browsing. I have rewritten it into advice on using slack time during a bid.
After the first conversation suggested weekend support on a tight deadline, I waited anxiously for the next day's call with the account team. They wanted only minimal support that day. I took the early call from home, went to the office, and finished my deck in under an hour, though I sent it three hours later. The delivery expert was very impressed with it. With my part done, I spent the day watching videos and looking at shopping deals, unaware of what was coming next.
Why hold a finished deck for three hours?
Many people do it so that quick work does not look easy. It is usually better to send it when ready. Early delivery gives reviewers more time, and fast turnaround is noticed.
How should you use quiet time in a live bid?
- Anticipate the next request: draft the slides that are likely to be asked for.
- Check the RFP again: for requirements not yet covered.
- Prepare for questions: write short answers on your assumptions and estimates.
- Rest if you can: quiet days before a deadline are worth protecting.
What does "minimal support" usually hide?
Work that has not arrived yet. On bids with tight dates, the heavy requests tend to come in the last few days, often after client answers or leadership review.
How do you build on a good first impression?
Thank the expert for the feedback, ask what they need next, and deliver it as quickly. Early trust makes the later, harder days of a bid easier.
What did I learn?
That a fast start is valuable only if you use the time it buys. Spending it on the next part of the bid is what keeps weekends free.
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