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Decline an RFP politely without promising a roadmap
- For Sales and customer success
- You practice Getting the tone right
- Time about 5 minutes
- Level Intermediate
About this exercise
Write a plain-text email from Marcus to Elena Ruiz (Procurement, Summit Schools) declining to bid. Under 90 words. The first sentence states the decision. Give the on-premise requirement as the only reason. Say you will not submit by the Nov 20 deadline. Offer to stay in touch. Do not promise a future on-premise product or criticize the RFP.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Promising a roadmap. The AI says 'we're exploring on-premise options'. Try: Add: "Do not promise or hint at a future on-premise product."
- Criticizing the RFP. The AI hints the scoring favors an incumbent. Try: Add: "Give the on-premise requirement as the only reason; no criticism."
- Burying the decision. The AI starts with thanks and appreciation for a paragraph. Try: Add: "The first sentence states the decision."
- Long reply. The AI adds a pitch about cloud benefits. Try: Add: "Plain text, under 90 words, signed Marcus."
What a strong prompt includes
- Decision first
- Only reason
- No roadmap
- Stay in touch
- Plain text and cap
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