Business Owners Smashing It Online
Tender Fit How Small Businesses Can Win Government and Big Business Work (with Rob Machin)
If you've ever assumed government contracts and large corporate tenders are only for big companies, this session will challenge that assumption and show why many small businesses are better positioned than they realise. In this practical presentation, tender strategist Rob Machin explains how small businesses can compete for government and corporate contracts by becoming "tender fit." Drawing on decades of experience writing, evaluating, and winning billions of dollars in tenders, Rob shares the systems, preparation, and mindset required to successfully compete for long-term contract opportunities. If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline(opens in new tab) What You’ll Learn: Why government actively wants to work with small businesses The size of Australia's government procurement market Understanding what it means to become "tender fit" Why preparation matters more than writing the tender itself Common reasons businesses lose tenders How to identify tenders worth pursuing Conducting effective bid/no-bid analysis Building relationships before tenders are released Why capability, capacity, and credibility matter Creating policies and systems government buyers expect Understanding compliance requirements for tenders The role of quality assurance, WHS, sustainability, and governance Building consortiums to compete for larger contracts How winning one tender can transform a businessPreparing now for future opportunities, including major projects like the Brisbane Olympics Why It Matters: Government and large organisations spend billions of dollars every year purchasing goods and services from external suppliers. Many small businesses overlook these opportunities because tenders appear complicated or designed for larger organisations. By building the right systems, relationships, and processes before opportunities arise, small businesses can compete successfully and secure long-term contracts that provide stable, recurring revenue. About the Speaker: Rob Machin is a tender strategist, executive coach, and former CEO with more than 40 years of experience across government, health, education, and social enterprise. Having worked on both sides of the procurement process—writing tender specifications and helping businesses win contracts—Rob has supported organisations responsible for billions of dollars in successful tender outcomes and helps businesses become tender ready for sustainable growth. If you want simple, practical strategies to get found online, subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@BusinessOwnersSmashingItOnline(opens in new tab) Timestamps:00:02 Introduction to Rob Machin03:05 Why many small businesses avoid tenders06:03 The hidden opportunities behind government procurement11:44 Why government wants more small business suppliers17:52 The real value of long-term contracts20:40 What makes a winning tender24:20 Becoming "tender fit"29:24 Building compliance systems before opportunities arise32:35 Why relationships matter before tenders are released35:56 Preparing now for future opportunities39:16 Questions about NDIS opportunities45:12 Compliance and readiness for government contracts
