Updated September 2026: in 2018 I wrote about accepting a second, supposedly light bid while working on one where the delivery expert rarely had time, and how "cake walk" bids rarely stay that way. I have rewritten it into advice on saying yes to extra work.
I was assigned an opportunity where most of the work was supposed to be the delivery expert's estimation. Once it started, I had to extend my hours and coordinate with an expert who struggled to spare a few minutes. Between calls I had some free time, and my manager asked whether I could support another bid with little work. I said yes. It looked easy: I only needed to adjust standard content I had prepared earlier, and the delivery contact confirmed that was exactly what was needed while we waited for more information.
Why does "light" work grow?
Because the scope is often unknown when the bid is assigned. Waiting for information can mean the real questions arrive later, all at once, close to the deadline.
What should you ask before accepting extra work?
- The deadline: and whether it overlaps with your current bid.
- What is already known: and what is still expected from the client.
- Who else is on it: and whether they are available.
- Which bid wins if both need you: agree that with your manager at the start.
How does standard content help?
A library of reusable material makes a quick bid possible. Keep it current: service descriptions, team structures, case studies and common assumptions. Update it after each bid, while the details are fresh.
Is it worth saying yes?
Often, yes. Saying yes builds trust with your manager, and quick wins add to your record. The risk is saying yes without the questions above, and finding two deadlines on the same day.
What if the expert has no time for either bid?
Raise it early with your manager and the expert's manager, with the dates. A named backup expert is better than hoping for a few spare minutes.
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