Once you determine what the job entails, add up all the supplies needed, other expenses, labor costs and the amount of time you expect to spend on the job. Supplies include any materials needed to do the job. Expenses are any travel, lodging or meal costs, as well as subcontractor or equipment rental fees. Some companies may require minimum pay for labor or the use of minority contractors for a portion of the work. For example, if you are preparing a bid to install new windows you would include the cost of the windows, wood for the frames if required, and the number of workers needed to complete the job with their per day cost. Subcontractor costs might entail hiring a carpenter if extensive repair work is required for the window frames. Include how many days it will require to complete the job. If you notice that you have missed anything, add it now. Check to make sure you are making a profit from the job and that all expenses, including any overhead costs, are calculated into the bid. Overhead refers to business expenses that are not related to direct materials or labor. Overhead expenses must be paid no matter what the volume of your business is. These can include insurance, rent and utilities. Overhead must be built into any bid or you risk not making a profit on the job. For the new windows bid you might need to include a portion of the salary of an administrative assistant, rent or mortgage for office space, worker's compensation insurance and cost of utilities. Usually, these expenses are built into the retail price of the windows rather than itemized separately. Just don't forget to include them when you are preparing your bid. In addition, you should always add a contingency budget equal to 5%-10% of the total estimated cost. All cost information should be in line-item form so that your client knows exactly what the bid includes. Specify any limitations, exclusions or stipulations for the bid, like limiting hours of work, specific safety requirements, etc. Your contact information, company name and payment requirements should appear prominently on the bid proposal. Include a list of references with contact information in your bid. Your bid could look something like this: Windows in A Day, Inc. 400 South St, Pittsfield, MA 800-222-5512 Remove and dispose of 20 current windows at 100 Main St, Anytown, MA. Install 20 windows, part number WI2379, $250 per window = $5,000 Repair all rotted wood along the window frames, $100 per window Existing windows become property of Windows in A Day and will be disposed of upon job completion. Prices include 3 laborers for 3 days Work is guaranteed for 10 years. We are fully insured with certificates available for inspection. Payment is due one week from the completion of the job. A 1% service fee will be added for every week beyond the payment due date. References: John Smith, 800-225-7980 or Edward Lang, 888-253-4367 This should be printed on company stationery with your logo or type in your company name and address on plain white paper. Your bid should look professional and be accurate. Proofread it several times before printing the final copies. Present your potential client with two copies and keep one for your file. Re-read the business's RFP if one was provided. Check to see that your bid meets the requested formatting and submission requirements. Make sure you submit the bid before the deadline. It would be a shame to go through all the preparation and then lose the bid because you were late in submitting. If possible, obtain a receipt from the potential client stating the date your bid was received.

Summary: Calculate the costs for all supplies and expenses. Review all information. Write your bid proposal. Print and submit your bid proposal.

You might be a little out of the game and not remember how to look or present yourself. Wear clothes that fit well and that look good on your body. Maintain proper hygiene (such as showering regularly, grooming your hair, and not having a strong body odor). These are easy ways to present yourself and give a good first impression. Consider making some changes to your wardrobe if your clothes are old, worn, or do not properly fit you. If you can't afford new clothes, go through your wardrobe and evaluate what you have. Try mixing and matching different pieces or tailoring garments to fit you better. Ask a friend for some advice if you have difficulty evaluating yourself. If you're on a budget, try looking for clothes at thrift stores. While dating can be nerve-wracking, aim to have fun. You have the opportunity to share new experiences with someone and possibly create a new connection. Choose date activities that you look forward to or want to try. For example, try a dance class, go on a hike, or try a new restaurant in town. Even if things don't work out, appreciate your ability to try new things and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. with your date. If you're a little rusty on flirting, it's time to start practicing! Show the person you're dating that you're interested by subtlety flirting with them. This might include gently touching their arm or shoulder, making eye contact and smiling at them, and mimicking their body language. These are easy ways to show that you want to connect. When making eye contact, lock your gaze for 2-3 seconds, then look away. You want to make eye contact, but not stare at them. While you may want to tell the person that you are divorced, don't spend your date talking about your ex, your marriage, or the divorce. This might signal to the person that you are not ready to move on or that you are caught in dilemmas regarding your divorce. For example, you might say something simple, such as, "I am divorced. Everything is finalized and I'm ready to move on with my life." Don't feel like you have to mention your divorce. It's OK to not say anything until the other person asks. Be upfront with your date and let them know you have children early on in dating. Tell your date about your children and your role in their lives. Bring up the fact that you have kids early, such as before the first date or on the first date. If you have children from your previous marriage, be cautious in how you involve them in your dating life. Many people don't include their children in their dating life until they become somewhat serious with a partner. Don't include your kids in your dating life just for the sake of convenience. Try to keep them separate until you're confident you've found someone you're serious about being with. If you enjoyed your date and would like to see the person again, set up a second date soon after the first date (or at the end of the date). This communicates your interest and shows the person you'd like to continue the connection. Now that you know them better, tailor the date around an activity or interest that you both share. For example, if you both enjoy the outdoors, invite them on a hike. If you both enjoy cooking, take a cooking class together.
Summary: Dress to impress. Commit to having fun. Flirt Avoid talking excessively about your divorce. Tell your date if you have children. Offer a second date if you want to see them again.