The Wait Is Real: Responding to RFPs, Rejection, and Why Mentorship Still Matters

If you’ve ever applied for a government contract or submitted a proposal for an RFP (Request for Proposal), you know the feeling:

You hit submit… and then you wait.

And wait.

And wait some more.

Let’s be honest, you don’t get responses overnight. Sometimes you don’t get a response at all. But that doesn’t mean your work doesn’t matter. And it doesn’t mean you should stop showing up.

Keep Responding to What Aligns

The waiting game is part of the process.

Just like job hunting, contract bidding takes time, persistence, and a strategy that matches your strengths.

My advice?

• Don’t apply to everything.

• Focus on the RFPs that truly fit your business.

• Keep refining your submissions.

• Stay visible, stay available, and stay consistent.

Whether you’re chasing contracts or career roles, your field is your lane. Keep going. You might not get the answer today, but the right opportunity is watching.

What Helped Me Most? A Mentor.

While navigating this long game of proposals and paperwork, I realized one thing changed everything:

Having a mentor.

When I connected with a government contract mentor through APEX Accelerator, I gained more than guidance; I gained clarity, direction, and confidence.

Mentors can help you:

✅ Set SMART goals and stay accountable

✅ Understand your industry’s pain points and how to solve them

✅ Build your business strategy, network, and mindset

✅ Track your growth, pitch with confidence, and handle rejections with grace

According to the “Getting the Most From Investing in Mentorship” guide, mentorship is more than advice; it’s leadership in motion. A great mentor acts as a long-term supporter, helping you see the bigger picture and navigate every stage of your business.

That’s Why I Created Mentor2Reference

Because mentorship helped me succeed, I wanted to build a platform that could help others do the same.

Mentor2Reference is about:

✨ Connecting mentees with mentors in their field

✨ Providing support from people who’ve done the work

✨ Encouraging growth; not just for the job, but for the journey

✨ Helping mentors become trusted references that open real doors

Whether you’re applying for RFPs or trying to land your dream job, you don’t have to do it alone.

Final Words: Stay Ready, Stay Encouraged

• The response might take time.

• The “no” might hurt.

• The silence might feel personal.

But keep going.

Your work is not invisible.

Your purpose is not accidental.

And with the right guidance, the right opportunity, and the right mindset, you will get the “yes” you’ve been waiting for.