We used an RFP response to create our company

Right when we had the germ of an idea for our company, we saw an RFP that we felt qualified for. It was due in two weeks -- and we decided to go for it.

We were starting from scratch: We had to create a company identity and brand, articulate our business model and qualifications, build a website -- oh yeah, and write a proposal.

Amazingly, we succeeded on our very first try and ended up winning half the project. That provided us an anchor contract and a major confidence boost.

Lesson: There's nothing like a deadline to motivate!