How to write a business proposal

You just started a business and you are looking for ways to build your customer base? The big question is: How can one actually do that? You want to know how to write a business proposal? You are at the right place.

The answer is right there in a business proposal.

In this post I will walk you through How to write a business proposal.

A business proposal is a bridging gap between you and potential clients.

So many businesses have failed to expand for the lack of a good, simple business proposal in place.

The primary assignment of a business proposal is to persuade businesses, companies or organisation to come do business with you.

Failing to have a business proposal in place may spell the unwillingness of you and your business to expand.

We will also look at the two types of business proposals in this article today.

Acquiring the right skills of writing a good business proposal will be worth the time taken to learn as you journey in the world of business.

Types of Business Proposal

The two types are: Solicited Business Proposal and Unsolicited Business proposal.

The Solicited Business Proposal is a type of a proposal that is requested by a client, companies or organisations. Mostly asked when a company or organisation needs a problem to be solved. They organisations mostly ask with an RFP (Request for Approval).

The Unsolicited Business Proposal is the type written by a business owner and approaches a client, organisation or companies, with no request from them, to try and gain a business.

It is worthy of note that a business proposal and a business plan are quite different. They play different role in a life a business. Both are equally important for a business success though.

A business proposal’s primary assignment is serve an instrument that sell your business’ product or services. While a business plan’s aim is to guide you as you run your business. It is the blueprint of the business.

In this article we shall look deeply into each of this list on the content:

CONTENT

1.     What is business proposal?

2.     Start with a title page

• Include a table of content
• Explain “WHY” with an executive summary
• Mention the need or problem
• Propose an antidote
• State your qualifications
• Pricing option
• Include terms and condition
•  A space for signatures for agreement

Before writing a business proposal it is important for you to know what actually you are doing. If a company sent you an RFP read it carefully and call the company to try and understand what actually needs to be solved.

Lets dive into what we have to do………

So…..

1. What is a business proposal?

Wikipedia defined a business proposal as: A term of business proposal is a written offer from a seller to a prospective sponsor. Business proposals are often a key step in the complex sales process—i.e., whenever a buyer considers more than price in a purchase.

2. Start with a title page

The title page is where you introduce to your client yourself and your business.

In the title page you include your name, the name of your company, the date of submission of the proposal and the name of the company, organisation or individual you are submitting the proposal to.

3. Include a table of content

A table of content will help your potential client know exactly what will be covered in the proposal.

If you will be sending an electronic proposal, make it easy for your client by including a clickable table of content for easy navigation of the document.

4. Explain “WHY” with an executive summary

The executive summary explains why you sent the proposal and the reason your proposed solution is best fit for the prospective client.

In this section you outline the advantages of your company’s product or services and how it can solve your client’s problems.

If written like this, even if your potential client didn’t read through your entire document, they will have an idea of how your products or services will help solve their problems.

5. State the need or the problem

In this section don’t assume your client already the problem.

State clearly the problem impacting the company or organisation as if they don’t know it.

It is an opportunity to show them that you have clear understanding of what the need of their business is and that you really have a solution.

Propose an antidote

After stating the problem, it is time to propose a solution.

Do make sure the problem is so customized to the problems the organisation is facing.

Tell them how you intend to solve the problem, the method and give them a timeframe to when you will bring up a solution to their problem.

Mention your Qualification

Are you that qualified to provide an antidote to your client’s problems? Why should you be trusted by them?

Use this section to show them why you are best for the job. Include testimonials of satisfied clients of yours. Mention awards or accreditation to foster your chances of landing the job.

Pricing Option

Ha! This is where things get a little tricky. You night not want to under or over-price your products and services at this crucial stage.

You can include an optional pricing fee is you will give your client a few

pricing option.

Include terms and Condition

This is more like a contract. All contracts have this section.

You go deep about the pricing, timing and the payment schedule.

It is summary both you and your client are going to abide by if they accept your proposal.

Get your legal team to check this section before you send it to your client.

A space for signature for agreement

In this section you provide a space for signatures for both you and your client to sign after they have accepted your proposal will do business with you.

Clearly state for them what they agreeing to sign.

Business proposal writing tips.

1.    Start with an outline:   

 Before you jump to writing your business proposal, make an outline of the important things you need to include in your proposal.

This will guide you write good, simple proposal as you will not go out of line when writing.

2.    Keep it simple:

While there is no specific length to which a business proposal should be, place your focus on quality and not quantity.

Ensure the use simple easy language not big words that will send your client looking for dictionary. You know how it feels.

3.    Focus on brand:

Let your business personality shine through your proposal. Be plain and show the client what distinguish you from others in the same niche.

4.    Data:

Make sure to include to graphs and charts in your proposal. This will increase your chances of being accepted.

5.    Quality:

Ensure quality in your proposal. Read and re-read to make sure there are no typos and grammatical errors.

Thank you for reading to end.

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