If you want your business to grow and attract new clients, you'llhave to start creating meaningful proposals. The goal of aproposal is obviously to be awarded new work. It accomplishesthis goal by providing answers to the questions of who, what,where, why, how and when.
But many small or home-based business owners have neither thetime, knowledge or resources necessary to create proposals thatproperly relay the pertinent information about the company andits ability to provide the requested services.
If the mere thought of having to create a proposal is keeping youfrom bidding on jobs you know your business can handle, stopworrying! There are several proposal-building software productsavailable that will help with this task.
Many are template-driven. All you have to do is select thetemplates that are appropriate to include in the proposal, useyour word processor to add text that is specific to your type ofbusiness, then sit back and watch a professional-looking proposalemerge from your printer.
Read the following tips for an idea of the components that willhelp your proposals get the attention they need.
Tip #1 - Identify the Problem
A proposal must show that the person or company submitting itclearly understands the problem that the prospective client isattempting to remedy. If the proposal cannot show right away, inthe Executive Summary section, that you have a clearunderstanding of the problem, those reviewing it won't feelconfident that your company will be capable of properly andeffectively dealing with it. They'll see no reason to read beyondthe Executive Summary section.
Tip #2 - Identify the Proposed Solution
The proposal must also clearly outline the manner in which thebidder will address this problem. Include here the personnel youwill assign to the project and their resumes. Mention here theestimated timeline for completing the work outlined in the bid.Also show the anticipated costs and how they will be allocated.Don't provide too much information about the proposed solution.You don't want to give the proposed solution away for free!
Tip #3 - Make the Proposal Easy to Read
If the proposal itself is difficult to comprehend, containsgrammar or spelling mistakes or is carelessly prepared, thechance of it being selected are greatly diminished. It will bedifficult to convince the reviewers that the proposed work willget done properly if the proposal itself appears thrown together.Remember, the proposal is oftentimes the only chance a businesshas of making a first impression. Don't waste this valuableopportunity.
Tip #4 - Prove You Understand the Market
The proposed solution must not be generic. It must take intoconsideration the nature of the company requesting the proposal.It's important to show in the proposal that you have analyzed themarket, the competition, the opportunities that the business ismissing by not implementing your proposed solution and thecurrent trends in that market.
Tip #5 - Prove Your Company is The Best Choice
This is really what a proposal is all about. Before you canexpect the clients to award the job to your company, they need tobe convinced that your company is the best choice. Here you havethe opportunity to boast about your company. Briefly describe thecompany's history including the number of years in business.Explain past projects where you applied similar methods ofgetting the job done and your results. Include resumes,certificates and other credentials of those who will handle thejob.
Read on for five more valuable tips for creating winningproposals!
Copyright © 2004 Cavyl Stewart. Get more software tips, strategies and recommendations to help you create winning proposals by signing up for my Exclusive 100% free, 100% original content ecourse: "The Secrets To Unlocking The Power In Your Proposals"! To sign up please visit:http://www.find-small-business-software.com/proposal-ecourse.html |
