A business proposal is basically a document sent to a possible client to offer or obtain some products or services . Writing an effective proposal is tricky business, which is why not everyone can do it. I’ll explain the 6 basic steps to write a perfect one.
Step 1. Data Gathering
Before you can start actually to write anything down, you need to gather your resources. The resources I am referring to is information. Take time to learn about your clients and the project at hand, so you understand perfectly well how everything works.
Step 2. Define the Scope
The scope of the project is where all the important variables are defined. These include the who, what, when, how and why. The scope is meant to include the costs, functions, tasks, workforce/resources and the deliverables of the project.
Step 3. Estimate Costs and Labor Requirements
The cost of your project will be what you charge the client, so be clear on what it is. And for labor, calculate by simply thinking how long your project will be. It’s best to usually overestimate, so multiple by the total labor hours by 1.5 .
Step 4. First Draft of Proposal
Now is the time you can finally write the first initial draft of your business proposal with all the information and specifications you have gathered so far. Start with an introduction summarizing the project, then the main body that explains every detail, and finally the conclusion which explains how the client needs to move forward with this.
Step 5. Edit the Draft
Proofread – a step left out by many which lead to way too many mistakes. You will find numerous mistakes, and the final product will turn out much better than before. While editing, pay attention to your tone and to your formatting throughout.
Step 6. Send it Out and Follow-Up
Now your proposal is ready to send. Most do this via email. Send as an attachment always. After sending, your job isn’t over yet. You also have to follow-up with the client to give them a reminder about it and also to answer any possible questions they might have that weren’t addressed in the proposal.
Wrapping It All Up
Keep in mind that long does not mean good. Follow all the above 6 steps to writing the perfect business proposal, but don’t make it too long. The best proposals are kept short while getting all the required information across.
