How to Write a Business Proposal
A business proposal is a formal document that allows you to make a convincing case for your company to develop and sell their product, or provide their service.
The target audience may be a potential customer, an employer, or any other group that has the power to turn your idea into reality.
This document is not just a set of facts, but also relates to your company and its goals or mission. It should state what you want, how you plan to achieve it and mandatory requirements for the development of the project.
Jordan Sudberg outlines the following useful tips that will help you write a business proposal.
1. Learn about your client’s company
The first step when preparing any kind of business proposal is to analyze the client’s company or agency. Learn as much as possible about their plans, objectives and goals.
Analysis of their needs suggests that you know what they want. You can also offer your professional advice on how to solve the problem or reach a certain goal. Knowing this information will help you make a more appropriate offer.
2. Identify potential benefits
It is also important to describe the benefits of your service or product for the target audience. It will help them to feel that it’s worth it for them to pay for this offer with their money or time. They may see that it will help them in achieving their goals by saving time, money or resources.
You can also offer a specific promotion such as a promotion of their goods or services. This kind of proposal is often considered to be more successful for all involved parties.
3. Analyze your competitors
If there are similar offers already on the market, analyze them in order to learn how they work and how you can improve your offer. For example, if their product has a short battery life, you can offer to increase it. This way, you will show your client that you consider their problems and can solve them better than competitors.
The most important thing is to be honest with yourself and your client. If there are similar offers already on the market, say so, even in the very beginning of the proposal.
4. Include a competitive edge
When writing a business proposal describing similar offers do not forget to include a competitive edge. What makes your offer better than the others? What can you offer that they cannot?
Identify what makes your company different from the rest, and emphasize this in the proposal. Be sure to mention how your experience and knowledge can help your client achieve their goals even better, and how this project will benefit them.
5. Write a good title
Title is one of the most important parts of every business proposal, so it should be catchy and clear. Your title should highlight the main idea of this proposal, so you can attract attention and get the client’s attention.
You have to know what you are doing, which is why the title has to be clear, simple and directly related to your proposal. The more exact it is, the better it looks. Also, try not to confuse people with it.
6. Highlight your professionalism and experience
When you write your business proposal, use phrases and sentences that communicate professionalism, experience and attention to detail.
This is a great way to make your client feel that he can trust you. If you already have a relationship with them, this will also help them to understand why they should choose you. This is especially important if you are writing the proposal for a new client or client that has never worked with your company before.
7. Provide information about how the process will go on after completion of the project or service.
Include in the proposal a brief description of how the process will go on, how will you follow up this project or service. This way you can inform your client on how they can expect your company to work with them as a partner. Don’t forget to explain what kind of communication and updates will be provided from their side during the process.
Conclusion
A successful business proposal does not have to be difficult to write. When you know your client and your own company well, the process of writing and making it will go much easier.
According to Jordan Sudberg, the most important thing is to be professional and listen carefully to their needs. The more information you can offer them, the easier they will see the benefits of following your advice or choosing your offer over others.