How to Write a Business Proposal

A business proposal is a great way to bridge the gap between you and your potential customers. It is also a great way to build a customer base.

A business proposal is a piece of document from a seller to prospects to request doing business with them. Now, this should not be confused with a business plan. The aim of writing a proposal is to sell your products or services, rather than your business itself.

Business proposals are usually divided into two;

1. Solicited proposals – This is a request from other companies on how you intend solving a problem they’re facing.
2. Unsolicited proposals – This is a proposal that wasn’t requested for, but is intended to take a prospect’s problem, and offer possible solutions.

It is also crucial that if you intend writing a solicited proposal, make sure you research the other business thoroughly, and that you really do understand what exactly they are looking for.

To further explain this, this article will be broken down into two points;

1. Tips on how to write your proposal.
2. How to write your proposal.

Tips and advice on how to write your business proposal

1. Let your brand shine – Don’t make your proposal distinct from your business brand or your personality.
2. K.I.S.S – That’s an acronym for ‘keep it simple, stupid!’ Don’t bore the other person on the receiving end by stating irrelevant things.
3. Always crosscheck thoroughly – Don’t send out that poorly written proposal with grammatical errors. It may come back to bite you.

How to write your business proposal

1. Cover page
2. Table of contents
3. Executive summary
4. Statement of problems
5. Proposed solutions
6. Qualifications
7. Pricing
8. Terms and conditions

1. Cover page – Here, you will introduce yourself and your business. Don’t forget to include the date you submitted the proposal, and the name and position of the individual you are submitting to.

2. Table of contents – Here, you make a list of all sections that your business proposal is going to be covering.

3. Executive summary – This section will include why exactly you are sending your proposal, and why your solution is the best pick.

4. Statement of need or problem – This is the section where you provide a list of the problems that need solving.

5. Proposed solution – This part houses your own approach to tackling your client’s problem. Use charts, graphs, or visual content if necessary. But it’s recommended. You want to tell them that you know what you are doing.

6. Qualifications – They’d want to know why they should trust you. Include your qualifications, portfolio, and state why you’re the best pick.

7. Pricing – Very tricky, but make sure you don’t over or under-price your products or services.

8. Terms and conditions – This would cover the legal stuff and the agreement around the proposal if it were accepted. You could also consult your legal team to provide you with the best possible workaround for this section.

When writing your proposal, it is important that you maintain the look, voice, and feel of your personality or your business on that piece of document. Use your brand color, font, and always stay true to your brand – it sets you apart from your competitors.