How to Write a Business Proposal


Craft your business proposal in three segments. This 03-part series will help you. The first part covers the concept of how to start a business proposalThe second part of the series will help you learn how to write a business proposal effectively, and the last part will help you learn how to write a business proposal conclusion.

Writing the Business Proposal

Before you can learn how to write a business proposal effectively writing, research plays a major role. Research and analyze your product, your market, and understand your objective. Consider spending twice as much time researching, evaluating, and thinking as you spend writing the business proposal. Afterward, your business proposal must contain very detailed, yet concise information. Here is what you want to do:

·     1#. Suggest a detailed solution. 

      Once the problem you are trying to solve is identified, your proposal must show and tell the proposed solution. Try to be as clear as possible and demonstrate the value of your products or services. Rather than just say your organization can do “XYZ”, provide detailed examples and proof points that support your claims. Show the solution with tailored graphics that catch attention and provide a visual way to understand your explanation.

·     2#. Explicate the benefits of your solution. 
     
      There is more than one way to solve a problem, and your reader knows that. An effective proposal persuades its reader that your solution is the best because the benefits of selecting your organization will be clearly defined.

Benefits that resonate with proposal evaluators include cost savings, professional expertise, and outcomes from tailored procedures.

o   Provide evidence for benefit claims. Adding case studies and past performance to your proposal is a strong form of evidence and will effectively showcase the benefits of your solution.
o   If there are no previous studies, then observation from prominent people in the industry or previous customer recommendations will suffice. A former customer could testify that you saved their business money.
For the sake of brevity, represent the solution’s benefits in bullet points.
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     3#.  Outline your solution schedule. 
    
     Your reader wants to understand the solution and how and when you will implement it if awarded the contract. Explain the timeline for the tasks that need to be completed. It is possible that your schedule will adjust in the future, but that is understood. In fact, explain that your solution is flexible to meet changes to customer needs. A clearly defined solution schedule plays a vital role to the reader understanding how execution will fit with their business objectives. Your outline should:

o   Summarize key milestones. For example, if we propose a solution to remodel a store, then we should include the start date for project planning and execution and when the store will be reopened.
o   Emphasize flexibility. Constantly explain that the proposed schedule is an estimate that may change so that your organization is not held liable for missed milestones.

·     4#. Include the budget. 

      A budget may be the most critical part of the business proposal. The reader needs to know if they can afford your services, so we include clear information about pricing and terms. Anticipate risk and factor that into the pricing. For instance, you can multiply the sum of the predicted budget by 1.5 to account for any unanticipated circumstances. Initial set-up costs, labor costs, supply costs, ongoing monthly charges and maintenance charges should be included in the budget based on requirements.

Just like with your proposal schedule, explain that the budget rates are estimates and account for risk.

·     5#. Include the contract terms.
     
      Your reader wants to understand your terms for executing the proposed solution. Be sure to include the terms and conditions, including price guarantees in the proposal. Adding legal terms and conditions, such as for the following, upfront ensures that your organization is protected:

o   How much is being paid on the date of signing?
o   Penalties or interests calculated for late payment.
o   Cancellation policies such as pre-payment penalties.
Zbizlink is the cloud-based proposal management software that helps in streamline the proposal process. It automates workflows, centralizes content, and improves collaboration among stakeholders. When it comes to how to write a business proposal, leverage the right resources so that you can repeat your strategy for creating a quality document. Get started.

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