Writing a successful proposal is essential to getting the business. The problem is, you have to get each element just right. As a business owner, your services are your bread and butter, but they also say a lot about your business, work ethic, and your overall quality. As you consider the proposal you will write for the next potential client, keep in mind that every word counts. While being long winded will not help you, choose wording that is able to deliver your message clearly and successfully.



What Goes Into A Proposal?

Depending on the type of business, you are in or trying to get, your proposals should be very specific. The proposal should at least include:

1) What you will do for the company: Specifically list what services you will be providing. This leaves no room for miscommunication and allows the proposal to compare easily to others.

2) What length of time will you do it: How long will you provide the services or what is the timeline for completing the project? Be sure that this is in a clear outline as well, since it helps the potential customer compare your services to another.

3) What cost will your services be: Do not be afraid to list your prices. You need to let the client know that what your costs are based on as well. For example, a virtual assistant may bill by the hour while another business professional may bid per project.

4) Are there guarantees: In some cases, your business proposal should include a guarantee or reassurance of quality. For example, will you redo the work if not acceptable? Is there any guarantee that the project will be on time?

What Else Matters?

When it comes to completing the proposal, you need to keep several things in mind. For example, use the proper tense. Always say "I will complete this" rather than "I can complete this." Show you will do it. Also, keep your wording concise and simplistic. The potential client does not want to get out the thesaurus to know what you are talking about. They want to know just what you are saying instantly so they can choose the right person for the job.

In addition to saying what you will do for the client, it is often appropriate to include information about who you are and why what you are offering is worthwhile to the client. What makes you right for this job? It could be your work experience, your specialties, your education, or other factors. Provide a brief summary of who you are and what services you regularly provide. This way, the client easily can see you are qualified to work with them.

The successful proposal is detailed, outlined, and specific. It gives the potential client a clear view of what you will do for them, since this is what they want to know most. It displays your professional business and allows the business to be impressed with what you can offer to them.

Copyright (c) 2009 Ann Brown