A proposal is a bid to gain someone's business. Also known as a sales proposal or business proposal, the proposal is a solicitation where you explain your idea or business in a such a way as to win the favor of the solicited party. In order to be successful in business, it is critical to learn proposal writing that is effective and efficient. This web page will give you resources and advice on writing proposals.
Here are some tips on writing a proposal:
- Know the Targeted Party. Determine your buyer's needs and desired results. Understand who they are and how they operate so you can tailor your proposal to appeal to their hot points--the things they care most about.
- Offer Solutions. Your proposal should outline the solutions you propose in a logical manner that makes sense to your potential buyer. Describe how you are going to solve their problems. What benefit will you give them? Make sure your proposal stays close to your key themes and messages you are conveying.
- Credibility. Show why they should listen to your proposal. What do you propose that sets you apart from the dozens of other people sending them proposals? You need to establish your credibility and singularity.
- Examples of Your Expertise. Your proposal should show examples of what you can do for them, perhaps from past clients. Testimonials are great selling tools. The proof is in the pudding.
I highly recommend these outstanding books on writing effective proposals:
Writing Winning Business Proposals: Your Guide to Landing the Client, Making the Sale , and Persuading the Boss. This guide gives you the skills, tactics, and strategies you need to write outstanding proposals that will win new clients, make big sales, or convince your boss that your idea will revolutionize the company. You'll get a client's-eye view of what makes a great proposal and master the steps of a battle-tested and proven proposal development process.
Persuasive Business Proposals: Writing to Win More Customers, Clients, and Contracts. This guide gives readers simple, effective techniques for organizing, writing, and delivering proposals while updating the author's winning strategies for today's global business environment.
Sales Proposals for Dummies with CD-Rom. This valuable reference helps readers create winning proposals that will close the deal. It includes a proven structure and guidelines for writing successful proposals, real-life sales vignettes, and a valuable CD-ROM with proposal examples from the technology, telecommunications, industrial, outsourcing, consulting, and service sectors.