In today’s cut-throat business world, entrepreneurs find themselves spending hours upon hours submitting business proposals to potential clients, and not get any results. On the other hand, there are those that are like snipers, able to get the contract after just submitting one business proposal. So how do they do it? Well, this article will teach you show you how to do just that.
1. Understand And Connect With Your Client And The Job
Before you begin writing a business proposal, take time to research your client and the job in order to determine whether the job is appropriate for you and your business. Make sure you clearly understand your client’s requirements and expectations, and evaluate whether you have the human and capital resources to complete the job well and on time.
2. State The Problem.
A successful business proposal must be one that is able to describe to the client what their needs are in a plain and simple manner. This is extremely vital because how can you expect the client to believe that you can help them solve their problems if you don’t even know are these problems?
3. State Your Goals, Objectives, And Methodologies.
This is meant for meeting the needs of the client and remedying the current situation. Perhaps more resident maintenance staff are required; perhaps the office is under staffed; perhaps there are not clear and consistent policies and practices to respond to repair calls and to conduct those tenant screenings – systems and accountability need to be put into place!
4. Time And Cost.
Here is where you get to the heart of the matter. How long, and along what timeline, will you implement the changes, install the equipment, etc. And, critically important, the costs must be carefully and clearly broken down, so that each facet of your solution methodology has a specific cost. In this way, if the client has to cut back on something, he can make informed decisions.
5. Consider Your Approach.
Spend some time thinking over any potential problems or issues the client may be facing. Consider how your business can help them. Come up with ways that you can present your offer in a credible way and how you will go about bringing about the solution to the issue.
6. Put Yourself In The Client’s Shoes.
Another thing to remember when writing a business proposal is to always put yourself in the shoes of your potential clients. Doing this will help you provide information on things that they would most likely ask, such as “Why should we pay you this much amount for the solutions you’re offering” and “How can these changes benefit me?”
7. Use Simple Language.
Make sure you use clear concise and simple language that avoids lots of industry jargon and technical terms. Also, avoid using hyperbole that exaggerates your company or service, as this may undermine the trust you are trying to establish with your potential client.
8. Keep It At A Considerable Length.
If possible, keep the total length of the proposal within an 8-minute read in order to capitalize on the short attention span of many readers. Remember, your client may be reading many proposals and will not necessarily appreciate a proposal stuffed with superfluous information. If you want to add more information that is not directly relevant to the job, put it in the appendix.
9. Outshine Your Competitors.
Don’t forget that a proposal is a sales document, designed to persuade the client to hire your company instead of a competitor. So make certain your proposal reinforces your company’s strengths and addresses any potential reservations the client may have about hiring you.
10. Edit Without Mercy.
Go over your proposal with a figurative fine-tooth comb to catch any typographical and grammatical errors. If you use standard material across different proposals, you should make sure to tailor the content to match the current customer. Double-check to ensure that you have not left the names of other customers within the proposal. Many business proposals have been thrown out for this reason.
