And that is what a business proposal is all about:
win-win. Right up front, before anything else is written, the
basis of that relationship must be stated if you are to write a business
proposal that wins.
So answer the 800 pound gorilla questions:
- What do they get out of it?
- What do you get out of it?
Start out with what benefits them. When I coach business people
in how to write a business proposal, I tell them to be as specific as
possible. For example:
I understand from Nate Collins, your Western Sales Manager, that your
warehouse has difficulty shipping enough squidgets at one time, that
they rot in transit. We have the solution to that problem.
or
When the citizens committee mandated retail development in this zone,
they didn't anticipate the difficulty you would encounter in locating
strong retail candidates. I can provide those retail outlets for
you.
or
As one of the best companies for women to work at, you are well
aware of the need for child care that your employees can rely
upon. I understand your reluctance to have a child care center
on site. So I have another solution.
The first sentence or two is the hardest part. From there, go
on to describe your product/service. Emphasize your willingness to
work with them to come to a mutually beneficial solution.
Emphasize, too, how your company, your product, your service is THE
right solution.
 |
 |
| Many of the elements of
your 7-Step Business Plan wil turn your proposal into a slam dunk
success. Over 100 pages of solid advice.
Click on the book covers for
more information. |
Include many of the elements of a standard business plan, but keep it
focused on a partnership for success. Knowing how to write a
business proposal is knowing how to present your company in a strong,
cooperative light.
When you think you are done, run your proposal through the
7 step auditing process
used by top editors. You will be amazed at the errors you will find.
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