subject: Business Proposal Basics [print this page] Presenting a proposal to the right people in the right way can make all the difference in the business world. Here are a few of the basics of a good business proposal.
Outline:
Every good business proposal should start with a summary that is based on an outline of the proposal itself. You can start with a list of the problems you intend to solve, the objectives you hope to reach, and what you will need in the way of resources in order to reach your goals. The outline should include a short summary of what start-up costs are estimated to be and what operating costs will be on bot a monthly and annual basis if your proposal is for a project that will last that long. Even if you proposal is for a short term venture, you should also include what the required investment will be as well as what you anticipate the resulting income to be.
Make sure that all the components of your outline are clear and based in fact, as often it is the only part that will be read. The following would be an example of what a well-stated objective: "with the proposed ad campaign on seven radio stations, we expect to increase sales by 500 in the next two months."
Investment:
The people you are presenting your proposal to are going to want to know what you will be requiring of them to complete the project as a whole, and if it is simply capital, where the money will be going. An example might read: "We will be hiring a professional copy writer at $100/hr to write the radio spot, then will be purchasing drive-time spots at a bulk rate of 20 spots for $4000."
Then, if possible include any evidence that you have that your goals will be met by this method by citing past experience or precedent.
Labor and Equipment:
If there will be increased labor needs or you will be hiring outside help, here is where you mention these items in detail. Any extra purchases of materials, or use of equipment, or anything else that requires the use of resources should be noted in detail, so those to whom you are making your proposal will know exactly what to expect and can plan ahead.
Schedule and Completion Date:
Gather all the information you can from the people who will be involved with the actual work to put together an estimate of when certain milestones will be met and when the project will be concluded. For the project we have been discussing, you might want to note when the first concept meeting will occur, as well as when the first draft will be finished and submitted, when all revisions will be complete, and when the spot will be recorded and ready to air.
Printing and Binding:
It may seem like a small point, but the more impressive your proposal looks on the outside, the more weight the information inside will carry. Look around for a binding style that fits the needs and image of your company and that will keep your ideas and plans together in a elegant and memorable way.
by: Jeffrey McRitchie
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