Business Proposal Template (Short)
Business Proposal Template (Short)
Business Proposal Template (Short)
Proposed Solution
Proposed Schedule
In a solicited business proposal, the other organization asks for a request for
proposal (RFP). When a company needs a problem solved, they invite other
businesses to submit a proposal that details how they'd solve it.
Whether the proposal is solicited or unsolicited, the steps to create your proposal are
similar. Ensure it includes three main points: a statement of the organization's
problem, proposed solution, and pricing information.
5. Propose a solution.
Before writing your business proposal, it’s crucial you understand the company. If
they've sent you an RFP, make sure you read it carefully, so you know exactly what
they want. It can also be helpful to have an initial call or meeting with the new client
to ensure you fully understand the problem they're trying to solve and their
objectives.
Once you've done your research, it's time to begin writing your business proposal.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a business proposal, but let's take a
look at some elements proposals often include. (I designed this example business
proposal using Canva.)
Your title page should reconcile engagement with professionalism. It's a tone-setter,
so you need to make sure yours is sleek, aesthetically appealing, and not too "out
there."
Here's an example of what a business proposal template looks like when done right:
A table of contents will let your potential client know exactly what will be covered in
the business proposal. If you're sending your proposal electronically, it helps to
include a clickable table of contents that will jump to the different sections of your
proposal for easy reading and navigation.
Similar to a value proposition, your executive summary outlines the benefits of your
company's products or services and how they can solve your potential client's
problem. After reading your executive summary, the prospect should have a clear
idea of how you can help them, even if they don't read the entire proposal. Here's
what one should look like:
That example thoughtfully and effectively conveys both what the business does as a
whole and how it can specifically serve the reader's needs. Here's what yours
shouldn't look like:
This particular example is extremely vague. It doesn't allude to what the reader
specifically stands to gain from doing business with Outbound Telecom and fails to
actually speak to why it should be considered "the best in its industry."
Research, critical thinking, and extra thought are key here. You have to do your
homework. Take a holistic look at the specific issues your client faces that you can
help solve. Then, compellingly frame them in a way that sets you up for the next
step.
5. Propose a solution.
Here's where you offer up a strategy for solving the problem. Like the last step, you
need to lean into specificity and personalization on this one. Make sure your
proposed solution is customized to the client's needs, so they know you've created
this proposal specifically for them.
Let them know which deliverables you'll provide, the methods you'll use, and a
timeframe for when they should expect them.
ASSIGNMENT
Write your own business proposal to a business, offering incentive package tours
both inbound and outbound, for 100 pax.