This document provides a step-by-step guide on how to write a business proposal, emphasizing the importance of understanding and connecting with the client and their needs. It outlines essential sections of a proposal including introduction, executive summary, body, conclusion, and appendix, along with tips on content and language to use. The guidance aims to help businesses create effective proposals that address client questions and present their case convincingly.

1. how to write a business proposal
the ultimate guide
by FitSmallBusiness.com

2. Step 1: Understand and connect with
your client and the job

3. Take time to research your client and
the job in order to determine whether
the job is appropriate for your
business. Make sure you clearly
understand your client’s
requirements and expectations, and
make sure you have all the resources
to do the job well and deliver on time.

4. Step 2: Understand and connect with
your client and the job

5. Carl Dickson of
captureplanning.com suggests
that your proposal should contain
all the information that answers
the “who, what, when, where, how,
and why” of the job, and we agree.
For example:

6. Who: who will do the work, who will
manage the work, who does the
customer call if there is a problem,
and who is responsible for that.
What: what needs to be done/
delivered, what will be required to do
it, what can the customer expect,
what will it cost

7. Where: where will the work be done,
where will it be delivered .
How: how will be work be done, how
will it be deployed, how will it be
managed, how will you achieve
quality, how long will it take, how will
the work benefit the customer.

8. When: when will you start, when will
key milestones be scheduled, when
will the project be complete, when is
payment due.
Why: why have you chosen the
approaches and alternatives you have
selected, why should the customer
select you

9. Step 3: Write The proposal

10. Once you have identified the
information necessary to answer your
client’s questions, you need to
organize this information for
maximum impact and clarity. Here is a
standard business proposal template
which you can adjust to fit your
specific needs:

11. Business pRoposal Template

12. Section 1. Introduction
Introduce your company and mission in a way that relates your company to your
client’s needs. Highlight what distinguishes your company, your
accomplishments, credentials, and any awards. This should be no more than 1
page.

13. Section 2.
Executive Summary
This is where you present the case
for why you are the right company for
the job. Focus on the conclusions you
want the reader to reach after
reading it. Show that you are familiar
with their company, and can meet
their specific needs. This section
should also be kept to 1 page.

14. Section 3.
Table of Contents
The Table of Contents is an
optional section that is helpful for
longer proposals with lots of
details.
Executive Summary
This is where you present
Body
This is where you present
Conclusion
This is where you present
Appendix
This is where you present
04
06
08
10

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Section 4. Body
This is where you can answer the
“who, what, when, where, how, and
why” questions that you identified in
step 2. Include information on
scheduling, logistics, and pricing. You
can also include testimonials from
past clients and a link to your
website.

16. Section 5. Conclusion:
You should conclude with a call to
action that encourages the reader to
contact you, or visit your website for
more information. Ideally, you want
your client to make an immediate
connection with your company, even
if it is something small.

17. Section 6.
Appendix
A resume of solutions
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Region 1
Region 2
200
150
100
50
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
Is an optional section that you can
use to include information that might
not fit well in the body of your
proposal. You can include resumes, or
additional graphs, projections, and
customer testimonials.

18. The Tone And Language You Should Use

19. 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.
Remember, your client cares most
about the end result and the financial
costs.

20. How Long Should The Proposal Be?
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.

21. Be Sure To Proofread and Edit
Once you are done writing, make sure
to carefully proofread and edit your
proposal. After you’re done, wait a
day or two and the double check your
proposal to verify that you’ve included
all the information your client might
need.

22. Always Keep The Client In Mind

23. The most important thing is to try
and think like your client. If you can
put yourself in their shoes, you will
be better able to explain why your
company is best for the job, and
anticipate all the questions they may
have. If you follow this guide, you will
be well on your way to a great jobwinning proposal.
Client

24. And Finally...

25. To learn how to be a more successful
entrepreneur visit us at....

26. (Click The Link Below)
www.FitsmallBusiness.com

27. (Click The Link Below)
www.FitsmallBusiness.com

28. (Click The Link Below)
www.FitsmallBusiness.com