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A business proposal is a written offer from a seller to a prospective buyer. It is a key document in complex sales, where customers are considering multiple competitors or a significant investment is required.
How to make a business proposal
Creating an effective business proposal involves a number of steps:
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Identify the specific needs of your client or potential investors.
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Describe clearly what your business can provide to meet those needs, including the benefits your services or products offer.
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Provide a detailed budget or pricing structure.
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Include your business’s case studies or testimonials that demonstrate your value and reliability.
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Tailor your proposal to your audience, taking into consideration their level of understanding about what you’re offering.
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Finish with a call to action, such as a request for a follow-up meeting or for the client to sign a contract.
How to use a business proposal template
Business proposal templates can be a time-saving tool when creating a comprehensive proposal. Choose a template that is appropriate for your industry and for the specific project. After selecting a template, fill in specific details about your business and the prospective project, replacing the template’s placeholders.
Make sure to adapt the template to suit your unique needs, and proofread the document before sending it to ensure all information is accurate and professional.
FAQ about business proposals
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What should be included in a business proposal? A comprehensive business proposal should include an executive summary, a description of the project including its objectives and implementation steps, a detailed pricing or budget section, a qualification section that presents your skills and past successes, and a conclusion with a call to action.
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How long should a business proposal be? A simple business proposal might be only a few pages long, while detailed proposals for complex projects can be much longer.
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Do business proposals guarantee a sale or agreement? No, a business proposal is just the first step. While a well-crafted proposal can increase your chances of securing a deal, it doesn’t guarantee one. Clients and investors consider many factors before making a decision.
Author
Matthew Zane is the lead editor of Zippia's How To Get A Job Guides. He is a teacher, writer, and world-traveler that wants to help people at every stage of the career life cycle. He completed his masters in American Literature from Trinity College Dublin and BA in English from the University of Connecticut.
