How To Write A Winning Proposal

Remember that a proposal, like a resume and covering letter, is an opportunity to market your skills and make a good impression. Review the checklist for writing a covering letter and apply the same criteria to writing your proposal. Deliver your proposal, mail, e-mail, or fax it to the company. Enclose your business card and a brochure of your business, if you have these.

ILLUSTRATION OF A SHORT PROPOSAL

PROPOSAL FOR PROJECT X
for
XYZ COMPANY


Introductory paragraph stating this is in response to a request for a proposal for the name of the project. You can refer here to the need that prompted the request for the proposal and the objectives of the project. Or you can place the objectives in a separate category.

Objectives

  • In point form list the objectives of the project as you understand them
  • Do not add new objectives that were not discussed
  • Start each item with an action verb preceded by the word "to", for example, "to develop a training session"

In uncomplicated proposals, the objectives and the description of the work could be the same.

Description of the Work to be Done

Explain and describe exactly what you will do.

  • Be specific so that no misunderstandings occur
  • Use names and numbers
  • Be sure you can deliver what you say you
These descriptions will become your contract o will be quoted in your contract. You will no doubt refer to these while you are working on your contract as a reminder of what you agree deliver

Outline of Your Qualifications
  • Keep these relevant to the project
  • Be clear and concise
  • Use highlights of your qualifications only this is where you emphasize your expertise

    (This section will not be necessary if this is a letter confirming a verbal agreement.)
Timelines
  • State when you can begin the project
  • State when you will complete the project
  • State what deadlines, if any, will be in place for various steps of the project

Fees

  • Indicate if fees are to be a flat fee or an fee
  • Indicate if fees are to be paid in one lump sum or at the end of the project, or paid in part as different steps in the project are completed
  • Separate fees and expenses
  • Outline what the company will pay for
  • Don't forget travel, meal or accommodation costs, if applicable

If you're not sure what to charge, ask what kind of a budget the company has in mind, or ask people who have done similar contracts or projects for some guidelines.
Contact Information
  • Be sure to include your name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address if applicable
  • Sign the letter accompanying the proposal, or the actual proposal, if it is in letter format

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