Create a Brilliant Business Proposal
Posted by abdul on 13 Nov 2009 at 6:00 pm | Tagged as:
A business proposal in simple terms is basically the written offer from the seller/business owner to the prospective buyer. I think that in the complex sales process a business proposal plays an important part as the buyer is now looking at more than just the price. More than half of your business can be generated through these business proposals. It is important for you to create a strong business proposal as this is a great opportunity for you to provide value to the buyer. Focus less on the buyer themselves and talk about yourself and your business. Anticipate their needs and doubts and try to satisfy all of those in your proposal. It is not difficult to create a brilliant business proposal. These few, simple tips can help you.
1) Write clearly and to the point: It may seem obvious but the most common problem when drafting a business proposal is poor writing. It is not important for you try and impress your client with pages of business jargon and trivia. It is unnecessary, wastes time and creates a poor impression. State your point and leave it at that.
2) Make a powerful argument and stick with it: Take one theme, one idea, one argument and stick with it. You have to keep showing the client that you are the best option and they should work with you. Try and anticipate any counter arguments they might have and try your level best to counter them.
3) Make yourself visible through the proposal: A business proposal should not be just facts and charts. This would make it dull and lifeless. Try to let your personality shine through. This makes the entire transaction a little more personal creating an environment conducive to trust.
4) Clever use of graphics: Graphics have the power to make or break your presentation. Too much can kill it and too less could fail to create an impact. You have to find the balance. Use graphics only when absolutely necessary. A single picture could be clearer than an entire paragraph. Make sure that your graphics don’t distract the sale but work to strength it.
5) Keep the client in mind always: Your entire business proposal, your marketing efforts etc. are aimed solely at your customer. Keep them in mind always. Try to stress on the benefits they will reap if the choose to work with you over anyone else.
Once you have won them over with a strong proposal consisting of clear, crisp writing, excellent pictures, advantages of working with you etc., then the time is ripe for you to go in for the sale.
