Simple Steps for Super Proposals

There generally comes a time in the life of any successful business owner when she or he must prepare a proposal in response to a request for quote (RFQ), or request for proposal (RFP) from a prospective client. While the task can be intimidating for the inexperienced entrepreneur, there are some basic elements that will ensure your proposal answers any potential questions your prospect may have.

These include:

• Background Information

Why are you the best person/company for this job?

• Scope of the Project

What do you intend to do for the client?

• Proposed Timetable

When do you plan to start/complete the projects? What major steps will you take to meet your client's needs?

• Personnel

Who will be doing the work? List the qualifications of every employee or contractor involved.

• Cost

How much will this project cost? Break this section down into bite-sized pieces. Itemize.

• Additional Information

Testimonials, supporting documents, etc. Include anything that presents your company and staff in a favorable light.

As to format and actual preparation of the proposal, you have a lot of flexibility. However, keep these basic thoughts in mind:

• PROOFREAD! Your proposal must be as perfect as you can make it! If you can't make it perfect, hire a professional writer or editor. It would be a shame to spend hours compiling a winning proposal only to have it thrown out because of poor grammar or typos. And it DOES happen!

• Use a professional font such as Arial or Times Roman with at least a 12 pt size for ease in reading. This isn't the time to be "cute" or overly creative.

• Leave out the hype. Create a document that will professionally explain your position, what you have to offer your client and how much it will cost him or her.

There may be other aspects of the job to consider, depending on the nature of the RFP and your industry, but these basic steps will help you prepare a simple, professional proposal that will -- along with your glowing skills, affordable rates and astonishing presentation skills -- win those important and high paying jobs.

Article copyright © 2000-2005 by Heather Quarnstrom. All rights reserved worldwide.

Heather Quarnstrom is a writer and creative designer with decades on online experience and the owner of Bishop's Corner, an online/catalog shop offering hundreds of quality gifts, home decor items, toys, housewares, furniture and more with nearly 1,000 products under $20. Visit her online store today at http://BishopsTN.com.

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