7 mistakes that stop you from getting new projects

Too many business executives are focused only on sending hundreds of business proposals and not enough on why they are constantly being rejected. Contrary to popular belief, most of the sent business proposals are read by the people they are sent to, but they are simply disregarded.

While we could identify a myriad of small reasons why the business proposal that you sent was disregarded there are 7 general and important mistakes that most entrepreneurs make when writing a proposals and that should be our focus. Correcting these 7 mistakes can improve the response rate ten-fold. Here they are:

1. Too much focus on your business

Yes, it is a business proposal and you have to tell them who you are and what you do, but you have to do this in the context of their requirements. You have to think about what they would actually need from you and how you can design your service to meet their specific needs. This will get you way ahead of your competition. You have to offer what they need, which brings us to the next point.

2. Sending too much info

You are a busy man right? You value your time and would not read just anything that finds its way into your inbox or mail box, especially if it is too long or too boring. If you are offering 20 services that does not mean that you have to send a complete presentation of all of them to your potential clients. Moreover, a brief description of your company, mission and team should be enough. There is no need for a historical novel about your company. Presenting one or two great points should be enough if you do your research.

3. Not doing your homework

As I said previously, you must send what is relevant to the reader and you cannot do that without doing some basic research about the company you are aiming. Find out what their needs are and you will be able to write a great business proposal that will get their attention in an instant and will not bore them to death. Wouldn`t you be interested in someone who is interested in you and shows that has done his homework? Thought so.

4. You do not follow the instructions

Sometimes you must write a business proposal based on given and specific instructions. Do not violate the guidelines! They are there for a reason and if you do not follow them you show a great lack of professionalism which will make your company undesirable. Follow the guidelines to the letter even if the way you design the proposal is a little unconventional so that you can attract attention.

5. Too much direct promotion

It is ok to say that you are the best and to mean it, but when you insist too much on this subject in the business proposal you may not instill confidence, which is crucial. Let others talk about you through referrals, testimonials, certifications, awards and such. Avoid being too cocky, yet do not ignore the power of a little indirect promotion.

6. Bad writing

Your proposal must look professional so any spelling or grammar mistakes will look very bad. Read your proposal a few times, even in a loud voice or give it to someone you trust to read it and correct any mistakes or change any sentences that do not make sense.

7. Bad timing and person

All your efforts are in vain if you do not send the proposal to the right person in the company, the one that can really make a decision and if you don`t send it at a time when there are real chances that the person you sent it to will read it. Find the person in charge and avoid sending an unsolicited proposal or sending during holidays or very busy times. Be smart about it.

Of course, these are just a few of the improvements you could make to your business proposal and the way to get it out to the world. There are companies that get new clients exclusively by using business proposals and if they can do it, you can do it. Apply these pieces of advice starting today and watch them work wonders.

Business Proposal Temaplate For Small Business