Elements of a Good Business Proposal

As opposed to a business plan, which is drafted to make your company get money, a business proposal is a solicited or unsolicited bid for business.

A winning business proposal should include several key elements that we will discuss hereinafter.

Include the benefits. Any business proposal that might win should clearly emphasize what are the other company’s benefits gained from doing business with your company. Outline any benefit that you can bring and others can’t. For example, even if you are a small company, you can meet very tight deadlines.

Include the solutions. Create a solid presentation of the way in which your company can offer solutions that others can’t. Do not ever promise something that you cannot do.

Include the credibility. Many people make the mistake of overlooking this part of a business proposal. For all that, you should know that in order to create a winning business proposal, this part is extremely important.

Include samples. Give samples and evidence of your capability of offer what you promise. Explain and offer samples of what you do in order to show that you can indeed.

Be targeted. Speak in their own language. If the evaluators are from a certain field, you need to use the appropriate terminology in order for them to listen to you and to know that you understand them and their job.

In the end, keep in mind that the most important thing is not to win all bids, but to win the ones that are most compatible with your company and matches the prospective business. It should be a win – win situation for both parties.

7 Example Templates TO Get You Started: