Business proposal writing can seem like a daunting task. However, by following a few simple steps you can write a persuasive document that will sell your idea to your boss or to your client.

1. Completely think through your plan. Business proposal writing is merely putting your well-thought-out ideas down on paper. You need to answer the following questions.

What is the problem at hand?
What market segment or customer base are you trying to attract?
What is your solution?
Why will your solution work?
How much will your solution cost (in money, labor and materials)?
Why is your solution the best one?
What other issues will your solution solve?
What are possible hurdles (regulations, competition etc.)?

2. While you answer these questions, you will likely be doing extensive marketing research. Be sure to document all your information, using reliable sources. Cite those sources in your proposal.

3. Once you have the answers to all the questions above, you are ready for business proposal writing. Begin by stating the problem. Describe current market conditions, financial details etc., anything that is relevant to the issue at hand.

4. Next, state your proposal clearly. Explain the details as precisely as you can. Explain why you and/or your company are the best ones to complete the challenge (awards, achievements, new technologies etc.). List the three top people of your management team and provide a brief biographical sketch for each of them in the addendum. If the business proposal is to be a joint venture, describe how the combination of resources will help both companies.

5. Describe possible hurdles: costs, regulatory measures etc.

6. Provide all financial data: Projected cost and revenues (for at least the first year), funding sources, etc. Estimate how long it will take for the idea to become profitable.
With proposal writing, you need to be succinct but also provide enough information to help the reader make the right decision. When you have finished writing a first draft read it carefully. Proofread it and correct any typos and grammatical or factual errors. Read it again, pretending that you are the potential client. Ask yourself, ìIf this were presented to me, what questions would I have? Is this an idea that would interest me?î Ask a colleague to also read the proposal and consider his or her feedback.

You may find that during business proposal writing that your proposal won’t work as first envisioned. That’s okay as long as you are honest about it. If you discover a potential problem, try to think through a solution. Ask for help if you need it. It is better to even scrap the proposal rather than to send it anyway and risk damaging your company’s reputation.

Unless you are responding to a formal request for proposal, there is no one standard format or length for a business proposal. Just use clear, simple, easily understood language. You can submit a single-page proposal if you can provide all the information clearly. If you are responding to a request for proposal (RFP), be sure to follow the RFP’s requirements exactly and completely.

Business proposal writing may be time consuming but is not all that difficult. If you have a great idea for your company, your enthusiasm will show in your complete, succinct proposal.

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