Businiss Writing

Proposals

Focus on:

9.1 What is a proposal?

9.2 Golden rules for writing a proposal

9.3 Tips for writing proposals

9.4 Components of an informal proposal

9.5 Components of a formal proposal

9.6 Samples

9.1 What is a proposal?

Proposals are persuasive offers to solve problems, provide service, or sell products. Proposals may be solicited or unsolicited .When firms know exactly what they want, they prepare a request for proposal (RFP) specifying their requirements. Government agencies and large companies are likely to use RFPs to solicit competitive bids on their projects. Unsolicited proposals are written when an individual or a firm see a problem to be solved and offers a proposal to do so .The most important point to remember about proposals—whether solicited or unsolicited—is that they are sales presentations. They must be persuasive, not merely mechanical descriptions of what you can do.

9.2 Golden rules for writing a proposal

• To be factual

• To be specific

• To be clear

• To be persuasive

9.3 Tips for writing business proposals

• Collect related information and get advice from experts.

• Understand the reader’s real needs and requirements.

• Provide a good introduction for your proposal, which serves as a summary of your proposal.

• Base your proposal on your findings, facts or concrete views instead of general or abstract statements.

• Provide a proper structure for your proposal.

9.4 Components of an informal proposal

Generally, an informal proposal may contain six principal components: introduction, background, proposal, staffing, budget and authorization. Sometimes, some parts may be omitted.

Introduction: Most proposals begin by briefly explaining the reasons for the proposal and by stressing writer’s qualifications.

Background: The background section identifies the problem and discusses the goals of the project.

Proposal: In the proposal section itself, you should discuss...