Friday, November 21, 2008

Business Proposals that Work

By Craig Calvin

Most business people do not enjoy drafting business proposals, but they also know it is a required talent. Creating a proposal that impresses management and potential clientele is quite often what can make or break a deal. It is, in essence, a simple process, so mastering the art is not difficult.

Step one in creating a business proposal is deciding precisely what the competition desires. You can sometimes ask them, but sometimes you need to figure it out on your own. Providing the customer with what they need, whether they asked for it or not, can mean you will come out with the sale.

The next step is to size up the competition. This could mean spending a lot of time if there is a lot of competition, and may not be worth it. You should totally stay competitive, but try not to let it turn into bidding fights. Undercutting instead of focusing on the product is not beneficial. You do need to stay competitive, more so if you are in a field with more competition.

Step three is to ask pertinent questions. More customers are willing to provide information than you may think. Asking the right questions can clue you to their needs. A lot of people think they know what the customer wants, but if a customer doesn't feel understood, they will find someone who does.

With these simple steps, there is no reason for you to feel paralyzed when it comes to business proposals. Writing an effective and attractive business proposal will bring you more work and help you stand out as an expert in your field. There is no reason for this crucial skill to be intimidating or stressful if you understand how to get the information you need and compile it into a useful tool with guaranteed selling power. - 15478

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