Friday, November 21, 2008

Making Business Proposals Work Their Magic

By Craig Calvin

Even experienced business people dread writing business proposals, but this is a necessary skill. Knowing how to write a business proposal that wows your management and potential customers alike can mean the difference between business success and failure. Because this is a simple and straightforward process, there is no reason not to be a master in the art of writing business proposals that work.

The first step to writing a business proposal that works is determining exactly what the competition wants. Sometimes this is as easy as asking them, but at other times you may need to think about value added services and unstated needs. Offering the client what they need, even when they didn't specifically ask for it, can make the difference between a winning proposal and a long string of losses.

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.

The third step is to ask all of the necessary questions. Most potential business clients are more than willing to answer your questions and guide you toward building a productive and successful partnerships. A thorough interview will give you the information you need and show that you care about their unique needs. Many business people assume that they know best what their clients need. If the client feels that you don't understand them, they will likely look for a business that does.

The previous steps should aid you in creating a proposal without stressing out. The end result will be a well written, and accepted document that will bring you more sales as well as set you apart from your competition. If you have the right tools, you can increase your selling power. - 15359

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