Business Proposal Template (Short)

BUSINESS PROPOSAL
A business proposal is a formal document that’s created by a company and provided to a

prospect to secure a business agreement.
It's a common misconception that business proposals and business plans are the same. The
proposal aims to sell your product or service rather than your business itself. Instead of
assisting your search for investors to fund your business, a proposal helps you seek new
customers.
Business Proposal Template (short)

Problem Summary
Proposed Solution
Product/Service Feature Benefit to the Client

1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
Pricing Information
Proposed Schedule
Project Activity Date of Completion

1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.
Conclusion
Terms & Conditions
Signature: …………………………………… Date: ………………………
Types of Business Proposals
Business Proposals/PRI/Oct 2022 1 of 10

There are two types of business proposals: unsolicited and solicited.
 Unsolicited Business Proposals - With unsolicited business proposals, you approach

a potential customer with a proposal, even if they don't request one, to gain their
business.
 Solicited Business Proposals - Solicited business proposals are requested by a
prospective client so that they can decide whether or not to do business with your
company.
In a solicited business proposal, the other organization asks for a request for
proposal (RFP). When a company needs a problem solved, they invite other
businesses to submit a proposal that details how they'd solve it.
Whether the proposal is solicited or unsolicited, the steps to create your proposal are
similar. Ensure it includes three main points: a statement of the organization's
problem, proposed solution, and pricing information.
How to Write a Business Proposal
1. Begin with a title page.
2. Create a table of contents.
3. Explain your “why” with an executive summary.
4. State the problem or need.
5. Propose a solution.
6. Share your qualifications.
7. Include pricing options.
8. Summarize with a conclusion.
9. Clarify your terms and conditions.
10. Include a space for signatures to document agreement.
Before writing your business proposal, it’s crucial you understand the company. If
they've sent you an RFP, make sure you read it carefully, so you know exactly what
they want. It can also be helpful to have an initial call or meeting with the new client
to ensure you fully understand the problem they're trying to solve and their
objectives.
Once you've done your research, it's time to begin writing your business proposal.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a business proposal, but let's take a
look at some elements proposals often include. (I designed this example business
proposal using Canva.)
1. Begin with a title page.

You have to convey some basic information here. Introduce yourself and your
business. Be sure to include your name, your company's name, the date you
submitted the proposal, and the name of the client or individual you're submitting the
proposal to.
Your title page should reconcile engagement with professionalism. It's a tone-setter,
so you need to make sure yours is sleek, aesthetically appealing, and not too "out
there."
Here's an example of what a business proposal template looks like when done right:
2. Create a table of contents.

A solid UX is valuable in virtually any context, and business proposals are no
exception. You need to make things as simple and accessible as possible for the
people on the other side of your proposal. That starts with a table of contents.
A table of contents will let your potential client know exactly what will be covered in
the business proposal. If you're sending your proposal electronically, it helps to
include a clickable table of contents that will jump to the different sections of your
proposal for easy reading and navigation.

3. Explain your "why" with an executive summary.
The executive summary details exactly why you're sending the proposal and why
your solution is the best for the prospective client. Specificity is key here. Why are
you the best option for them?
Similar to a value proposition, your executive summary outlines the benefits of your
company's products or services and how they can solve your potential client's
problem. After reading your executive summary, the prospect should have a clear
idea of how you can help them, even if they don't read the entire proposal. Here's
what one should look like:
That example thoughtfully and effectively conveys both what the business does as a
whole and how it can specifically serve the reader's needs. Here's what yours
shouldn't look like:
This particular example is extremely vague. It doesn't allude to what the reader
specifically stands to gain from doing business with Outbound Telecom and fails to
actually speak to why it should be considered "the best in its industry."
4. State the problem or need.

This is where you provide a summary of the issue impacting the potential client. It
provides you with the opportunity to show them you clearly understand their needs
and the problem they need help solving.
Research, critical thinking, and extra thought are key here. You have to do your
homework. Take a holistic look at the specific issues your client faces that you can
help solve. Then, compellingly frame them in a way that sets you up for the next
step.
5. Propose a solution.
Here's where you offer up a strategy for solving the problem. Like the last step, you
need to lean into specificity and personalization on this one. Make sure your
proposed solution is customized to the client's needs, so they know you've created
this proposal specifically for them.
Let them know which deliverables you'll provide, the methods you'll use, and a
timeframe for when they should expect them.
6. Share your qualifications.

Are you qualified to solve this prospect's problem? Why should they trust you? Use
this section of your business proposal template to communicate why you're best for
the job. Include case studies of client success stories and mention any relevant
awards or accreditations to boost your authority.

7. Include pricing options.
Pricing is where things can get a bit tricky, as you don't want to under or over-price your
product. If you'd like to provide the prospect with a few pricing options for their budget,
include an optional fee table. Some proposal software offer responsive pricing tables which
allow clients to check the products or services they're interested in, and the price will
automatically adjust.
8. Summarize with a conclusion.

After providing the above information, it’s necessary to simplify it into one final
section. Briefly summarize the proposal. Touch on your qualifications and why you’d
serve as the best choice. To prompt further conversation, confirm your availability. At
the end of the proposal, the goal is to have the client ready to work with you. Provide
your contact information to allow them to follow up easily.

9. Clarify your terms and conditions.
This is where you go into detail about the project timeline, pricing, and payment schedules.
It's essentially a summary of what you and the client agree to if they accept your proposal.
Make sure you clear the terms and conditions with your own legal team before sending the
proposal to the client.
10. Include a space for signatures to document agreement.

Include a signature box for the client to sign and let them know exactly what they're
agreeing to when they sign. This is also a chance to include a prompt for the
prospect to reach out to you if they have any unanswered questions you can
address.
ASSIGNMENT
Write your own business proposal to a business, offering incentive package tours
both inbound and outbound, for 100 pax.

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BUSINESS PROPOSAL

A business proposal is a formal document that’s created by a company and provided to a

Business Proposal Template (short)

Product/Service Feature Benefit to the Client

Project Activity Date of Completion

Terms & Conditions

Signature: …………………………………… Date: ………………………

Types of Business Proposals

Business Proposals/PRI/Oct 2022 1 of 10

 Unsolicited Business Proposals - With unsolicited business proposals, you approach

How to Write a Business Proposal

1. Begin with a title page.

2. Create a table of contents.

3. Explain your “why” with an executive summary.

4. State the problem or need.

6. Share your qualifications.

7. Include pricing options.

8. Summarize with a conclusion.

9. Clarify your terms and conditions.

10. Include a space for signatures to document agreement.

1. Begin with a title page.

2. Create a table of contents.

Business Proposals/PRI/Oct 2022 3 of 10

4. State the problem or need.

Business Proposals/PRI/Oct 2022 4 of 10

6. Share your qualifications.

Business Proposals/PRI/Oct 2022 5 of 10

8. Summarize with a conclusion.

Business Proposals/PRI/Oct 2022 6 of 10

10. Include a space for signatures to document agreement.

Business Proposals/PRI/Oct 2022 7 of 10

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