I'm new to learning about starting a business and wanting to. I've a book on How to Write a Proposal. I was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers or tips on what to do, what to say and how to say it. Is there a good place online to see examples of a propsal?
I'm feeling a bit lost right now.

Thanks

Also, is there a way to have someone else to write the proposal for me?

Hi Oak. Welcome to Answerpool. I hope you looked around the site while you waited for your question to be answered.

Companies write business proposals for a fee. Before you pay someone, try to write one yourself. Entrepreneur has a lot of information that is free. Isn't that the right price?

Click on this link to learn more about creating a knockout business proposal.


**There are 5 Key Elements of Winning Business Proposals.

1. Solutions: After you have written a lead paragraph on the company's needs and problems, follow up with a solid presentation of how your business can provide solutions. The key here is to promise solutions you can deliver.

2. Benefits: All winning business proposals, clearly outline for the company the benefits to be gained from doing business with you. If your small business can offer complete confidentiality and meet tight deadlines state it in your benefits section.

3. Credibility: This is often the overlooked portion of a business proposal but all winning proposals glow with credibility. If you have worked with clients in the same field or have an award-winning business, then third-party endorsements will build credibility.

4. Samples: A business proposal with samples and evidence of your ability to deliver is vital to gaining the winning bid. A small sample of your work can show your ability to do the job.

5. Targeted: A winning business proposal is all about communication. Speak in a language spoken by your intended audience. If the proposal evaluators are from an engineering background or financial department use the appropriate jargon.

Ultimately, the best business proposal is none. When your company is well-positioned and unique in the marketplace then it is only you who can meet the needs of the company requesting the bids. If a retail craft chain is looking for a web design firm and your company specializes in web creation for the crafts industry you might be able to circumvent the proposal process.

In the end, you may not win all bids, but will win business that best matches your company to the prospective business. A win-win for all parties involved.

** about.com


Click here for writing help and sample proposal letters

Good Luck to you!!

Hey thanks for your help clarebear. All of this is new to me. I didn't know where to get started or how. I will follow your advice and check out the links you provided.

Have a great day.
~Oak

You are welcome. Glad I could help. I did some more research and found more info for you.

E-how had these suggestions:

1. Talk with somebody who has written several successful business proposals. Ask what worked and what didn't.

2. Outline a two-part proposal. The first part will describe the business opportunity and your plans to take advantage of it. The second will present financial data - tax returns, a balance sheet and a summary of your operating plan.

3. Write the proposal. Limit the first part to 10 pages. Make it concise and clear. When describing the market opportunity, cite sources.

4. Explain what makes you and your company different from competitors. Perhaps you have special skills and experiences. You might have a new technology. Talk about your achievements in the industry.

5. Describe the segment of the market you will pursue. Discuss what you will do to take market share away from competitors.

6. Identify prospective customers. Explain why you are targeting them.

7. Summarize your marketing plan. Offer details, but be brief.

8. Discuss any regulatory issues your company might have to deal with.

9. Identify the management team. Who are the top three people in the company? Give brief biographical sketches.

10. Describe your expectations regarding revenue and cash flow for the first year. Discuss how much money you think you will need to get started, how it will be used, and where you plan to obtain it.


I also found these:

Tips for writing business proposals (may have one popup)

Writing a business plan

More tips for writing business proposals

I hope to see you around the pool!

WOW thanks. I tried to do some researching on this myself and came up with nothing good. I have a friend that has written a proposal and business plan that looked at the sites I found and said they are basically garbage.

I had not a clue what a good site for this topic looked like. I was totally lost - I DO appreciate your help. A sincere thank you! I will be looking into the sites you've provided over the next few days...