Business Proposal Checklist

The following Business Proposal Action Plan includes a series of basic business proposal tips and describes the
typical structure of business proposal. The action plan consists of the next categories:
 Typical Business Proposal Structure
 Basic Business Proposal Writing Tips

1. Typical Business Proposal Structure.

 Introduction. This section of the business proposal format structure is the first page that your client will
see when opening and reading the business proposal document. Introduction includes the following basic
element:
o Your company’s name
o Your company’s address
o Services you are qualified to provide
 Problem Statement. This section describes the problem that your client faces. The primary goal of the
section is to ensure the client that you understand the problem and know how to solve it. Problem
Statement should include a detailed description of the problem based on facts.
 Solution & Benefits. In your business proposal you should unambiguously state the solution you intend to
offer and the benefits your client can gain from this solution.
 Pricing & Budget. In this section you need to list prices for your services/products and show details of
delivery. The prices and delivery details should be stated in monetary terms, considering currency and
terms of payment.
 Conclusion. This section is like a business proposal report. Concluding means re-asserting your claims
and the benefits of your product/service in order to show the client once again what benefits he/she will
gain. Conclusion should ends up with a positive phrase expressing the hope that your client will accept the
business offer.

2. Basic Business Proposal Writing Tips.

 Make it clear. You should try to summarize the concept of your business proposal in 2-3 simple sentences
– then your client will better understand the main idea even not reading the entire text of the proposal.
Strive for achieving clarity, and then you will create a winning business proposal document.
 Communicate. When you work on your business proposal, try to communicate it to your client showing
the concept and main benefits. Then the client will be impressed and know what he/she can benefit from.
 Error Free. Use spell checking tools to make sure your business proposal outline does not include any
errors and typos. You can ask somebody to check the content of your business proposal and take a fresh
eye to spot errors.
 Printing. Your business proposal sample should be printed on high-quality paper sheets by using either a
laser printer or a good-quality bubble printer. Do not even try to save money on printing because most
likely your client will not take appropriate attention to your proposal document if it is printed out on poor-
quality paper.
 Document Layout. A layout of your business proposal document should be designed considering the basic
requirements to business records:
o The body of the proposal text appears in the right two-thirds of the page
o Titles are disposed on the one-third of the page
o The white space to the left allows the reader to make notes
 Visualization. Locating visual elements on the right place makes your sample business proposal template
more attractive and readable. Logos, clipart, pictures, diagrams, tables and other business proposal
elements should appear in the document to enhance the visual appeal of the content and make it easier for
your client to read and comprehend the main concept.
 Title Page. Your business proposal example should begin with the title page that includes images, the
name of the proposal recipient, the name of the proposed product/service, your company’s name and logo,
and copyright symbol.
 Political Correctness. You should write your business proposal plan using correct terminology. You do
not want to offend your client, so do your best to avoid any words and expressions that can be construed
as offensive to any group of your target audience. Do not use jargon.
 Business proposal software. The best way to write a winning business proposal is to use specialized
software solutions. Use Internet to find and download such software.