A well-written company proposal can pave the way for new prospects whether you’re doing business in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world. It’s a written proposal that emphasizes the importance of your solution to the client’s problem. When preparing a business proposal, there are many things to consider: what work will be done, when it will be done, how much it will cost, and why your organization is qualified.
In this article, I’ll be treating the question – How do I write a business proposal in Nigeria? – by walking you through steps on how to develop a good business proposal. I’m sure that’s why you’re reading this so let’s get started. First of all, let’s look at the type of business proposals there are.
Business Proposal Types
Unsolicited or solicited business proposals are both acceptable. Because they are requested by potential clients, unsolicited proposals are usually easier to sell. Unsolicited proposals, on the other hand, are when you approach a prospect with a proposal in the hopes of gaining their business despite the fact that they did not seek one.
The processes for preparing a business proposal are the same regardless of the type. Based on templates from common business proposal software systems, I’ve broken down the writing process below. Keep in mind that the parts of the proposal may change depending on the prospective client’s demands and expectations. Also, these tips should work whether you’re trying to land Nigerian clients or international clients. Let’s get to it:
- Make an eye-catching title page
Your business proposal’s title page should include some very important information. Include your name, the name of your company/business, the address, the logo, and any other information that may help to define your company. Remember to include the date of submission as well as the name of the client to whom you’re sending the proposal. The tone of the document is set by the title page, so make it visually appealing and professional-looking.
- Add a cover letter
With a couple of sentences at the start of the proposal, describe yourself and your company. Explain your background, abilities, and accomplishments, and emphasize the advantages of working with you. Use the cover letter to express your want to cooperate with the client and to spark their interest in continuing to read.
- Add a table of contents
With a table of contents, you can make things easy for the people who are receiving your proposal. It will inform the potential client about the scope of the company proposal and make it more accessible to them. You can even construct a clickable table for simple navigation if you’re submitting a digital business proposal.
- Create an engaging executive summary
The executive summary should explain why your business proposal is important. Explain why you’re sending it and why your solution is the most appropriate for the client. Define how you can address the client’s problem and how they may benefit from your product or service as precisely as possible. To make your ideas, keep it brief and use plain, straightforward language. By reading the executive summary, the client should have a good idea of how you might help.
- Give an explanation of the issue and a suggestion for a solution
The next stage is to write out a list of the issues that the prospect is dealing with. Investigate your client, determine their problems, and utilize critical thinking to come up with a unique solution. It’s critical to show that you’re aware of their requirements. Add a personal touch to make the solution feel more personalised to the client.
- List your services in detail
Tell the potential client what services you’ll supply and how you’ll provide them. Also, include a reasonable deadline for delivering the promise. Consider dividing the project down into phases to give them a better picture of what to expect in terms of progress.
- Your Qualifications should be highlighted
Why should a potential customer pick you over other prospects because they trust you? Include a section describing your qualifications and why you’re the ideal candidate for the job. To establish authority, include any applicable accreditations and honors, prior experience, client success stories, and testimonials.
- Make the pricing public
Pricing is a crucial consideration that can make or break your chances. Never underprice or overpriced your goods or service. Set a reasonable cost that benefits the client while also allowing you to make a profit. Alternatively, you can provide a table with optional prices to provide a variety of pricing options that meet various budgets or give room for future talks.
- Create a set of rules; Terms & Conditions
You should lay out the ground rules in the Terms and Conditions section. If you’re doing business together, summarize what both parties agree on. Reiterate how you can assist, as well as the deadline for completion, the term of the agreement, and the payment schedule. Before providing the terms and conditions to the prospect, it’s a good idea to double-check them with an attorney. Finally, provide a clear call to action (CTA) so that the potential client knows what to do next.
Bottom Line
These are the fundamental phases in writing a business proposal. To stay focused when writing, make a list of the major sections and elements you want to include before you begin. Maintain brand consistency, keep it basic yet professional, and produce an offer that exceeds expectations.