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Make your case with a business proposal.
Put together a business proposal that identifies and shows how you can meet your prospective client’s needs.
Business proposal basics.
A business proposal is a proposal you make to a potential client, customer, or company that explains why they should buy your product or service. A typical proposal outlines what you have to offer to the other party. It aims to win specific business, unlike a business plan, which focuses on how a business will operate.
Types of business proposals.
There are two common types of business proposals, solicited and unsolicited. When a company has made it clear that they are looking for new partners, you’ll write a solicited proposal. They might release a Request for Proposal (RFP), in which they detail their needs and expectations. If your business is well established, they might approach you directly to ask for a pitch. When you submit an unsolicited proposal, you’re initiating contact with the prospective client. The type of proposal you write will differ depending on your stakeholders, the industry, and your product or services.

Key elements of a winning business proposal.
Cover letter
Title page
Executive summary
Table of contents
Problem statement

Proposed solution and strategy
Explain how your company can solve the client’s problem. This section should back up the initial claim made in the executive summary: Your company is the one to solve the problem. You don’t have to include every project detail, but you should provide a roadmap that makes a convincing case for your methodology.
Qualifications
Prove that you know what you’re talking about. Show how your experience can help you solve the prospect’s problem, and turn past client success stories into case studies that demonstrate your ability. If possible, include testimonials from satisfied customers to prove your points and lend credibility to your proposal.
Costs
Terms and conditions
Field for client signature

Go digital with your business proposals.
Create a business proposal template that you can customize as needed and revise whenever you have to renegotiate any terms. With Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can share a link to your proposal and easily track its status so you always know when to follow up. Also, your client can e-sign the business proposal document and send it back with a click, completing the agreement in minutes instead of days.