What goes into a great proposal?

What goes into a great proposal is effort.

A great proposal, whether it's for a business project, partnership, or any other endeavour, typically contains several key ingredients to effectively communicate its purpose, benefits, and feasibility.

Here are the essential ingredients of a great proposal:

1. Executive Summary: A concise overview of the proposal, highlighting the key points, objectives, and benefits. It should provide a clear understanding of what the proposal is about and why it's important.
2. Introduction: An introduction that sets the context and explains the background or problem that the proposal aims to address. It should capture the reader's interest and establish the relevance of the proposal.
3. Objectives and Scope: Clearly defined objectives that outline what the proposal seeks to achieve and the scope of work involved. This helps to clarify the purpose and focus of the proposal.
4. Methodology or Approach: A detailed explanation of the approach or methodology that will be used to achieve the objectives outlined in the proposal. This section should describe the specific steps, strategies, and techniques that will be employed.
5. Timeline and Deliverables: A proposed timeline or schedule for completing the project, along with deliverables and milestones. This helps to establish expectations regarding the project's timeline and progress.
6. Budget and Resources: A breakdown of the budget required for the project, including costs associated with personnel, materials, equipment, and any other resources needed. This section should be detailed and realistic.
7. Benefits and Value Proposition: A clear articulation of the benefits and value that the proposed project or initiative will bring to the stakeholders involved. This could include financial benefits, increased efficiency, improved outcomes, or other tangible and intangible gains.
8. Risk Management Plan: Identification and assessment of potential risks or challenges associated with the project, along with strategies for mitigating or managing them. This demonstrates foresight and preparedness to address potential obstacles.
9. Qualifications and Experience: Information about the qualifications, expertise, and experience of the individuals or team members involved in executing the proposal. This helps to establish credibility and confidence in the proposal's feasibility.
10. Conclusion and Call to Action: A conclusion that summarises the key points of the proposal and reinforces its significance. It should also include a clear call to action, such as requesting approval, further discussion, or next steps.
11. Appendices (if applicable): Additional supporting documents or information that may be relevant to the proposal, such as detailed technical specifications, references, or case studies.

By including these essential ingredients in a proposal, you can effectively communicate your ideas, demonstrate the feasibility and value of your proposal, and increase the likelihood of obtaining buy-in or approval from stakeholders.

If a proposal cannot be produced as a summary that is convincing and on one page (with the detailed proposal behind it) there is probably something fundamental wrong with it.

A great way test what you are saying is to use the read aloud or speech function on your compute.

A great way to test what you are saying is to use the read aloud or or speech function on your computer.

Always get it checked by someone (preferably more than one, perhaps as a draft with your customer first) before you send it and make them feel safe so that they can give you completely honest feedback.