The core value proposition of your project is outlined in a project proposal. Internal and external stakeholders are both sold on the value it provides. The proposal's goal is to get the attention of stakeholders and project sponsors. The next step is to get people excited about the project once you have their attention.
It's critical to put yourself in the shoes of the people for whom you're writing the proposal: you need to think like the project's stakeholders in order to deliver a proposal that meets their needs.
Best Project Proposal Format
A cover letter, table of contents, executive summary, description of the project (including background and objective), the project plan, who is involved and in what capacity, where the project will take place, how it will be monitored, the budget proposal, and then other attachments should all be included in your project proposal.
Types of Project Proposals
You can have a formally or informally solicited proposal (made in response to a request), an unsolicited proposal (like a cold call attempt to win the project), or a continuation proposal (continuing one already approved). Renewal proposals (after completion, you argue for continued support) and supplemental proposals are also possible (such as asking for extra resources).
Project Proposal Tips
Whatever proposal you're working on, there are a few best practices that apply to all of them. While we suggested a table of contents format for your project proposal above, which would mean it would be many pages long, the best-case scenario is to keep the proposal to one or two pages. Remember, you're trying to impress, not bore, your stakeholders.
When it comes to stakeholders, do your homework. You want to talk to the right people. It's pointless to put in the effort to write a fantastic proposal only to have it sent to the wrong people. Anyone who reads it, however, should be able to comprehend the proposal. Maintain a straightforward and simple tone in your writing.
Hire a professional writer when it comes to writing. Even a business document like a proposal will suffer if it is poorly written, contains typos, or is difficult to understand. If you don't want to hire a professional business writer, make sure the document is copy edited and proofread by someone on your team. The more people who look at it, the less likely it is that errors will make it into the final version.
While you want to keep the proposal short and sweet, adding customer testimonials to the attachments helps to sweeten the deal. Nothing sells a project like a customer base that is actively seeking your product or service.
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