Saturday, December 26, 2009

Proper Formatting Improves Sample Business Proposals

By Bradley Henderson

In the business world, one shot is frequently all you get to make or break a sale. When it comes to sample business proposals, it's important to maintain a professional aesthetic and follow standard formatting rules. If you can make your potential client to take you seriously, then you have gone a long way toward securing a contract. That's no small feat in today's economy.

One simple step that is forgotten all too often is simple formatting. The following tips are suggested for good reasons. Your proposal is your gateway into the client's wallet, so make sure it's readable and that it communicates as well as you can positively make it using as few words as possible. Clarity is vital here, as is presenting that ever elusive professional image.

White Space Can Improve Readability

You should separate text sections with bold headers to emphasize key points from paragraph to paragraph. Make certain to maintain a modest margin throughout your document - anywhere between .5" to a full inch on all sides will do the trick. As far as fonts are concerned, stick with a 12 point Courier New or Times New Roman for maximum readability. These steps will leave plenty of white space on your business proposal.

Why do we want white space? It's helpful for two main reasons. Your text won't look as stuffy and difficult if you couch it with white space, for one. The second reason is that your clients need room to make notes or comment on the proposal as they read it. This is critical, because if you know what your client is uneasy about, you can then address it and make a second offer. Consider changing all your proposals, if their points are valid.

Enhance Your Message With The Right Graphics And Colors

Your goal with any business proposal is to communicate - in this case, to pitch your business' products or services and score a contract if possible. Push as much information for the consumer as you can with as few words as possible, and accentuate your message with appropriate graphics and eye catching color schemes.

You have to stand out from other companies or your proposal won't even be read. Most proposals are dry writing at best, so anything you can do to brighten yours and space out the text in an aesthetically pleasing way will be much appreciated.

Working On Front Matter

Any text at the beginning of your sample business proposal that organizes your materials is called "front matter." Whether it's a table of contents, a list, price sheets, diagrams - whatever it is, be sure to make it look good and easy to read. If it's helpful for the customer to have on hand to cross reference during their reading, put it into your proposal.

If your manuscript is large enough, it might be a good idea to put it in a three ring binder. Add a few appendices at the end if you can think of supplementary information your reader should know about.

Last Thoughts

Sample business proposals are helpful, but at the end of the day your results will be determined by how hard you're willing to work to get the accounts you want.

Make your proposal as professional looking as possible by leaving plenty of white space, inserting appropriate graphics and stand out color schemes. Make your proposal easy to read, and it will be easy to get others to read it. - 23210

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