Proposal writing

November 23, 2008 on 5:52 am | In mybachcars.com |
Proposal writing
  • I have been asked to write four proposals for clients I have never done this. I was given a set of modules that could be included in each proposal I would like to see what modules you would include: Proposal are to and on: Bank interested in evaluating the efftiveness of its community contribution in dollars and loaned. Manufacturer of custom-designed teacher development portfolios, evaluaring this among teachers that are required to execute a professional development plan College study about changing the calendar 3 11 week quarters into 2 16 week periods. A dot-com that monitors click on banner ads interested in developing a different pricing structure for this service I have never written a proposal. I was given a set of modules by a professional company but I still am not aure which to include. I was given modules such as: executive summary,problem statement,research objectives,literature review, important benefits of the study, research design, data analysis, nature and form of results, qualificaTION OF RESEARCHERS, BUDGET, SCHEDULE, FACILITIES AND SPECIAL RESOURCES, project management, bibliography. appendixies /glossary of terms/measurement instrument. I don't really understand of these modules. I have been presented with this challenge from a new client I am loss. Please help.


  • Bren What exactly do you want? Do you want - a run down on how to write a proposal (easy) - four draft outlines, one for each of your proposals (more difficult and will take some time) - your proposals written for you (much more difficult and will take a while and need more input from yourself - probably a $100+ question)


  • What I want is someone to review the list of modules and tell me which ones to use in each of the four proposals tht i need to write I want to try and do them myself In my question I put a list starting with exective statement. I just want to know which moduel I should include in each proposal. I will they this question open if you need me yo up the price list me know.


  • Hello bren-ga, As a former proposal writer in the tech industry, I'll try to answer your question and provide some resources. Getting started on a proposal is tough! What you are calling "modules," I would normally call "sections." The list of modules you presented would be an "outline" of the proposal. I would be careful about using one set of modules or one particular outline for each of the four proposals. You will probably want to develop customized sections and a customized outline for each proposal, depending on how you develop your answer. If you have a Request for Information (RFI) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) document from your prospective customers, that is the best place to start. Use your prospective customer's own outline from the RFI or RFP to develop your own "modules" and outline. What I am saying is that you should use your prospective customer to guide the structure of the proposal. Read the directions (if any) they give you, and follow them closely! Here is an example of an RFP: http://www.shadowrunrpg.com/sponsor/writers_guidelines.shtml It is important to include these items though: 1) table of contents, 2) executive summary, 3) costs or budget, and 4) appendices and bibliographies (if needed). I also found some resources that may help you. A step-by-step approach to constructing a proposal: http://www.cbsc.org/alberta/tbl.cfm?fn=propwrit A short article on "how to handle a request for proposal: http://www.ibiztips.com/home04JUN01.htm A decent list of proposal writing resources, geared somewhat toward grant proposals (but still relevant): http://www.library.wisc.edu/libraries/Memorial/grants/proposal.htm A business-oriented article on proposal writing: http://www.womanowned.com/growth/newmarkets/govpropproc.htm Some general writers' links: http://www.internet-resources.com/writers/wrlinks-business.htm Once you have an outline, you may want to consider enlisting some help. Pick topics from the outline, and if you have someone who can help you with a particular topic, ask him or her to help. Establish clear guidelines for your helper, especially in terms of content and DEADLINES -- since it is you who will be ultimately responsible for completing the proposal. Also -- using the keywords below on Google, you will find some professionals who advertise proposal writing services, like some who you can find on Elance ( www.elance.com ). I'm sorry that I am not more specific in evaluating the specific modules you suggested, but it's nearly impossible for me to comment without actually having an RFI or RFP, or some other detailed description from your prospective clients. Search strategy: Personal knowledge, plus keywords on Google: proposal writing guidelines And again, Google keywords: proposal writing guidelines -grant -funding One more set of Google keywords: business proposal writing guidelines -grant -funding Good luck!! Scott scottso-ga


  • The set of modules or sections was what i had been taught in school. I have never written one befoore.


  • Hello bren-ga, The set of "modules" that was taught to you in school might not necessarily be relevant to your prospective customers. The most important thing is to address the main areas that your prospective customers want. Here is an example. For the "college study about changing the calendar 3 11 week quarters into 2 16 week periods," you might try an outline with sections (or modules) that looks like this: 1) Executive summary 2) Current calendar system 3) Proposed calendar system 4) Effects of a change 5) Implementation 6) Costs 7) Appendices (including your biography) You really need to create a custom outline for each of your prospects, in order for your proposal to have the maximum impact. I know this is not an exact answer to what you asked, so let me know if I can clarify further. You may want to ask a more specific question that has a detailed list of your prospective customers' requirements and the specific outline you wish to use for each. Scott scottso-ga


  • Thanks for your help with the school one. Could you help me on the other three the same way. with listing your suggestions. I really hate this job.


  • bren-ga, Even though a similar format may work for each of these as I am suggesting below, it's tough for me to pick exact outlines for your subjects without having the full requirements from your prospective customers. And you have to use your own interpretation to pick the outline that works for you. What I am saying is that you should not use these outlines verbatim. Modify it for your own use. "Bank interested in evaluating the efftiveness of its community contribution in dollars and loaned." 1) Executive summary 2) Current impact of community contributions 3) Proposed increase or decrease in community contributions 4) Effects of a change 5) Implementation 6) Costs 7) Appendices (including your biography) "Manufacturer of custom-designed teacher development portfolios, evaluaring this among teachers that are required to execute a professional development plan." I do not understand what service you are proposing here. You may want to use a similar format to the previous subject. "A dot-com that monitors click on banner ads interested in developing a different pricing structure for this service" 1) Executive summary 2) Description of current pricing structure 3) Proposed alternate pricing structures 4) Effects of changes 5) Implementation 6) Costs 7) Appendices (including your biography) Good luck. Scott scottso-ga