Proposals

Proposals

Detailed plan of action submitted for approval

Readers are often in a position of authority

Must convince the readers that your plan will help in some way

Written for many purposes and audiences Internal, External

Vary in size and scope

Proposals…

Are persuasive plans

Frequently collaborative efforts

Vary in size and scope

Guidelines

Approach as problem-solving activity

Regard audience as skeptical

Research topic thoroughly

Scout out what competitors are doing

Prove that the proposal is workable

Financially realistic

Package attractively

Types of Proposals

Solicited, Request for Proposals

Unsolicited

Internal vs. External

Guidelines

Approach as a problem-solving activity

Regard audience as skeptical

Research topic thoroughly

Scout out what your competitors are doing

Prove that your proposal is workable

Be sure it’s financially realistic

Be ethical

Package attractively

Internal Proposals

Offer a realistic and constructive plan to help your company run its business more effectively/economically

Common Topics

Follow proper chain of command

Ethically resolving problems

Internal Proposal: Organization

Purpose

Problem

Solution/Plan

Conclusion

Sales Proposals

Most common type

Sell your company’s product/services for a fee

Request for Proposals (Bids)

Know your audience and meet its needs

Sales Proposals:Organization

Introduction

Description of the Proposed Product/Service

Timetable

Costs

Qualifications of Your Company

Conclusion of Proposal