Do VAs usually use a proposal? Ive never thought of using one.

Hello, Dawn. I agree with Renee and everyone else, it's really important to have a template ready to submit a rockin' proposal. If I many add, research the individual/company/business and plug all pertinent information into your template. Emphasize what you are offering to solve their needs/void. Yes, it's really time consuming, even having a template. But the bottom line -- and the result -- is well worth it. I have two clients who are the best of all the best. And they told me that what won them over was my proposal. If a client is well worth it, make it worth your while to sock it to them with a rocking proposal!

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Patty

If you combine the 2 Pattys' comments you should have an awesome proposal!

It is always important to research your client and to become familiar with their company's needs. LISTEN or READ what they are requesting -- Put your focus on THEM and how you can meet those demands.

Good luck! Please let us know what happens

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Deb's Professional Services
http://www.debsprofessionalservices.com

In the long time I've been in business I have never needed a proposal for a client, but I have submitted a few to businesses here needing a subcontractor. I think it might depend on the type of business you're in and the type of clients. I've also noticed that when applying for government bid type projects in my state you would need one.

I don't have a template set up, but I love the idea of having one at the ready and now plan on creating one after the first of the year...using the great suggestions here!

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Pam Deyerle - Transcriptionist in the Richmond, Virginia area
The Perfect Word Transcription Services

For anyone who creates proposals on a frequent basis, you should take a look at Quote Roller. I set it up for a client last week and he absolutely loves it!

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Stacy White, Spectrum Office Solutions
www.ask4sos.com

Originally Posted by pdeutmeyer

I find that writing a proposal helps to clarify the project so there is no confusion about what is expected. What I submit is very simple, but clear. Here is an example of a proposal I have submitted (If anyone has recommendations they are more than welcome to provide suggestions regarding my proposal): Proposal Profile: Admin Support Price: $200.00 Details: Scope of Work: Submitting of 10-articles to the 10-directory specified sites. The work details the copying and pasting said articles, titles, and descriptions into the specified fields for each directory. Client Provides:10-articles, directory usernames/passwords if necessary, keywords for each article, titles for each article, 10-list of directories, and descriptions for each article. Deutmeyer Consulting Services will provide: Labor as detailed in the scope of work. Completion Time: 1-day after proposal is accepted. After this project is completed negotiations will resume if project should continue as a more permanent status as needed. Please let me know if you have any questions and thank you, Patty Deutmeyer

Personally I would put the price at the bottom, otherwise someone may think "OMG $200!" and not bother to read any further. Sell the benefits first, then they won't worry so much about the price.

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Bridie's Typing Services - specialising in transcription services
The professional's choice

Found all of that very helpful. I haven't yet needed to put a proposal together but once I do I will now have a much better idea on how to put on together...

And will be sure to keep my pricing somewhere closer to the bottom of the page.
Couldn't hurt!