Hi,
Not sure if this has been asked before, but I have interest from a new client who has asked me to put together a proposal for them prior to agreeing to and signing a service agreement. What sort of information should I be including in the proposal aside from the proposed service I am offering them and my rates?? Thanks

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Kirsty Kraynik
www.aras.com.au

I have recently had to write a proposal too. I basically used certain aspects of my business plan but made the meat of the piece the information regarding the proposed service.

I set out why they said they wanted a VA and what services they wanted from me and confirmation that I believed that I was capable of providing this.

I included my rates and terms as well as some things I put in my PC pack such as information on further services that I offer, my call to action ie what they need to do to instruct me and also what I can only call a communication agreement for when they instruct my services.

For me this was a proposal based on a retainer package so I broke down how those hours would work per month.

I also wrote a blurb about me and why I do what I do. This is by no way exhaustive of the detail and time and effort I put into the proposal and it was in a more fluid order than this post! (I blame a child with chicken pox for my crazy back and forth and can only apologise for the rambling)

I haven't gotten the client yet so I wouldn't necessarily say it was how a proposal should be but I felt confident with it and they have 30 days to get back to me before they will need an updated proposal.

Hope this helps even just a little!

Putting together a proposal is such a great topic. I put together a sort of template that I use, but even with that, it can be very time consuming. My main advice would be to fully research the business or individual you are going to be creating the proposal for. It will make a great impact if you demonstrate that you've done your homework, so to speak -- sort of like when preparing for the dreaded "interview," which thank goodness is now tucked away behind us. But nevertheless, a stand-out proposal can really make a good impression, but you really need to spend the time on it. Gather all the information you can on your potential client and incorporate their business, what they are looking for in a support capacity from you, and then what you can offer to solve their problem. I'd much rather go all out than not include enough in a proposal. Make it stand out, and make it shout out "I'm the one for you!"

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Patty

Thanks for the good advice, are you by any chance willing to share your template?

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Abi Onatade (@AssistanceE)
www.assistanceeverywhere.co.uk

Hi, Abi. I cannot figure out how to link my template. If you would like, please feel free to send me an IM so that I can email you the info.

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Patty

Patty I'd love your template if possible too? I'm in the same boat.

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Dani
http://www.danimagestro.com

Hi Patti, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I'd like to view the template you've created as well. It would be helpful for my business as well.

I found this VAF thread How to respond to RFPs (request for proposal) that has a link that shows the format for RFP's. You may find this useful as well.

Riley

Hello, everyone. Here is the link that I used to put together my proposal template. This is a great article, which really gives excellent details on how to put it all together and WHY! I hope this helps everyone.

HOW TO WRITE A SALES PROPOSAL - courtesy of Deborah L. Kluge

Good luck and knock 'em dead (not literally!)

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Patty

Patty, I took a quick glance at the link you shared and it is quite informative. Thanks for sharing. I am sure it will also be helpful to me when I am ready for that stage of my business.

Riley