How can you write a focused proposal?

1 Know your audience

Before you start writing, you need to understand who you are writing for. What are their needs, expectations, and preferences? How can you address their pain points, challenges, or opportunities? How can you tailor your language, tone, and style to suit them? Research your audience and use what you learn to shape your proposal.

2 Define your purpose

Next, you need to define what you want to achieve with your proposal. What is your main goal or objective? What are the specific outcomes or deliverables you are offering? How will you measure your success or impact? Write a clear and concise statement of your purpose that summarizes your offer and its value.

3 Structure your proposal

A good proposal should have a logical and coherent structure that guides the reader through your argument. To start, introduce yourself, your background, and your purpose to capture the reader's attention and interest. Then, describe the current situation, the problem or need that exists, and why it is important to solve or address it. After that, explain how you propose to solve or address the problem or need. Describe your methods, activities, and resources while highlighting your unique features or benefits. Provide evidence or examples that support your solution or approach by showing how you have achieved similar results in the past or how you have tested or validated your idea. Estimate the costs and benefits of your solution or approach by breaking down the expenses and revenues involved. Demonstrate the return on investment or the value for money of your offer. Finally, summarize your main points and restate your purpose. Tell the reader what you want them to do next, such as contact you, sign a contract, or approve a budget.

4 Write clearly and concisely

Your proposal should be easy to read and understand. Use simple and direct language, avoid jargon and technical terms, and explain any acronyms or abbreviations. Write short and clear sentences and paragraphs, and use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to organize your information. Use transitions and connectors to link your ideas and create a smooth flow. Proofread and edit your proposal for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

5 Persuade and engage

Your proposal should not only inform but also persuade and engage your reader. Use positive and confident language, avoid weak or vague words, and emphasize the benefits and advantages of your offer. Use rhetorical devices, such as questions, anecdotes, or testimonials, to appeal to the reader's emotions, values, or interests. Use visuals, such as charts, graphs, or images, to illustrate your points and make your proposal more attractive and memorable.

6 Review and revise

Before submitting your proposal, it's important to review and revise it to ensure it is focused and effective. Ask yourself if your proposal addresses the needs and expectations of your audience, clearly states your purpose and value proposition, has a logical and coherent structure and flow, uses clear and concise language and style, persuades and engages your reader, and follows the guidelines and requirements of the recipient. If you can answer yes to all these questions, you have a focused proposal that is ready to be sent. Otherwise, make the necessary changes until you are satisfied with your proposal.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?