Write An Effective Job Proposal

I am simply amazed at the problems some of my colleagues are experiencing regarding writing job proposals for customers. So often I hear that there has been some sort of disagreement between client and service provider, something that can and should be avoided before a project is started. Here are four tips to help you write an effective job proposal letter.

Assume Nothing My junior high English teacher gave his students the real meaning of assume: if you assume something it makes an ass out of you and me: ass-u-me. Leave nothing to chance. When you speak with a client do not assume they understand much of what you have to offer. For instance, I sell website packages. I have learned to spell out everything that I will offer to my customers for a very specific price. If there are any "gray areas" I protect myself by telling customers that certain other expenses will be billed separately. Do not box yourself into a corner and do not pull surprises on your customers as they may think you are trying to cheat them. Keep the lines of communication wide open.

Get It In Writing Save all of your email correspondence with clients including emails you send and emails you receive. Sometimes what is not said verbally is articulated in writing. For example, I write much better than I speak, therefore I am more likely to put my ideas forth via "ink" or "type" than I am to verbalize them. In either case follow up your contact by placing everything in writing. You will need that paper trail in case something goes wrong e.g., a refusal to pay for services rendered.

Make Changes, If Necessary Sometimes projects change as the work goes forward. If it is a minor change, such as cropping a few extra photographs, you can probably "eat" the additional labor. However, if your project increases in size, let's say your clients now want a 12 page website instead of an 8 page site, they need to know that you need to be compensated for the extra work. Specify in your proposal letter that any changes to the project will incur additional charges; remind them of this "clause" should any major change be proposed. Your customer may decide not to go with the larger project after counting the additional costs.

Write a Contract I have done fairly well without contracts. Many of my customers know me quite well, therefore the proposal letter serves as a contract of sorts. I also require my customers to pay me 50% as an advancement; if they walk away from the contract upon completion of my work their website does not get uploaded to the internet. At the very least I have partial compensation for my hard work. Your experience or risk factors may be much different than mine; certainly use contracts if your customers are not well known to you or you do not have a previous business relationship.

In summation, every satisfied customer is a potential referral for new business. Keep those communication lines open and understood and you will garner additional projects because of your sound business practices.

(c)2005; Matthew C Keegan, LLC

Matt Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of topics including aviation, business, customer service, product review, sales, and more. Visit http://www.thearticlewriter.com for additional samples of his work.

---

Definition of Security: Small Business Owner

Yes, that IS security when nobody can downsize you because... Read More

How To Accept Credit Cards

If you plan to do business online, then your website... Read More

Get Free Payroll Forms Download from the Internet

Having a successful business means also having a good working... Read More

Dispute Resolution; Competing With Other Franchisees

If you are in a franchise and have a territory... Read More

Small Business - A Thing Worth Doing Is Worth Doing Badly

A thing worth doing is worth doing badly. Yes I... Read More

Provide Affordable Health Care To Employees At Little To No Cost To You

You can provide affordable health care plans to your employees.... Read More

Mobile Carwash; Senior Citizens and Mobile Homes

Senior citizens are generally not a large marketing segment for... Read More

Increase Productivity and Business Success - Take Responsibility

Are you responsible for your results?What comes to mind when... Read More

Small Business Savvy: Reaching Key Big Business Decision Makers

As a solo entrepreneur or small business owner, one of... Read More

Franchise Company Operations Manual Sample Outline

Many companies wish to expand and a few wish to... Read More

Beginning an Internship Program

CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR INTERN: Specify the number of hours the... Read More

5 Small Business Management Questions to Help Choose Marketing Programs

As small business managers, we juggle limited resources in a... Read More

Small Business Operators - 7 Reasons You Should Change Your Accountant

A recent survey showed that only 28.7% of small business... Read More

Take a Break - Have a Pity Party

Pity parties are nothing new. In fact, we do it... Read More

Do You Really Need a Toll-Free Number for Your Business?

Do You Really Need a Toll-Free Number for Your Business?... Read More

City Wide Garage Sales: Hidden Riches!

Most of us remember going to at least one garage... Read More

Perception: What Are Your Patients REALLY Hearing?

Never underestimate the power of perception! Perception plays a major... Read More

Drivng Home the Point - An Outsourcing Story in China

A few years ago, I visited Beijing for the first... Read More

FFP vs. CPFF Contracts

SBIR Corner: FFP vs. CPFF contracts:In the SBIR/STTR world, the... Read More

Professional House Cleaning - The Dirty Little Secret

Are you tired yet of all the books out there... Read More

Franchisee; Vacation Managing

Do you own a franchised business? Over 400,000 franchised businesses... Read More

Round Pegs In Round Holes: The Amazing Secret of Succeeding in Any Business Every Time!

Success is the desire of everyman on the face of... Read More

Cleaning Grain Silos, Towers, Containers, and Combines

If you run a pressure washing company in a rural... Read More

How to Wash Mobile Homes as a Business

Washing manufactured homes, mobile homes, can be a lucrative and... Read More

Do You Make These 7 Deadly Cash Flow Mistakes?

Managing cash flow is every small business owner's most important... Read More

The Step Zero Effect

The key to organizational focus and helping those who need... Read More

Should I Franchise or Not?

A reader of one of my online sessions asked should... Read More

Expanding Franchisee Advice

Franchisor expansion policies are not as simple as one might... Read More

Mobile Pressure Washing and City Contracts

Many mobile pressure-washing companies turn to government contacts to make... Read More

Starting a Mobile Auto Detailing Business; Dry Wash or Pressure Wash?

Many experienced auto detailing professionals who have started out using... Read More

Increase Your Profits with a Point of Sale (POS) System

Whether you operate a chain of restaurants, a mom-and-pop convenience... Read More

The Advisory Board: A Business Owners Most Valuable Resource

As a company grows, the owner's role begins to change.... Read More

Passion Is Key To A Successful Business

Passion. Passion alone can make your business successful. As an... Read More