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Many business owners or entrepreneurs face the daunting task of writing a business proposal.

Business proposals should not be confused with business plans, which are something completely different. A business plan is a comprehensive blueprint you create when starting a business. You will need to create a business plan if you are approaching a financial institution or other lender requesting a loan to finance your start-up or existing business.

A business proposal is a document outlining a business project or arrangement that you are offering to another party.

In some situations, you can respond to an RFP (Request for Proposal). In the case of a tender, another company, organization, or perhaps a government agency has asked companies or individuals to submit a written commercial offer for the supply of goods or services that the issuer wishes to buy. In most cases, the issuer will provide documents describing how to constitute the commercial offer. You respect this directive when preparing your documents. Formally writing a business proposal can be a complex and time-consuming undertaking.

Other business offers are written in situations where one party wishes to make an unsolicited offer to another party. In this case, the business proposal is less formal than the RFP version above, but still clear and concise, and includes specific categories of information.

When writing such a business proposal, you should describe in detail the exact nature of your proposal. Your writing should be clear enough for the reader to understand exactly what you’re offering, why you’re offering it, and how it will benefit them. Please note that unlike the RFP above, this recipient has not identified a need or expressed an interest in the goods or services you intend to offer. You’re selling them the concept behind your proposal, so be sure to list all the ways they can benefit from the proposed business.

Second, you are not just selling the concept to the recipient, you must also sell them the fact that you or your business are a competitor’s best possible choice to offer those goods or services.

After all, you don’t want the recipient to read the proposal, decide it’s a good idea, but think someone other than you should get the job.

Your proposal should also include a budget for the project, information on how you plan to provide the goods or services, your schedule, your availability, and your requirements for the recipient if they accept the proposal.

List the main categories you want to include in your proposal. Determine the main points you want to emphasize, then write the proposal with this outline. Include any supporting information you have, such as Testimonials from satisfied customers, research papers supporting your proposal, etc.

And remember, when you’re writing a business proposal, your goal is to get an interview. Meeting face to face is your best chance to sell the concept and yourself.