How to Write a Proposal With an Executive Summary & Scope of Work

Use the proposal to show your employer that you can handle the project discussed in the proposal.

Business proposals are often written to present new ideas or approaches to company executives. The proposals can vary in topics, such as marketing ideas or cutting expenses, for example. According to the Capture Planning website, there are no set rules as to what needs to be entailed in a proposal report. Proposal reports will differ depending on the topic being discussed and the company's needs, but there are some generally used structures.

Instructions

1. Write an introduction that discusses the scope of the proposal. For example, explain what the proposal is for, such as a marketing campaign, and explain briefly what the proposal entails. This may vary, but can include a method to implement the campaign, a list of key management people, how the campaign will be staffed and the funding sources. Do not go into details, but simply give the reader an idea of what will be discussed or touched upon in the proposal.

2. Offer a description of the method you will use to execute the marketing campaign. For example, this could include printing brochures, having a product launch party, presenting educational seminars or offering tutorials on the company's website. Each strategy will differ depending on what the proposal is about. According to Capture Planning, the methodology section will also include an implementation schedule.

3. Create a management plan. This plan should illustrate how you will supervise and organize the work suggested in the proposal. For each person mentioned under the management plan, outline their roles in the project and their individual qualifications. To be most convincing, it is important that you show your abilities and the team's capabilities.

4. Include a chart that outlines the contracts and prices involved in the project. Executives would like to see a budget and a potential list of the funding sources. This step will differ greatly for each business depending on the budget available.

5. Write a concluding section. Use this section to explain the benefits of the project and how the proposal answers all questions that may have been raised about the specifics of the project.

6. Write the executive summary. Ensure that you get all of the important points. Go through each section of the proposal and identify the most important points. Rewrite these points in the one-page executive summary. The summary should mention everything important, as some people may only read this section. Insert it after the introduction in the final proposal.

References

• Capture Planning: What Should Go Into a Business Proposal
• Open Wetware: Creating Your Proposal Presentation (PDF)
• IT Toolbox: Proposal Presentation Approach