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To conclude this stage, let’s go over a few tips that will help us create a highly effective proposal.
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At this point, we know everything we need to know
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to put together our proposal.
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Once you have this proposal prepared, however,
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you still need to pitch it to the prospective client.
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Even if you have a great proposal, you could still lose the job
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by failing to sell it effectively.
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Here are a few pointers to keep in mind
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that will help you come across as a great partner to work with.
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Understand the client and their goals.
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Even before your first meeting with them,
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do as much research on the company or individual that you can.
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Find out about their history and products or even talk to people
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in your network who may have worked with them before.
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The better you understand your client and their needs,
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the higher the chance of nailing the pitch.
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Show clearly how you're going to help them meet their goals.
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This is the core objective of your proposal.
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Don't explain your solutions with technical jargon.
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Go for simple and understandable language.
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What service will you provide that they don't already have,
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and why are you the best person to provide this solution?
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Remember that brevity is king.
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Think of your proposal in terms of an elevator pitch
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rather than a business document, and it will help you get your point across in fewer words.
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You will save valuable time on your end as well
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by creating a succinct pitch rather than a 20-page proposal.
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And clients, who are as busy as you are, will be more likely to go over it.
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Focus on how you can help them, rather than focusing on price.
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Price is important, of course, but if you're providing a great solution,
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you can convince a client to pay your asking price.
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Don't let price get in the way of your main message.
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And be positive and enthusiastic in all your communication,
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whether over e-mail or in person, and your emotion will shine through.
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Show the client that you are eager to work with them
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and interested in helping them with their problems.
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Finally, tailor the pitch to the client.
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It's okay to initially base your pitches off of a template,
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but make every attempt to tailor them to the client.
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Sending tailored pitches is what will differentiate you from the crowd,
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allow you to connect with that client better,
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and gain their attention.
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Now, once you're done with all of this, follow up.
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If a prospective client doesn't respond within a few days,
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do follow up with them in the form of a polite email.
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People are busy, and there's a chance that your e-mail slipped their mind.
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If you still don't hear back, give it about a week
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and send another follow-up e-mail.
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Now, what are you waiting for?
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Get cracking on those proposals.
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