Writing a Proposal

Learn how to respond to a request for proposal (RFP) and to craft a well-conceived proposal from scratch.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What you should know before watching this course
• Using the exercise files

1. Understanding the Proposal

• An overview of proposal writing
• Reviewing the general purpose of RFP
• Reading the RFP
• Asking questions
• Understanding the time element
• Using charts
• Understanding the reader

2. Types of Proposals

• External solicited
• External unsolicited
• Internal solicited
• Internal unsolicited

3. Responding to an RFP

• Following the writing process
• Using a direct approach
• Following the rules
• Connecting the dots
• Offering more

4. Customizing the Proposal

• Researching the company
• Giving complete and specific answers
• Using the client's jargon
• Being concise
• Constructing a reader-friendly design

5. What to Include

• Overview of proposal parts
• Prefatory parts
• Body parts
• Ending parts
• Appended parts
• Visuals

6. Following Up

• Taking initiative
• Debrief on the outcome

Conclusion

• Next steps