Comments on: Job Proposals 101

By: Weekly translation favorites (Oct 7-20)

Weekly translation favorites (Oct 7-20) — Sat, 22 Oct 2016 13:35:04 +0000

[…] What Are KPIs and How to Use Them in Your Small Business? 10 Business Presentation Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) How to Write a Professional Resume Summary Statement What’s new for designers, September 2016 Mailchimp: Essential Email Design Guide 10 simple steps to qualify your clients Job Proposals 101 […]

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 12:05:54 +0000

In reply to Eileen. That's a good addition, Eileen. It also creates a bit of urgency -- not a bad sales feature at all!

By: Eileen

Eileen — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 21:44:53 +0000

Great discussion. I wanted to chime in and say that I put a statement on my proposals that goes something like this: “The terms of this proposal are good for 30 days; after that, the terms are subject to change.” That way, I’m not locked into a price that I might want to raise later for any reason.

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 17:42:42 +0000

In reply to Paula Hendrickson.

Very good point, Paula! One I should have remembered — I’m constantly trying to locate stuff. 🙂

By: Paula Hendrickson

Paula Hendrickson — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 16:25:31 +0000

In reply to Cathy Miller. Great tips, Lori. I've never used any of the Word Templates, but after reading this I think I'll dig into those some more. Another benefit of a stand-alone proposal, instead of including it in an email: it's easier for clients to save and come back to as needed. Easier than searching though email threads for the original email proposal!

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 13:53:51 +0000

In reply to Cathy Miller.

It’s actually quite smart. Those on the fence will say “Well, let’s try the lower priced option” in which case, you’ve got a sale. Then they’ll be satisfied (because you ARE Cathy Miller) and they’ll become repeat customers.

Really smart!

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 11:49:30 +0000

In reply to lwidmer. I would say I use options more often than not, except when the prospect has very specific instructions. Thanks, Lori.

By: lwidmer

lwidmer — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 14:53:10 +0000

In reply to Cathy Miller. That's a great option, Cathy (and I love the new word!). Do you use the optional method with each proposal, or just those who are on the fence? I like your system overall. Sounds quite effective.

By: Cathy Miller

Cathy Miller — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 14:34:10 +0000

I find I tend to give formal proposals more often when the client is either unsure of what all they want to contract for or if they have multiple projects. For the first scenario, I offer options – kind of high/low quote – e.g., Option #1 – A, B, C, Option #2 Perhaps just A, or B or C.

For multiple projects, I provide the scope, timeline, and terms for each project. I customize each proposal with the prospect’s logo/branded colors so it doesn’t look too template – y (how’s that for a new word?) 😉 And, of course, it has my business header, business info.

I don’t give a formal proposal if the client is inquiring about a single, defined project. I do provide a fee range in quotes and all contracted projects receive my Statement of Work, documenting the Scope of Services, Timeline, Fees and Terms.