How to NOT write a client proposal. (And 3 ways to write a GREAT one)

So, there you are. In front of these clients, with a contract that can make you or break you.

Suddenly, they get distracted. You start panting, your palms are sweaty, knees weak, your arms are heavy, Mom's spaghetti.

And then the clients do a checkmate. You notice a few of them are looking at their watches and smartphones. Some are now trying to hide their YAWN!

That's so sweet of them.

You're now desperate for their attention, you need to win them over once again!

You hassle your brain for something. ANYTHING.

It turns around to give you a big fat nothing.

Has this ever happened to you? If yes then don't worry, I got you covered.

Here are some of the common mistakes people make when making their client proposals.

1: Not Editing your proposal for grammar, typos, and other mistakes.

Remember back when you were in school spelling and grammar had a lot of importance.

And you wanted to just shove it to your teacher and tell him that nobody cares about the overuse of too many adverbs.

Well, I got news for you. Your English teacher was right. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, it all means a LOT!

Because from the client's eyes if you can’t even correct your own mistake, you are not right for them. They'll just find someone else for the job.

"Next please"

How can you expect them to take you seriously when your own work is full of problems?

The best way to solve it is to work more on your editing if you have the time. Or if you have enough funds, hire someone to do it for you.

2: Using the SAME template for ALL your proposals.

Listen. I too want to save my time. Everyone does. But that cannot happen at the expense of getting a new client.

The templates are great! We should all use them more often as they will save us a lot of time.

Apart from the client's proposal.

No seriously. It's better to make a custom proposal to suit each client.

Because each client is different. And so is their need.

3: It's not about YOU!

This is by far one of the most common mistakes that I see people do.

Especially the young start-up industry. Oh boy.

Here’s the thing guys.

The client is here because of them. They have a problem and they want to see if you can solve that problem.

The problem can be super specific, or it can be general.

The thing is, your technicality-filled jargon isn't going to help them. It won't create hope, it won't create enthusiasm to work with you.

You need to show the "WHY" behind the "HOW"

They don't care about the "how" as long as it's legal.

Always focus on your client rather than the greatness of your organization.

And soon enough, with a lot of clients, you will reach your bar for greatness.

Thank you.