Written by Ivan Walsh. Follow me on Twitter

Yesterday, we looked at the mistakes to avoid when writing your first business proposal. Now, let’s look at how to do it right.

Be specific. Present a clear idea and a focused plan.

1. Connect your ideas with the client’s needs. Avoid suggesting options, technologies outside the scope of the requirement. Stay focused.
2. Check if staff is in place to help plan and implement the project.
3. Check that all activities are well thought-out and will promote the objectives of the proposal
4. Ensure that the budget and budget narrative reflect and explain all proposed activities.
5. Is the writing clear, grammatically correct, with no typos?
6. Does the proposal follows the RFP’s format requirements? Also called the Invitation To Tender.

Remember: define your audience. If you don’t know who you’re writing for, it’s unlikely you’ll hit the mark.

What’s the main mistake that business writers make when writing their first proposal? The target audience is not clear, the format is incorrect and the tone is wrong. And, the solution doesn’t align with the requirements. So, how you can improve your proposals and win more projects that you bid on? Here are some guidelines to get you started.

Proposal Writing: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes to avoid when writing proposals:

1. Does your description of the solution ramble?
2. Have you provided diagrams that illustrate how it works?
3. Does your budget match the grant requirements?
4. Is the budget narrative too broad?
5. Does the hardcopy of the proposal violate the RFP requirements?
6. Has it been reviewed by your peers?
7. Have all edit been included and reflected in the master copy?

What have I missed?

What are the biggest mistakes that proposal writers make? Please share your thoughts in the comments sections.