Free tool · Proposal Structure Template · about 30 minutes Eight sections. One page.

Answer eight prompts and the page assembles a proposal outline that opens with the buyer's problem, offers two options and ends on one next step. Copy it into your own document.

Eight sections

Two options

Vague-word check

No sign-up

1 · Their situation

In their words (Their situation)

2 · What success looks like

A result, a date and a measure (Success)

3 · Our approach

Three to five steps, naming the method (Our approach)

4 · Scope

Included (Included)Not included (Not included)

5 · Timeline

Milestones with dates, including what you need from them (Timeline)

6 · Investment: two options

Option A: core scope (Option A)Option A fee and one sentence of reasoning (Option A fee)Option B: fuller scope (Option B)Option B fee and what it adds (Option B fee)

7 · Proof

One or two relevant results with measure and period, or a pilot offer (Proof)

8 · Next step

One action and a date (Next step)

This is an outline, not a contract. Have contracts reviewed by a qualified professional and make sure the two documents agree. Nothing you type leaves this page.

Your proposal outline

Then test it

Send it within 48 hours. Expand each section in your own document, keep the order, and read the first page aloud: if it describes your company better than their problem, rewrite it.

The method is in The Brand Code: Your Proposal Is Your Brand’s Final Exam, How to Write a Consulting Proposal That Gets Signed and Proposal Structure Template. For the fees, use the Value Pricing Worksheet.

Questions

What should a consulting proposal include?

The buyer's situation, what success looks like, your approach, scope and exclusions, a timeline, two priced options, relevant proof and one next step with a date.

Why offer two options?

Choosing between two versions of yes is easier than choosing yes or no, and it lets the buyer decide how much to spend.

How long should it be?

Three to six pages for most consulting work. The outline is the skeleton.

How soon should I send it?

Within 48 hours of the conversation, sooner if you can. Speed is part of the brand.

Is my outline saved?

Only in your browser, on this device. Nothing is sent to us.

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Next step

A proposal confirms a position.

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