For Subscribers

Decent Proposals

It's time to put an offer on the table. But first, you have to write one.

By Barry Farber

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

As an entrepreneur who writes proposals all the time, here's the one universal truth I can tell you about them: No two proposals are ever the same. When my literary agency has to write a book proposal, it can run 50 to 60 pages. When putting together a keynote speech, my proposal is a one-pager. For the Diamond Group, the company through which I license products, my proposals go into great detail and are extremely lengthy. So if you were to ask how long a good proposal should be, my answer would be "It depends."

But a proposal's effectiveness is not judged by its weight, or even by what is written on the paper. A proposal's effectiveness is based solely on the value you bring to the table. When you do your initial presentation, that's part of your proposal. When you meet your prospects for the first time, shake hands and talk about their kids, that's part of the proposal. When you start listening and asking questions, that's part of the proposal. Because when it comes down to putting something on paper, no matter which way you do it, all these other elements come into play. What you're proposing is the framework for a relationship. Sometimes, when the relationship is complicated by technical issues, a long proposal is necessary to help the prospect make a decision. Other times, the proposal's purpose is simply to make sure everybody is on the same page.

Continue reading this article — and all of our other premium content with Entrepreneur+

For just $5, you can get unlimited access to all Entrepreneur’s premium content. You’ll find:

  • Digestible insight on how to be a better entrepreneur and leader
  • Lessons for starting and growing a business from our expert network of CEOs and founders
  • Meaningful content to help you make sharper decisions
  • Business and life hacks to help you stay ahead of the curve

Editor's Pick

This 61-Year-Old Grandma Who Made $35,000 in the Medical Field Now Earns 7 Figures in Retirement
A 'Quiet Promotion' Will Cost You a Lot — Use This Expert's 4-Step Strategy to Avoid It
3 Red Flags on Your LinkedIn Profile That Scare Clients Away
'Everyone Is Freaking Out.' What's Going On With Silicon Valley Bank? Federal Government Takes Control.
Leadership

How to Detect a Liar in Seconds Using Nonverbal Communication

There are many ways to understand if someone is not honest with you. The following signs do not even require words and are all nonverbal queues.

Living

Get the Best Price Online for This Dog Health Test

This simple test includes insights into 20 areas of a dog's health.

Living

3 Daily Habits That Will Positively Affect and Protect Your Mental Health

Starting simple with daily habits can work wonders in improving your mental health.

Celebrity Entrepreneurs

'I Dreaded Falling in Love.' Rupert Murdoch Is Getting Hitched for the Fifth Time.

The 92-year-old media tycoon announces he will wed former San Francisco police chaplain Ann Lesley Smith.

Living

Are Co-Working Spaces Worth the Money?

Here's how to determine if a co-working membership is right for you.