Generate the documents for your client. Replace the tags with your business and client-specific information and save the documents for each client. Since there is no one-size-fits-all solution for generating a proposal package, pick and choose the documents from this kit as needed. The larger the project, the more documentation and design is required to be successful. Small business sites can be designed and estimated in less than an hour once you are familiar with the materials. Some of the most important documents are the proposal executive summary and the web development contract (in the Standard and Pro versions) which are designed to give you and your client the most protection. There are many tips in the kit materials such as protecting yourself against a non-paying client after developing all or part of their project. By getting partial payment up-front, the client has a financial stake in the project and the contract binds them legally. Beginners often work on faith, only to be stiffed in the end at times. With no contract or financial stake, there is little incentive for the client to pay your development fees if for some reason the client backs out of the project. Years of consulting has shown that clients do not always pay if there is no obligation on their part. Even with a contract, there is always a risk that the client will not make the final payment The development milestones and contract documents are written to cover this common problem. The larger the project, the more milestones and payments should be built in.

You must make a connection with your client on a different level. You want the client's business, translated "what's in it for me?". The client is concerned about his own issues, translated "what's in it for them?".

The connection is bridged by helping the client realize he needs the expertise only you can provide. This is one of the most important concepts outlined in the all-time best seller "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. We recommend this book to everyone.

Our Proposal Kits are designed to impress your client and show them that you put their interests first. This is done by protecting them (and yourself) with a detailed contract, offering them numerous ideas for marketing their business, and by extensively interviewing them to determine and understand their needs. Stress what is important to them and the success of their business and that you are taking the time to understand their needs and business.

No matter how expensive a proposal system you license, no system will write your proposals for you. You still have to research and interview your prospect, design the solution, write the content, and put it in writing. Proposal Kit contains more material than automated systems from other companies which cost thousands of dollars. Proposal Kit is the only comprehensive proposal AND contract management system for individuals and small businesses in computer related fields.

There are a variety of ways to merge data into the proposal templates.

• With plain text:

  The easiest (and non-automated) method is to highlight the text of the tag and manually over type with your data or do a search and replace using your word processor.

• With Proposal Pack Wizard:

The Proposal Pack Wizard software has a built in contact manager and Mail Merge Wizard. This is the best option available. The Wizard is completely automated and self contained and is the fastest and easiest method to use.

• Use your word processor's proprietary mail merge:

  Once you have opened a document and picked your data source (i.e. an external file, database, e-mail program, CRM system) you can replace our tags with your data source's tags then save the document. Every time you create a new proposal you can merge data from your unique data source. Consult your word processor help system for details on how to connect a document to a data source and insert proprietary merge tags into a document. Use this method to replace our plain text tags and integrate our documents directly with other systems.

 

Depending on how complex your proposal is and the size of your prospect's business, create documents to suit that specific proposal. For example, a small 5 page mom and pop business does not need a 30 page proposal with the works. Just include a cover letter and short form one page contract with payment terms. A complex project will require detailed specifications, site storyboards, milestones, comprehensive contract, restatement of the interview worksheet information, execute summary, title page, table of contents and more marketing information to help pitch the job.

There are a number of complete samples included in the Proposal Kit and Proposal Pack products. The samples also include documentation on how the final proposal was created using the kit materials and background information about the project.

You can also order pre-formatted professionally designed variations on the proposal templates with our Proposal Packs. Each pack contains a large collection of documents, templates and sample proposals ready to use as-is. Just drop in your custom information. We even include the original artwork files so you can quickly and easily extend and modify the look and feel of the packs.

 

Continue to : Delivering your proposals

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