How To Write a Business Proposal and Other Marketing Documents

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If you do the due diligence on the fact base then the rest of the marketing plan will fall into place. I think you need to advertise in some new way, do something innovative that none of your competitor did or does. Would u help me in starting a new business?? But there are many competences in market. Will swot analysis actually help me in deciding whether to sart a business or invest in other sector??

A SWOT should be done however I would do it as part of the thinking regarding competitors etc and then the SWOT helps you to develop your objectives, strategies and tactics. Should you start to analyze your internal strengths and weaknesses? And then proceed to look at the external opportunities and threats? My goal is to create an e-pamphlet. Your project sounds very interesting. I always do the strengths and weaknesses first and then opportunitiies and threats.

It is just they way I was tought in companies and I find it easier. That said the SWOT I believe should be done after a market review including competitors and business review, including customers is completed. That way you have the information and focus to develop a simple SWOT and it is not done in isolation. And Susan, thanks for suggesting the budget and timing additions. What I want is a Killer one-page template. Hi Susan, the documents should all be available. I just tried them again. Let me send them to you via email.

Out of the 2 you presented, I like the second one better. I love your idea but i need to know how i can find the one page marketing plan so that i can use it in my job , could you please help me by sending the page formate to me. It should be based on the results of your market research, SWOT analysis, etc. You want to create a tool that will actually be used! Another thing to remember is to focus on the customer. Trying to fit your idea, product, or service to a market is difficult at best.

It is one of the reasons we see so many flops. The business that starts and ends with the customer thrives. This is especially true in economic slowdowns. I have tried a lot of marketing plans. I love the concept of the one page plan to use as a guideline, but I would need a little more detail behind it.

For instance, your sample plan for Paws, the pet business, talks about using printed collateral. Ivana, how do you recommend that we break down various parts of the one-plan and have more detail behind them? I love the different approaches on the 1-page marketing plan. I really liked both templates. I gave this much thought today. Every situation is different, which is why entrepreneurship requires flexibility. These are great starting points and can be modified as needed. Thanks for the tip.

Thanks for your wise comment. I looked at your site and found it interesting. Perhaps it was a typo? Amanda — Here is how I break down my plan. The SWOT process forces a lot of research and analysis.

Then I list the 3 key strategies under that. Under each strategy I break out more activities and measurables, and so on. For some reason, I really like this simple format as well. The last thing I do is convert some of these activities into task items that end up in my Outlook tasks and Calemdar. Ivana, You wrote on June Financing is key to making your plans successful. Very nice list to start. Originally just to do it, but later I got licensed to teach it.

On one page you have product: I actually enjoy the planning part of marketing and look forward to checking out your downloads. Man, what value there is in simplicity! I LIKE the simple plans you offer in your templates. KISS is the motto we live by. I had seen somehting similar awhile ago, and had lost track of it.

Nice to have it again. I have linked to this post from my blog, because I think this is something my readers will find valuable as well. Ah, it is up to the business owner to know what the critical marketing issues are for his or her business. The owner should be staying up on the issues in their industry and where their company fits in. I like to start with conversations with the owner, not an analysis.

Thanks, Just in time marketing help. I am meeting with a new marketing candidate next week as will use this a sumation tool to open discussions with this peron as to the thinking, process and value brought to our organization. Hi, the download links are down, hoping you can make the files available for downloading again. Website not designed yet, as still doing due diligence on product to offer.

Please let me know when your site is ready for downloading links again. Thanks Dennis at RetailSmart for the matrix idea. Thanks for the posts. I like to do what is typically described as an executive summary with SWOT anaylsis. The SWOT helps to identify gaps in the marketplace which can be business opportunities or gaps in your business. It is also imperative to do to create and align products for customers. SWOT is your reality check and then you plan based upon the results of it.

And the most important part of the plan in my opinion is the positioning statement because it is the marketing plan boiled down to its essence. Here is my favorite template for a positioning statement modified from Harry Beckwith with some Scott Bedbury thrown in:. If you do a good job on this part you can derive a brand mantra from your consumer promise: The best place to spend the best days of your life. Here are two matrices that I use for at-a-glance communication for running a campaign.

The first has a summary of your strategy at top your one page marketing plan would precede this Date Goal one sentence Contacts Budget Notes Positioning one sentence Related Research or Statisctics one sentence Target Audience one sentence Currrent one sentence. It helps align tactics to strategy. Across the top you have: At the top it has: The grid cells under the communication targets just have bullets showing who gets what kind of communication. This matrix help sales communications, determine quantities, timing, and internal training required.

Email me if you want sample docs at: Keep it simple, silly! Charts and checklists can cover up a weak core idea…and the lack of charts and checklists can prevent a strong core idea from being implemented. It is the ability to conduct dialogue between the two modes of thought — creative and technical — that makes you an entrepreneur…or a CEO.

Thanks for this great article about an easy marketing plan to use.

I especially think the templates will be helpful to those just starting out. I have shared this article with my readers on my website: If I could get them emailed to me, that would be great. I was seeking a short marketing plan. I think I will combine the 2. I recently wrote a trimester plan that took me about a month. With additional training I was asked to write a business plan. Great for the templates!

You are absolutely correct when it comes to planning and most businesses would rather do without. But the proper planning can mean all the difference in the world.

Hello, My name is Dr. L M Foong, PhD. I was retired 2 months ago and now building a Marketing Plan Template blog to share my knowledge. I can across your website and found something of value add to my visitor. I wonder if you have affiliate program for me to put it on my blog. Would be pleased if you review my blog for suitability.

Marketing Plan Example

Nice, This really has help me out with the way i am running my business thank you this information I will pass it on and put it to good use. Thanks for the templates. Even after years of being in the business with my team, it is always good to be nicely reminded that brevity is much welcome.

A one-pager is easier to digest. When one is forced to be concise, one needs to think things through thoroughly! Thank you for giving us the downloads and samples. This is just the article that I was looking for. Thanks for posting this on your site. Could you mail them to me please. Good day to everyone who has left a said comment. I agree a SWOT analysis will be the ideal thing to do first. This will indeed lead to a gap analysis that will also help in your solving your said problem.

I love these 1 page plans. Thank you for sharing these plans. These are simple enough and straight forward enough, that anyone can use them. One pagers are great! I would also remind people that beside the action item, they also say who is responsible for execution so that people can be held accountable. Thanks for the info and the templates. Failing to plan really is the same as planning to fail. Hi Ivana, Thank you for posting this. I was offered a sponsor proposal to help me help preteens and youth develop in the areas of personal development and strengthening their compassion.

He asked for a marketing plan. I went on line looking for a guide, something I could use that would not overwhelm him, and make it easy for him to help offer my book, coaching, a soon to be released guide book and another series. With so much to offer, I had to have simple. Again, Thank you so much!

Thanks for generosity to share them with us! Most unsuccessful businesses have one common weakness: Marketing is no different.

A One Page Marketing Plan Anyone Can Use - Small Business Trends

Thank you for these useful tips and samples, Ivana! I agree with you, proper planning is very important for positioning your brand well. I have been looking for a simple template to give my clients who are new with the concept of marketing planning. I have now a host of long. Your templates are simple, but require that the user put some real effort into thinking of the marketing answers. Thanks for sharing these gems. I think the one pager is a little brief and does not cover many of the basic items of a business plan, well at least in much detail.

Business plans and objectives change though so perhaps it is easier to keep updated. This site listed above information was really very helpful for me. Thanks for sharing brilliant info here. But can you please tell me Why a Marketing Strategy is Important and what kind of things we have to consider in Marketing Plan? This plan will come in handy as I also hate complex plans that end up being difficult to implement.

I did not read all the comments but just a few from the Top. Well, I had some feedback as well.. This takes Time,Effort and some creativity. And if you can do it once, you can do it many times. And just to highlight my view, the reason you made a one page plan is because you might have thought about the complexity involved in the Multi page detailed marketing plan.

So for me its not about that you dont know, but its just that You know enough.

It is my first on this page. Just keep me posted with your other releases. I am a student in one of the college in Cavite, Phil. We have a reserch for Marketing Plan Outline. Can I have a Marketing Plan with example to guide our reserh.

Downloaded both of them. I like to make marketing simple too. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I thank everyone who contrinuted in this discussion and especially the authur. This is one of the most quick gotten solutions i ever had on google search. These templates are good. This is the first time I am seeing such a compact marketing plan. I feel the 2nd template seems to be more practical. You have also provided a sample marketing plan which makes it more clear. People who are planning to start a business or who are already into it, can use this template to properly identify their customers, strategy and distribution.

This gives a proper sense of direction. If a business owner can fill this template properly and is satisfied, then progress is a matter of implementation. I agree that page plans — which can be quite applicable for major corporations — are not a necessity for smaller firms. A one-pager might even be useful for top execs, but not for their entire organization. SWOT analysis can be a valuable tool and is also quick and easy to do.

And, as much as no one likes to do any research, it is important that we all know what is going on in the world around us that can make or break our company. The results of planning and implementing the plan can move a company forward on a clear track for success. These templates are great start for every newbie. The content in one page marketing so do not rush. Take your time and write the exact words that will motivate their readers to do what you want. These marketing plans help me consult with others who know nothing about marketing.

It cuts out all the technical language and help my clients understand how they can do their part in the marketing. Nice and simple just what I was looking for… many thanks! I was using Smart Sheet with Google Docs but the marketing plan was just too complicated. Thanks a lot, Before getting this I was very confused to make a multipager marketing plan as I am very new in marketing. Now I can keep experimenting over you plan and make it relevant much for my products.

Thank you for this simple tool. I have created many plans, but I was really looking for a quick version. I will keep you posted. I like the idea of a 2 page think your one page is a bit too brief plan. However, I see it more as the starting pointfor a small business so the owner looks at the bigger picture. This needs to outline what exactly is being done when and costed properly. About 20 years ago, I found a more detailed version along these lines in a Marketing Management book that Kotler wrote and I think the principles are still valid. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to use this format as a place to put their main thoughts so that they can cross-reference and focus on what the strategies are.

Thanks a lot for sharing those resources Ivana! People told I need to have a one page marketing plan but I honestly had no idea what they looked like or what should be on one!! This is very helpful. I write a lot of business plans for people and when it comes to my business I dread lengthy documents. This marketing plan is just what I needed. Thank goodness your post showed up on Google on the 1st page! The worst thing someone can do is fall victim to information overload. Simple steps can earn a person a nice living working just part time from home.

And Facebook is a great place for many of these quick and easy steps. Thank you so much for this information. One page marketing plans are great to stay focused on your goals and strategies — BIG fan of putting it on paper. Of course they come in all shapes and sizes… I have several very simple free plan templates that help you build strategy, tactics and track on a calendar: Can you guys help me out?

I have just started my own homoeopathy clinic in a suburb in melbourne about 2 weeks ago. I am not sure if you guys are aware but i will just share some info on homoeopathy.

A process called case taking that lasts for an hour and a half unfolds the case history and unearths facts that help to prescribe a medicine. Thanks for free templates, it is good to have marketing plan. I have a small web design business in India. This means fully understanding the client and clearing up any confusion in the RFP. To help in this process, you should call and get answers to the following: Why did they fail? What criteria the client will use when evaluating a business proposal.

Whether the organization has any concerns. You want to make sure your proposal is consistent with these policies. You want your business proposal to be readable. This means that the font should be in a size and style that the reader is comfortable with. Generally, you can use Times New Roman 12 point. You can also look for sample proposals used in your industry.

There are also business proposal templates online. Using one can make your business proposal look professional. Add a title page. You should have a title page as the cover to your business proposal. The title page should include the following information: Introduce the problem or business need. A business proposal identifies a problem and proposes a solution. Currently, all accounting is done by management, which must devote increasing amounts of time to accounting. By outsourcing this task, management can focus on other business priorities, such as marketing and entering new markets.

Provide context if necessary. You might need to explain context so that the reader understands the proposal. For example, you may need to identify the following for the reader: Whether someone asked you to write the business proposal. How you became involved in the project or aware of the problem.

Define any key terms. Although your business proposal should be written in simple and clear language, there may be terms that you need to define for the reader. However, the person who makes the ultimate decision might not be as familiar with industry terms. You can draft the business proposal first and then go through to identify any terms that might be unclear to the reader. Also define terms if you are using them in a unique way. Offer a roadmap for the proposal.

If you have a long business proposal, then you might want to offer an overview of what follows the introduction. After this introduction, we offer the proposed solution, timetable, and an explanation of benefits in Part II. In Part III, we provide an itemized budget and a set of standard contract terms. Finally, in Part IV, we summarize our experience and confirm that our proposed solution is the correct course of conduct. Propose a detailed solution.

After identifying a problem, you must tell the reader how you intend to solve the problem. Try to be as detailed as possible. For example, you could write: We can provide complete service in the following areas: Explain the benefits of your solution. There may be different ways to solve a problem, so you want to explain why your reason is the best. You can use bullet points to list out the benefits. Common benefits include a cost savings to the business, confidentiality, and professional expertise. Remember to justify your expected benefits with evidence.

For example, you could rely on studies that show the benefits of following your proposed solution. For example, a former client could offer testimony that you saved their business money. Lay out your task schedule. You need to explain the timeline for completing tasks. You can lay out certain milestones. For example, if you propose to remodel a store, then you should include the date that you will start and when the store will be ready to reopen.

In the construction example, you might be slowed down by having to obtain the necessary permits from the local government or by relying on a subcontractor. The budget may be the most important part of the business proposal. The reader needs to know whether they can afford your services, so you should include information about pricing.

A One Page Marketing Plan Anyone Can Use

For example, you might want to add up the anticipated budget and then multiply by 1. You should also include key contract terms so that the reader will understand more about the agreement they are entering. For example, you could include information such as the following: There are no pre-payment penalties. Identify your relevant experience.

You want the reader to have confidence that you can follow through and implement the business plan. You may be limited in what you can share by client confidentiality agreements. Nevertheless, you can talk about prior experience in general terms.

Describe who you will bring onto the project. You might not be able to do everything. In this situation, you need to explain who you will hire to help you and how. Also explain how you will guarantee that they are competent. If you know who you will hire, then you should include their resumes along with the business proposal.

Discuss any anticipated opposition. Some business proposals might face opposition. For example, if your business proposal is to help a business by identifying which employees they could fire, then you can expect opposition to arise. Also, if you propose to help the company rebrand, then others in the company might object.

You need to identify and then counter any anticipated opposition: Discuss the likelihood of the opposition arising. In the conclusion, you should restate the benefits of your proposal. You might also want to include a deadline for the prospective client to respond and hire you.

If you refer to studies or other sources in your business proposal, then you will need to cite them at the end. You should format them using a well-known style, such as APA style. Revise your business proposal. Set aside your draft for a day or two and then review it. Look for typos and dropped words. To catch typos and missing words, you can read the document beginning at the end. Read the last sentence and then read the sentence before that. Work your way toward the beginning. Also play close attention to your numbers and make sure they are accurate.

Shorten the proposal, if necessary. Ideally, someone should be able to read your business proposal in eight minutes. If it takes longer than that, then try to move as much material into an appendix. Sample Proposal for Safety Measure. Sample Proposal for Cost Savings. What should I include when writing a business proposal seeking funding for a project? You really want to write a business plan, not a business proposal.

A business plan will include information about your products or services, your market analysis, and your financing needs. You should read an article on drafting a business plan.

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