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Marketing

How to write a business proposal executive summary

January 18, 2018

The executive summary of your business proposal summarizes your entire proposal in 1-2 pages. It's an overview of the most important points covered in your business proposal. The executive summary makes it quick and easy for your potential client to gain an insight into what you are offering them and why it will benefit them to do business with you.

Before writing your executive summary, you will first need to write your business proposal. Once you have completed your business proposal, use the following outline as your guide for writing the executive summary.

 

Discuss your company

Describe the history of your company, your industry, the location of your corporate headquarters, and the number of employees who work at your company. Keep this section short and about 1-2 paragraphs.

 

Discuss your expertise

Explain your industry expertise, similar projects you have worked on, any industry awards you have received, and a list of your key clients.

In this section you want to grab the interest and respect of the reader by referring to 1-2 projects that you have successfully completed that were very similar to this potential client's project. They want to know that you have successfully helped similar companies with similar projects. Try to keep this section to 2-3 paragraphs. Remember that this is just a quick summary. Save the in-depth details for your business proposal.

 

Discuss the benefits of your product or service

In this section you want to describe the product and or service you want to sell to this potential client. Mention key customers, partners, and why your product or service is the absolute best solution to this potential client's needs. Explain the benefits the client will receive, the return on investment they will receive, and whether there are any risks involved.

If your business proposal is in response to their Request for Proposal (RFP). explain how your product or service will address their exact problem or need as it was detailed in their RFP. This will prove that you read and understood their Request For Proposal and that your proposed solution perfectly matches their needs. Try to keep this section to four paragraphs or less.

 

Discuss your implementation plan

In 1-2 paragraphs explain how the solution you are offering will be delivered to the client. This can include stating an estimated number of person-days, such as the project will be completed in 30-days with our five person team using XYZ technology, and in coordination with a lead project manager at your facility. 

 

Summarize Your Key Selling Points

In 1-2 paragraphs conclude your executive summary by restating your main selling points -- the favorable end result benefits and return on investment the client will receive by doing business with your company. Show confidence that you will provide the exact solution they want and need. The client needs to believe that you will truly help them, and that working with your company will be a positive and financially beneficial experience. They need to trust that you will deliver on your promise and that they are making a smart business decision by doing business with you.

In closing, your executive summary should be a high-level overview of your business proposal and how your company will help their company.

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