Question

How do you balance between sending TMI (too much information) versus sending the essentials when sending a proposal?  

Answer 1

Depends on the level of knowledge of the client. Usually they are hiring us because we're the experts. I use an easily digestible language so that they don't feel spoken down to, but at the same time they feel that they have a clear idea of what we will be providing. That makes for a solid set of expectations (that we can meet) and they feel like they are informed and are getting value. It's not about TMI, it's about crafting the proposal based on what is needed for the individual client. Clients that have a base of knowledge on the subject need more information with details vs. clients who know virtually nothing.  

Comments

@legroom the worst I came across was an almost 50 page document crammed with buzz words to make the company sound smart. I wish I had saved it as my team and I were laughing so hard I was actually in tears (this group would have appreciated it). Hundreds of graphs and photos (stock of people with thumbs up, etc). A client brought it to me to show me vs. my 4 page proposal. But thanks to those guys, and others like them, I look so very good. :)

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@legroom just like this.  

Answer 2

Every day we get further from The Light. That's a good question though. When I do a proposal these days I just list off specific services with little explanation but I make the G-doc shareable, then customer can ask questions and I finalize the answers into a "final document. "

Comments

@malefaction Same. The higher the budget the less info required on top sheets. Must have detail when drill down required.  

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Yeah, I literally have a few one pagers. I wish I had more, any time the person signing off doesn't have time to read a second page, I'm getting paid!  

Answer 3

When i send a proposal, the deal should be already closed. Its just an overview of what has been discussed so they know you listened. Recap what was said and scope of work, a little info about the business, maybe some pictures of you or the team, as many testimonials as you can right before the $$$ section

Answer 4

I usually just try to show them enough they're worried their competitor will sign me

Answer 5

I stopped doing proposals years ago. That propelled me to an early semi-retirement. Well, that was part of it.  

Answer 6

OMG this is the funniest picture that I’ve seen in a while. lol

Answer 7

Dude!. Deffo in the top five. Love the way your brain works. :-D

Comments

Purely selfishly. don't ever change.  

Answer 8

Here’s how I do it. I don’t send proposals. I send summaries/agreements based on everything we’ve already discussed (but in the format of a proposal). with a spot for digital signature. No surprises, no wasted time. I use Better Proposals.  

Comments

@burress6370 we’re doing similar and use the proposal as just a summary + contract at the same time. I’ve never been fully confident on this but so far seems to work fine

Answer 9

That kids face is priceless, poor fellow. That image burned into his memory. Shriveled up pecker lol

Answer 10

I knew you’d grab this  I didn’t even have to tag you. I use this to brighten my day when I need a good laugh.  

Answer 11

Does that mean the fella in the blue shirt with the shades is Duck Duck Go?  

Comments

I don't think I'm gonna be able to un-see this meme!  

Answer 12

You balance it the same way a blind man reads. By feel. During the interview, you feel out and determine the clients ability to absorb the info.  

Answer 13

Lol. I’m using proposals currently in basic outline format. It’s where Production also references the deliverables to apply to the campaign - but feel this could be cleaned up. How does your sales team transfer the project to your production team? Just a message and a google doc? Looking for all insights

Answer 14

Good illustration of SEO  

Answer 15

OMG the memes here are the best!  

Answer 16

I'm both at times. we're trying to follow established SOPs, but I am such a damn micro-manager that I like to customize every potential client's interaction with us. Sometimes it's just too much, sometimes people absolutely love the transparency.