Business Proposal

Expressing cause and effect

Use due to and because of to describe a cause. These expressions are always part of a dependent clause.
Notice that, when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause, they are separated by a
comma.
Because of our purchase of Sunset Computers, they have some questions.
They have some questions because of our purchase of Sunset Computers.
Due to the purchase of Sunset Computers, our market share has increased.
Our market share has increased due to the purchase of Sunset Computers.
 

Talking about increases and decreases

Use the present perfect tense to talk about changes that have taken place over a period of time up until
the present. Use the preposition to to express a result. Use the preposition by to express an amount.
Our market share has increased to 23 percent.
Profits have decreased by 15 percent.
 
If there has been no change, you can use the adjective flat.
Sales have been flat.
Use the past simple to talk about results or amounts from a previous time period.
Revenue fell by 8% last year.
Our market share rose to 35% last quarter.
 
Giving opinions
There are many ways to give an opinion. For example, you can use the expressions in my opinion and it's
my feeling (that).
 In my opinion, we could delay the software release.
It's his feeling that we need to cut costs.
You can also use I think and I believe. Remember, that is optional in these clauses.
I don't believe that we should lay off staff.
He thinks a hiring freeze is better than layoffs.

Asking for repetition, clarification and confirmation

Sometimes when you are having a discussion and giving opinions, it might be necessary to ask for
repetition, clarification or confirmation.
Asking for repetition
I'm sorry, could you repeat that?
I'm sorry, but I didn't catch that.
I'm sorry, would you mind repeating that?

Asking for clarification

Do you mean that you think it's a good idea?
Are you saying we should stop the project?
I'm sorry, could you repeat that?
I'm sorry, but I didn't catch that.
I'm sorry, would you mind repeating that?
Do you mean that you think it's a good idea?
Are you saying we should stop the project?

Asking for confirmation

So you think he should be fired?
So, just to confirm, you believe that it's too expensive?
You can also just repeat what the person said.
Half a million?

Clauses with 'propose' and 'suggest'

Use the verbs propose and suggest to make suggestions. Notice that the verbs are followed by
a that clause.
I propose that we delay the database project.
I suggest that we hire a new project manager.

The word that can be omitted, with no change in meaning.

I propose we delay the database project.
I suggest we hire a new project manager.
Opening a proposal
Executive summary
One effective way to begin a business proposal is with an executive summary. Here is a simple way to
structure one.
First, explain the purpose of the proposal.
The purpose of this proposal is to find a new location for our company offices.
Next, summarize the problem your proposal sets out to solve.
Because of falling market share, we have to find a way to generate more sales.

Then, describe what actions have already been taken.

We have reviewed a list of options to find the best solution.
Finally, outline your solution, and explain why you are rejecting other possible solutions.
We are proposing a hiring freeze as the best way to cut expenses.
We are rejecting layoffs as a solution, due to the negative effects it would have on the staff.

Comparing formal and informal language

Generally, informal sentences are shorter, use the pronoun I more often, and contain more personal
opinion. Formal sentences tend to be longer and more neutral. Here are some examples. The informal
version comes first each time.
Stating your purpose
I think we should try to spend less money.
The purpose of this proposal is to outline a plan to cut expenses.
Summarizing the problem
I think we should save more because things are getting more expensive, and sales are poor.
Because of increasing expenses and decreasing sales, the company has identified the need to make savings.
Describing what's been done
I've looked at a few options.
We have reviewed a list of options to find the best solution.
Proposing a solution
I think we should have a hiring freeze. It'll help cut expenses.
We are proposing a hiring freeze as the best way to cut expenses.
Rejecting a solution
I don't think we should lay off anyone because it'll make people very unhappy.
We are rejecting layoffs as a solution, due to the negative effects it will have on staff.
 
Pros & Con
Stating advantages and disadvantages
As part of a business proposal, you will often include an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages, or
the pros and cons, of the proposed solution.
One advantage is lower costs.
Another pro is that revenues will increase.
One con, however, is that we'll need to use staff more efficiently.
A further disadvantage is that projects will not be finished so quickly.

Use adjectives like big and obvious to emphasize the importance of the advantage or disadvantage.

Another big advantage of a hiring freeze is that we can keep morale high.
An obvious advantage is that we don't need to have any layoffs.
 
Conclusion
Concluding a proposal
One simple way to conclude a proposal is to summarize your solution, reiterate its advantages, then
recommend next steps.
Summarizing your solution
In conclusion, a hiring freeze is the best choice for the company right now.
To conclude, we recommend layoffs to cut costs.
Reiterating the advantages
It would lower costs and keep morale high.
The advantages are obvious: Costs would be cut by 50%.