Writing project proposals is not something to take lightly. Your future might depend on whether or not someone approves or funds your project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think people have come to realize that it\u2019s not enough to submit generic content,\u201d Sant says. He believes proposals really need to be about understanding a client\u2019s needs. \u201cIt makes it more persuasive and less of an information dump,\u201d he continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan ahead for writing a project proposal. Clear your schedule and focus. Know who will be writing the proposal. Will it be one person or several people? Who will edit the final proposal, so it has one voice and a consistent message? Is someone gathering all of the information and data you need?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe key is organizing before you write. If you organize your thoughts, that goes a long way when writing proposals,\u201d Harris emphasizes. Don\u2019t just cut and paste from other proposals and don\u2019t write just to write. \u201cYou need to go into it thinking you are going to win it. Bid on things you can win,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gather your resources and know what you need. Set timelines and assign tasks. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and in what time frame. Research the topic you\u2019re proposing. Make sure you know and respect the specific requirements for the proposal, especially deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harris says APMP puts out RFPs several times each year and receives many proposals. Often, if a proposal is due at 5:00 pm EST on a Friday, some people turn it in on Monday morning, thinking the deadline is not important. Being late disqualifies the proposal. \u201cYou have to be logical. If you miss the deadline for turning in a proposal, why should I think you will meet the deadlines in the proposal?\u201d Harris explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you are almost ready to write, outline the proposal and get peer feedback during this and other stages of writing the project proposal. It\u2019s better to know sooner rather than later if someone does not agree with what you are proposing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use headers for the sections of the proposal, since some people pan and scan it. If there are charts, images, or graphs, make sure they look good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for the writing itself, be sure to do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sant talks about writing style by explaining three types of words to avoid: \u201cfluff, gruff, and weasel words.\u201d Sant explains fluff words as the unnecessary words, like game-changing, world-class, synergistic, state-of-the-art, best, uniquely qualified, robust, innovative, etc. \u201cThe more you use fluff words, the less the reader trusts you. They don\u2019t mean anything,\u201d Sant says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gruff words are the confusing and large words often used in academic and legal documents, and they do not impress a reader. \u201cThat\u2019s writing in which the goal isn\u2019t to communicate, but to intimidate,\u201d Sant explains. \u201cWe want the writing to be clear. Sentences should be 15 to 18 words. Complicated and complex language communicates complex and complicated projects,\u201d he offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sant says weasel words are the ones writers often use to camouflage uncertainty. That uncertainty comes across to the reader, leaving them to wonder if the project will work or not. Examples of weasel phrases are may, could, and might.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In case different people review different sections of the proposal, make sure each section can stand alone. Don\u2019t assume a reviewer has read all the previous sections of your proposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Harris suggests looking for ways to make the proposal visually appealing, like using charts, graphics, timelines, and diagrams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Think about what success will look like after the project is finished and make sure that positivity gets into the proposal itself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Writing project proposals is not something to take lightly. Your future might depend on whether or not someone approves or funds your project. \u201cI think people have come to realize that it\u2019s not enough to submit generic content,\u201d Sant says. He believes proposals really need to be about understanding a client\u2019s needs. \u201cIt makes it …<\/p>\n