The Client Proposal

1. The Client Proposal 9.24.2012

2. Email of Transmittal • You’ll need to email your proposal to your client • The email should: • Explain the research you completed to write the proposal (BRIEFLY!) • Explain to your client how to understand the proposal (a guide) • Politely request feedback within one week • Be concise and use full block format • Also remember, especially if your client has already picked out your deliverable, explain to them why this proposal is important.

3. Writing Proper Emails • Don’t forget attachments! • Avoid text message language • As always, create a specific and purposeful subject line • Be aware of tone (remember not only your audience but your own subject position) • Use/create your professional signature (let’s discuss)

4. Parts of the Proposal • Title Page • Table of Contents *(depends on length of proposal) • Abstract • Need Statement • Project Description • Plan & Progress Checks • Budget

5. Title Page • Include the following: • Proposal title • Group member’s names • Date (when the proposal was completed) • Graphic

6. Need Statement • Identify mission of client • Remember: intangible! • Explain primary need related to mission • Support this with evidence from your research

7. Project Description • Describe your vision for the deliverable • Explain why the deliverable will meet the client’s need • Support your vision and claims with data from the interview, sample documents you collected, etc. • Explain what you will do in class and outside of class to complete the deliverable • It will help to emphasize the target audience for the deliverable and how this will appeal to that audience • Explain your VISION for the deliverable, making it COINCIDE with the client’s vision

8. Plan & Progress Checks • This is your Step-by-Step plan for HOW you will produce the deliverable • Provide a written explanation and a visual (we will look at examples in class) • You will need to research what software programs you can use to produce these deliverables, if applicable, and you can include the time you’ll put into learning that program into your timeline.

9. Budget • The budget details the resource expenditures OF YOUR CLIENT based on your proposed deliverable • Your person hours are counted for (class credit and experience) • But, you need to consider time, materials, maintenance, etc. *I will provide a separate handout in class about budgets.* • YOU are NOT expected to spend money on this project. Clients are aware that you will provide them an electronic (and perhaps one print copy) version of the deliverable. It is up to them to pay for printing costs, etc., if they choose to use your deliverable.

10. Tips for Budgets • JUSTIFY your numbers! • For example, if you quote $30 for printer ink, what TYPE of printer ink are did you get a quote for, and where did you get the quote from (Office Depot online, etc. • Think through the whole process • For example, if you’re creating a brochure, who’s going to fold 100 copies of the brochure?

11. Style • Remember to use an appropriate tone (neither too formal nor too conversational) • Use an effective, clear design • Remember that writing is a PROCESS—brainstorm, outline, revise, proofread!

12. Reminders • Once you submit the proposal, you will politely ask for a response within one week • You will be required to revise the proposal and resubmit it within one week if revisions are to be made; otherwise, you can start your deliverable! • CC me on all correspondence between your group, between your group and clients, etc. I need to stay in the loop. • Proposals are due on October 10th

13. “Gobbledygook” • What is gobbledygook?

14. Activity • You will be handed a sample student proposal. Working in groups of three, you will do the following: • Revise for “gobbledygook” • Indicate three (3) areas that need improvement • Indicate two (2) things the student does well