The Money Cam

Photography business proposals are often required when trying to land a larger customer. They are time consuming, difficult, and overall a pain to create.

These 5 tips should get you started in the right direction, however:

1. Ask your customer what exactly they want

• As simple as that sounds, it’s true. Most of the time a template type business proposal just won’t do it for a larger client. A business proposal is meant to impress, and answer any client questions. Thus, each proposal is different. While in your meeting or on the phone, squeeze out as many questions as you can, this will give you great content for your proposal. This means asking open ended questions and letting them do the talking.

2. Reference other Industries

• I know I just said that templates just won’t do, but referencing other industries can be a great way to get some inspiration for out of the box type questions that your prospective client may have.

3. Write an outline, then refine.

• I like to jot everything down, and sometimes even make a flowchart or mind map in order to get all of my ideas out onto the table. Then I can organize them into the best possible arrangement. One that makes the most sense and is logical to the customer.

4. Have someone else read over it.

• Proof reading your own work is a no-no. You will always understand what you wrote better than someone who isn’t accustomed to your style. Make sure that the average person can understand you.. if they can’t, the client cant. Often times you’ll get tied up in industry lingo that won’t mean a thing to your prospect, and you’ll lose the deal because of it.

5. Presentation is KING

• Spend the extra buck for a nice folder, nice paper, and make sure your presentation says “WOW, Look at me!”