Proposal Software?

Full disclosure: I created an app for this (check out mimiran.com).

I wrote it because I was frustrated with a few aspects of the Word -> PDF -> Email -> Collaboration workflow.

First, creating proposals is usually 25-75% custom, with the rest copied and pasted from other proposals. I wanted to make it easier to automate the repetitive part, while also automating insertion of customer names, product descriptions, etc. For some people, this isn't a big deal, but it's really nice if you have detailed product descriptions with pictures, links, etc, and you want to insert the appropriate descriptions for a given proposal.

Second, rather than creating a PDF then emailing a large attachment, I can just send a link. I then get a notification when the prospect is looking at the proposal, and I can see what sections they view. This takes away the biggest problem with the "old school" way of handling proposals-- just knowing if/when someone has read the darn thing. Now you can follow up at the right time, and address questions or concerns, sometimes in real time. You can decide whether the prospect can simply sign online, or if they need to create a PDF (with the click of a button) and sign and return that.

I want to spend as little time as possible dealing with proposals, and the Mimiran app helps me create and close proposals faster. Can you do just fine with Word + PDF? Sure-- I did for years. But once you go online, you won't want to go back.

Please quit looking for pretty shiny stuff.

If you really want to land a client get to know his or her business. Do some great keyword research, find some good suggestions for web design and have some good ideas for them on how to drive traffic.

I go to my client meetings with a laptop and a manila folder with the above information. I tell them how search really works and what's required to get real customers from Google.

I make sure I have a 1 page estimate for services I do from Quickbooks, and a 3 page SIMPLE contract ready to sign.

I landed 3 new clients this month already at 3k per site and $500 per month for ongoing services. Once the site is done I call or go back and work them into an AdWords or Ezanga local CPC campaign. Sometimes I help them work up a plan for LinkedIn or Solo ads. Don't forget to tell them you will optimize their places listing and why it is a must. I also make sure call tracking and direct marketing is considered.

Look, these business don't want your pretty paper work. They want you to show them you understand there pain and can help them. Show them solutions for increasing their business, and you can bring in a coloring book and a crayon, they won't really care.

As long as you can drive new business that's all they want.

Hope this helps.

Rob

I tried Software Proposal Portal . Consequence was , I received a project proposal in few minutes with exclusive features of CRM . Wonderful Portal and its services too !