Page 171 - Writing Winning Business Proposals

162 Writing Winning Business Proposals

◉ Even if resources can be added at the present location, does it make more
economic sense to add them there or to make the investment elsewhere?
For example, will service levels increase and transportation costs decrease
at a new geographic location closer to growth markets?
◉ Which option is most appropriate considering the qualitative and quantita-
tive factors identified in our methodology below?

Writing the Closing Component

The Closing Component is rather simple: a short, prospect-oriented paragraph
that

(provides a backward transition from the Questions Component . . .)
To answer questions like these,

(provides a forward transition that anticipates the methods section . . .)
I and my colleagues at Paramount Consulting have designed a methodology

(states the project’s objective . . .)
that will develop a manufacturing strategy to provide the capacity necessary
for meeting forecasted demand

(and ends with some briefly stated benefits . . .)
as well as a concrete plan for implementing that strategy to improve your
position within the marketplace and solidify your position within Consolidated
Industries.

In rereading all the components together, you’re reasonably satisfied. You’ve
supplied good transitions to bridge the junctures between components. You’ve
not only initiated the themes, but by doing so, you also have addressed various
buyers’ hot buttons while attempting to counter the competition. In general, you
believe you’ve been responsive to ABC’s needs. You’ve not only told a good story,
you’ve told their story. And, you hope, they will begin to see you as part of it.