39.1 – A business proposal

In a business proposal, a company tries to win a contract from a client by showing that it understands the problems the client faces, that it can offer solutions to those problems, and that it has the experience and market knowledge to be trusted.

a.  The problem statement In this section, the proposal shows an understanding of the problems the client faces.

b The proposed solution In this section, the proposal offers expert solutions to all the problems.

c The promise of reliability In this section, the proposal makes a statement of your company’s credentials, experience, knowledge, reliability and costs.

UNIVERSAL OFFICE SOLUTIONS

It is strongly recommended that Ostrich Publications promote its products on all of the major social media channels. However, that is just a first step on the road to an effective marketing strategy. While showing the products on social media platforms is all well and good, the company must create a revitalised brand that is more suited to being promoted on social media platforms. Notwithstanding the company’s wide range of publications, few of them are adapted to this new and expanding market. This has to change.

A marketing campaign must be created which engages with its young audience. For this to be successful, Ostrich Publications must acquire fans, followers and subscribers. Moreover, it is advisable to make connections with subscribers by inviting them to join in particular discussions or attend specific events. The purpose of this is not only to promote Ostrich Publications but also to gather useful feedback from the target audience.

At Universal Office Solutions, we pride ourselves on our expertise in the growing sector of social media marketing. In contrast to other marketing solution providers, we have experts worldwide who have unrivalled experience in dealing with the marketing problems of evolving businesses in a wide variety of contrasting sectors. For further details and a breakdown of costs please contact our head office.

Although Ostrich Publications continues to be a significant player in the world of magazine publishing, it is beginning to lose market share. This is a consequence of the company’s reliance on a traditional marketing approach. In today’s digital world, it is necessary to leap to social media marketing.

Our research shows that rival publishing companies have increased their market share by 10 to 20% as a direct result of adopting social media marketing techniques. This trend will likely continue.

2 Read the proposal again and answer the questions.

1 What evidence does Universal Office Solutions provide to persuade Ostrich Publications to consider a change?

2 What specific changes does Universal Office Solutions want Ostrich Publications to make?

4 Add the linking words and expressions underlined in the text to these categories.

1 addition: in addition to ______________ ______________

3 Add the linking words and expressions underlined in the text to these categories.

1 addition: in addition to ______________ ______________

2 contrast: in spite of ______________ ______________

______________ ______________ ______________

3 result and consequence: ______________ ______________

4 It is common to use expressions with it in business proposals, e.g. it is clear that …, it is necessary to … . Find five other expressions with it in the proposal.

5 Rewrite these sentences using an it expression.

1 We need to respond to a growing demand for our products in new markets.

It _______________________________________________________________

2 We recommend a restructuring of Grey Industries’ sales department.

It _______________________________________________________________

3 Having personal contact with customers is very important, so we should open more local branches.

It _______________________________________________________________