Introduction
In a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, writing a proposal isn’t just about throwing numbers and fancy words on a page—it’s about knowing who’s on the other side of the table. A pitch that impresses a corporate boardroom won’t necessarily work for a no-nonsense business owner or a risk-taking startup investor. And if you think one generic proposal can win them all over, well… let’s just say rejection letters are in your future.
A one-size-fits-all approach is a guaranteed way to lose interest, fail to persuade, and, worst of all, get rejected.
So, how do you craft proposals that actually land? Let’s break it down.
1. The Corporate Executive: Keep It Data-Driven and Strategic
What They Care About:
✔ ROI, cost savings, and efficiency ✔ Competitive advantage ✔ High-level strategy with minimal fluff
How to Write for Them:
✅ Lead with numbers and facts—skip the storytelling.
✅ Use clear charts, graphs, and key takeaways to make it easy to skim.
✅ Keep it short—two to three pages max.
✅ Use corporate-friendly language like “scalability,” “growth potential,” and “optimization.”
Example: Instead of saying, “This new system will improve operations,” say, “This system will reduce costs by 20% and increase efficiency by 30% within the first year.”
2. The Startup Investor: Make It Exciting, but Back It with Numbers
What They Care About:
✔ Market potential and scalability ✔ Innovation and disruption ✔ Growth trajectory and exit strategy
How to Write for Them:
✅ Start with a compelling problem-solution hook.
✅ Keep it conversational yet data-backed.
✅ Show traction with real numbers or case studies.
✅ Highlight long-term vision and growth potential.
Example: Instead of saying, “Our software helps businesses manage inventory better,” say, “With a $10 billion market opportunity, our AI-powered inventory tool has already helped 500 businesses cut waste by 40%.”
3. The Government Agency: Focus on Compliance and Impact
What They Care About:
✔ Regulations, policies, and legalities ✔ Public benefit and community impact ✔ Transparency and accountability
How to Write for Them:
✅ Follow strict formatting guidelines (government agencies love templates).
✅ Use formal, neutral language—no marketing buzzwords.
✅ Highlight compliance, legal adherence, and societal benefits.
✅ Provide detailed documentation and evidence of feasibility.
Example: Instead of saying, “This project will boost employment,” say, “This initiative aligns with Policy XYZ and will create 200+ jobs in underserved communities.”
4. The Small Business Owner: Be Practical and Direct
What They Care About:
✔ Immediate, tangible benefits ✔ Easy implementation ✔ Low-cost, high-impact solutions
How to Write for Them:
✅ Use simple, no-nonsense language.
✅ Show clear, practical benefits in everyday terms.
✅ Focus on cost-effectiveness and ease of execution.
✅ Keep it short and visually appealing.
Example: Instead of saying, “Our technology improves operational workflows,” say, “You’ll save ₹50,000 per month by automating this process—without needing extra staff.”
5. The Creative Team: Make It Visual and Engaging
What They Care About:
✔ Storytelling and brand identity ✔ Innovation and creative freedom ✔ Audience engagement and experience
How to Write for Them:
✅ Use visuals, infographics, and mood boards.
✅ Make it engaging—don’t just tell, show.
✅ Keep it open-ended to encourage collaboration and ideas.
✅ Use compelling narratives rather than just facts.
Example: Instead of saying, “We propose a new ad campaign,” say, “Imagine a world where your brand is instantly recognized. Here’s how we make it happen…”
6. The Modern Audience: Fast, Visual, and to the Point
What They Care About:
✔ Quick takeaways (they won’t read a wall of text) ✔ Visually engaging content ✔ Straightforward, jargon-free communication
How to Write for Them:
✅ Use bullet points, emojis, and bold text to make key points pop.
✅ Keep it scannable—short paragraphs, easy headers, and visuals.
✅ Add a TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read) section at the top.
✅ Ditch unnecessary formalities—write like a human, not a textbook.
Example: Instead of saying, “Our solution provides comprehensive workflow optimizations,” say, “🚀 Get things done 3x faster with zero hassle. Here’s how.”
Customize or Be Ignored
If you want your proposal to succeed, know your audience and speak their language. Whether it’s hard-hitting data for executives, big-picture vision for investors, or a no-frills, practical approach for small business owners, a well-tailored proposal stands out from the crowd.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Adapt the language, tone, and format based on who’s reading.
✔ Prioritize what matters to them—numbers, vision, compliance, or practicality.
✔ Use visuals where possible—graphs for executives, mood boards for creatives.
✔ Cut the fluff—modern audiences skim before they read.
No more copy-pasting the same proposal for everyone. It’s time to customize and win! 🚀
⚠️ Disclaimer: Read at Your Own Risk ⚠️
This article contains unfiltered truths about writing proposals in the modern age. Side effects may include:
✅ Faster approvals
✅ Fewer eye-rolls in meetings
✅ People actually reading your proposal (for once)
However, if you work in an organization where “synergy” is still a buzzword, where PowerPoint decks exceed 100 slides, or where proposals require at least 17 levels of approvals—proceed with caution.
We take no responsibility for any of the following outcomes:
❌ Getting promoted too fast because your proposals make sense
❌ Colleagues asking you to write their proposals from now on
❌ Your boss realizing they’ve been approving nonsense for years
Use this wisdom wisely. Or don’t. But at least format your proposal properly. 😎
