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ما هو مقترح العمل: التعريف، الأنواع، الأمثلة

Ronak Surti.
21/04/2025

Ever been asked to “send over a proposal” and weren’t quite sure where to start?
Or wondered why some proposals land deals while others get ignored?

What if you could tailor your proposal to the exact situation and boost your chances of a yes?

Business proposals come in different shapes and styles, each designed for a specific purpose.

Whether you’re pitching an idea, responding to a formal request, or offering a partnership, knowing the right type of proposal to use can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll break down the most common types of business proposals—what they are, when to use them, and what makes each one effective.

Let’s get into it.

What is a business proposal?

A business proposal is a formal document that a company or individual creates to offer a product, service, or solution to a potential client, partner, or investor. It’s essentially a pitch in writing—you’re trying to convince someone that you understand their needs and have the right solution to meet them.

It’s not just about listing what you offer—it’s about solving a problem, adding value, and explaining why you’re the best fit. A strong business proposal outlines the what, how, when, and how much—covering everything from goals and deliverables to timelines, pricing, and benefits.

8 Types of Business Proposals

1. Formally Solicited Proposal

This is one of the types of business proposals where you write when someone officially asks for it—like through an RFP (Request for Proposal), RFQ (Request for Quotation), or IFB (Invitation for Bid). These are detailed, structured documents where the client sets the rules, and you have to play by them. It’s not just about selling your idea—it’s about showing you understand their needs, can deliver according to their specs, and meet their criteria better than the competition.

Example: A construction company submits a proposal in response to a city government’s RFP for building a new stadium.

Key Features:

Follows specific guidelines and structure
Responds directly to each requirement in the RFP
Includes technical specifications, qualifications, and pricing
Often requires legal and compliance documentation
Evaluation is typically based on a scoring system
Usually involves competitive bidding
May include a formal cover letter and executive summary
Timeline and budget must be tightly aligned with RFP

2. Informally Solicited Proposal

These are more casual in nature, usually sent after a conversation or meeting where the client expresses interest but hasn’t issued a formal request. Since there’s no rigid format or official process, you have the freedom to present your solution in a more personalized, creative way. But it still has to look polished and clear enough to help them make a decision.

Example: A social media consultant sends a proposal to a startup founder after discussing ways to grow their online presence over coffee.

Key Features:

Less structured, more relationship-driven
Flexible in tone and layout
Tailored to specific pain points or goals
Can include creative or unconventional solutions
Includes deliverables, timelines, and pricing
May include optional services or add-ons
Often used to continue a warm lead or casual inquiry
Personalization plays a big role in winning the deal

3. Unsolicited Proposal

This business proposal is like knocking on someone’s door with a brilliant idea. Nobody asked for it—but you’re convinced they’ll benefit, so you send it anyway. This is one of the types of business proposals that needs to be punchy, attention-grabbing, and hyper-focused on value. Since the reader wasn’t expecting it, the proposal has to quickly convince them it’s worth reading, let alone acting on.

Example: A startup specializing in fleet optimization sends a proposal to a logistics company that could drastically cut their fuel costs with AI.

Key Features:

Initiated without any prior request or communication
Often used in cold outreach or lead generation
Strong emphasis on benefits and ROI
Must identify a problem the client may not be aware of
Brevity and clarity are crucial
Usually includes visuals, demos, or infographics
Needs a compelling CTA to prompt further discussion
Often used to break into new markets or industries

4. Internal Proposal

This type is all about pitching something to your own organization—maybe you want to streamline a process, adopt a new tool, or launch an internal initiative. You’re not selling a product; you’re selling an idea that could improve the way your team or company operates. It needs to speak to both logic and leadership—why it’s smart and why now is the right time.

Example: An operations manager proposes investing in automation tools to cut down repetitive manual tasks across departments.

Key Features:

Aimed at internal decision-makers or stakeholders
Focuses on efficiency, ROI, or strategic alignment
May highlight gaps or current inefficiencies
Includes implementation plan, risks, and resources needed
Often backed by internal data or projections
Can include employee feedback or support
Addresses concerns like change management and cost
May result in policy or structural changes

5. External Proposal

This is what you send when you’re offering something to someone outside your organization—think potential clients, vendors, partners, or investors. It’s a professional document that outlines what you’re offering, how it works, and why it’s valuable to them. Think of it as a blend between a business plan and a pitch.

Example: A cloud services provider sends a proposal to a fintech company outlining a custom hosting solution with guaranteed uptime and support.

Key Features:

Tailored to external client or partner needs
Polished and professional tone
Includes pricing, scope, timeline, and deliverables
Outlines benefits and competitive advantages
May include case studies or proof of success
Often includes terms and conditions
Clearly outlines the client’s responsibilities too
Can be used to win contracts, renewals, or partnerships

6. Grant Proposal

Mostly used by nonprofits, researchers, or community organizations, a grant proposal is a formal request for funding. You’re essentially trying to show how your project aligns with the funder’s mission, what kind of impact it will have, and how their money will be used responsibly. These need to be heartfelt but also backed by solid planning and numbers.

Example: A nonprofit sends a grant proposal to a philanthropic foundation to fund a digital literacy program for underserved youth.

Key Features:

Includes clear goals, objectives, and timeline
Must align with the funder’s vision and criteria
Emphasizes social impact and measurable outcomes
Contains a detailed budget and funding breakdown
May require appendices (e.g., resumes, letters of support)
Includes methods of evaluation and reporting
Often reviewed by a grant committee or panel
Strong storytelling is key, alongside solid data

7. Business Partnership Proposal

This one is all about collaboration. You’re pitching a win-win opportunity to another business—maybe a joint venture, a strategic alliance, or even a co-branded campaign. The key is showing how both parties stand to gain, and how working together can create something bigger than going solo.

Example: A fitness equipment brand proposes a partnership with a nutrition company to offer bundled health packages to customers.

Key Features:

Emphasizes mutual goals and shared audience
Details responsibilities and resource contributions
Can include shared revenue models or joint marketing efforts
Outlines KPIs for tracking partnership success
Addresses legal and contractual considerations
Includes timeline for rollout or pilot phases
Focused on long-term scalability and growth
Builds trust and outlines a collaborative mindset

8. Sales Proposal

This is the everyday business proposal most people are familiar with. It’s aimed at selling a product or service, and it’s all about solving a problem the client has. A great sales proposal is crystal-clear on what’s being offered, how it helps, and what the client gets in return. The tone can range from highly professional to conversational, depending on the audience.

Example: A web design agency sends a proposal to an online clothing brand for a full site redesign to boost conversions.

Key Features:

Problem-solution structure
Clear pricing and payment options
Breaks down services and deliverables
Uses persuasive language and visuals
Includes testimonials or case studies
Can offer multiple package options
Usually ends with a CTA and contact details
May include discounts, guarantees, or time-sensitive offers

خاتمة

No matter what industry you’re in, understanding the different types of business proposals gives you a serious advantage. It’s not just about sending something out—it’s about sending the right kind of proposal for the right situation.

Whether you’re responding to an RFP, pitching a new idea internally, or reaching out cold with a solution, tailoring your approach shows professionalism, strategy, and clarity. And that can be the difference between getting a polite “we’ll think about it” and locking in the deal.

So next time you’re preparing a proposal, take a step back and ask: What kind does this situation really call for?

Because the more intentional you are, the better your chances of hearing that magic word: yes.