Project Proposal

Today we're talking about how to present a project proposal. With that I want to cover some traps and best practices. But before I do I want to review what a project proposal is when we use it and a few reminders about writing one. So what is a project proposal? It presents a proposed approach to solve a problem or season opportunity. It also outlines the implications if it's not done. So when do we use it? We use it at the project kickoff and it's used to coordinate resources, whether they're h So a few reminders about when we write one. First of all I recommend using a template. There are several things that you generally include in the proposal and here are the three things. The executive so in the background you're including a little bit about the history of the problem or the opportunity, the requirements and the solution that you're proposing. The proposal includes the vision and goals, deliverables, timeframe, resources, the budget, ownership, as well as the reporting including the issues and risks as well as the implications. And I also want to point out the success criteria and the authorization required. So let's review a few of the traps. I The lack of preparation. You want to be sure to prepare for presenting. You want to ensure that you have everything written out, that you have it doc You also want to ensure that you have the confidence. You're presenting to a group of people who are looking to you for the solution to either again a problem or an opportunity. Also the lack of time. You want to be sure to practice and prepare so that you have enough time. You don't want to wait until the end and run out of time where maybe you haven't been able to leave with the approvals or the sign-offs that you need. Also another trap can be asking the sponsor for the solution. It's different than asking for consensus or input or feedback but you don't want to be asking them to provide the solution. That's what they're looking for you to present. Also another trap is providing too many options. If you provide too many options it could be another point of confusion and then leave with no decision. Also another trap is leaving the people that you're presenting to hanging without providing the next steps. Let's talk about the best practices. So first of all start with the end in mind. At the end of your presentation what would you have them do? Know who is going to be present and what their styles are. Know if they're more strategic in their thinking or more analytical. Know if they're more visual or need more data and be sure to have that in your presentation. Also set a vision for them. Let them know what it's going to look Also define your success criteria. Be very clear on what you need or what this project needs to succeed. Also get the buy-in and sign-off then and there. If the people who are present leave and they get in their day and maybe time goes by they're going to forget what was said, what was agreed to, and a few specifics. You also want to ensure that the authorized approvers or signers are present so that you can get the signature then and there. If you need a tool that can help you manage and track your project proposal presentation then sign up for our software now at projectmanager. com.