Succeed As Your Own Boss

ENDING SMALL BUSINESS FAILURE

  • Home
  • About
  • Book Melinda
  • Consulting
  • SBL Store
    • Books/Workbooks
    • LifePlanningJournal
    • 30 Day Fast Start Program
    • Become Your Own Boss Course
    • Become Your Own Boss Bundle
    • Fix Your Business Masterclass
    • Write A Business Plan Course
    • One-on-One VIP Coaching
  • Subscribe to Podcast
  • #Smallbizchat
    • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Blog
    • Write For Us
  • Contact
You are here: Home / 10 Things Lists / 10 Web Tools for End-to-End Proposal Management

10 Web Tools for End-to-End Proposal Management

December 3, 2019 By Melinda Emerson Leave a Comment

Feel free to share...Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Reddit
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

10 Web Tools for End-to-End Proposal Management - Social ImageYou likely spend hours upon hours crafting proposals for your sales prospects- emailing different departments for assets, locating images, outlining project scope, creating timelines, and estimates while defining strategic recommendations. 

Then you send it off to the prospective client and move onto the next like you’re Jay Z.

If you find yourself thinking, “there’s got to be a better way,”… there is!

You have no idea if the client even glanced at the proposal you sent or if they’ve opened up weeks later after you’ve sent the seventh follow-up email. And then you get to repeat the process for every prospect who sends you an RFP. 

As a result, the proposal-to-contract lifecycle is typically rushed in business. Most organizations would love to have a more efficient and cost-effective way to create, store, and manage the entire process. This alone would give managers a better insight into their sales pipeline and performance by their team.

proposal-to-contract lifecycle image
This process can be simplified- and much of it can be automated by using proposal software that’s been designed to address these very specific concerns. By simply implementing a software solution, you can reduce the time spent on non-billable work that you typically spend drafting content for proposals. This will help you gain a better understanding of what’s really important to prospects.

It’s time to bring your proposal process into the digital age! We’re highlighting ten different proposal management and creation tools that you can use to help automate your workflows. There are many more on the market, but the following tools are particularly relevant for startups that are just getting started. 

  1. PandaDoc
    PandaDoc gives you the ability to easily create proposals that are on-brand with integrations with numerous CRMs, a content library to allow your team to address prospect’s concerns and questions, great collaboration tools, and custom notifications so you know when the client opens your document.

    PandaDoc is great to use for contract renewals and offers an HR solution to streamline your recruiting efforts as well as onboarding- which makes your entire organization more efficient and organized.
  2. Qwilr
    Early-stage startups are rushing to build new proposals, but they don’t have to duplicate their efforts every time! It’s a huge waste of time and working hours to re-do the work every time you get an RFP. Qwilr can help expedite the process! Qwilr is simple, easy to use and includes full-width images and large typography. You can add any text or graphics you’d like as well as multiple sections, rich media additions (including video) and the ability to save blocks of content for future use. Qwilr allows you to include brand settings to customize your organization’s presentation and typeface. The only thing you’ll have to do is add client information manually, but every other detail you need will be available.organization’s presentation image
  3. Proposify
    The general proposal building apps make average-looking proposals with a single text column that may be accentuated with pictures and lovely type but serve as a pared-down word processor without the high level of detail that you could implement using a word processor.

    Proposify solves that problem, giving you a detailed layout editor. You can actively add design details and nuances exactly where you want them. Want a magazine layout? Proposify has you covered.

    Initially, creating a proposal will take extra time to construct, but once you have a proposal with the sections you need for your prospects, it becomes far more efficient to assemble the next one. Just rely on Proposify’s content library and you can pull in any section from previous work you’ve done.
  4. Bidsketch
    This is a tool that works better if you spend the time to work out the settings before you introduce it into your workflow to make proposals. Unlike the others that allow you to build a proposal from a blank page if you want to, Bidsketch requires you to save sections that you’ll use in proposals first to build your content.

    However, it does allow you to make templates for your most frequently-used proposals by utilizing templates where you select content and fees that you want to use for each service type. In Bidsketch, it’s a bit more difficult to style proposals- you’ll need HTML or CSS skills to customize fonts and colors in Bidsketch, but their focus on duplicate text ensures that you won’t be duplicating work.
  5. Osmosis
    Osmosis allows you to create client questionnaires to use to determine project scope and proposals. Proposals made using the tool are presented as a web page that prospects can then export as a PDF. It integrates with the best-known project management and invoicing tools like Basecamp, Trello, Freshbooks, and others.
  6. Bonsai
    If you’re a solopreneur, you don’t just need a solution for proposals. You need a way to track your clients and prospects, time, and expenses as well as a way to get paid when you’re done. Here’s where Bonsai comes in.

    This is a simple proposal builder built into a suite of tools that are designed around better managing micro-businesses. In the same tool, you can manage all of the financial aspects of a project and then easily invoice and get paid through either Stripe or Paypal once you’re done. Bonsai’s dashboard gives you a bird’s eye view of how your business is flowing, and it’s everything you need to effectively manage the financials of your current client load.
  7. WebMerge
    Maybe you don’t want a new app. If you’ve been in business for years and making proposals this entire time, you likely have a lot of material to work within Word, but you’d like to streamline the process. WebMerge can make this happen.

    This isn’t just another proposal tool. WebMerge is an effective tool that you can use to import and create new documents from the Word, PDF, and Excel documents you already have. This makes it ideal for proposals, agreements, T&C policies and more.

    When you do need to make new documents, just use WebMerge’s HTML rich WYSIWYG editor for a simplified version of Word’s standard editing tools to build new templates. This is a pared-down tool compared to the tools we’ve mentioned above, but it’s faster to use and can automate your entire workflow for multiple types of documents.
  8. Loopio
    You can use Loopio to build a response library for your RFP’s and categorize the content. From there, the tool’s automation system pulls from the designated content library to auto-populate a proposal. Loopio also gives you the ability to categorize content with a subject expert, which allows you to make it easy to know whom to talk to for updates.
  9. Nusii
    With an intuitive user interface, Nusii allows you to manage and create proposals efficiently. The tool spotlights a drag-and-drop interface that allows you to reorder sections and add any content you deem desirable. It also has a reminder feature, giving you the power to remember to follow up after sending and has a library of professionally-designed proposal templates so you can hit the ground running.
  10. Octiv
    Octiv is a rich tool that helps businesses manage the entire proposal process- from proposal-to-contact. This tool has a content library to store approved content sections, an online presentation capability and reporting that shows you who viewed what for how long. Prospective clients can review and comment on proposals on their chosen device. Octiv features DocuSign built right into the app for the easy signing of contracts.

No matter if your focus is on your proposal’s design to make it an eye-catching experience to clients or save time on your content with easy to assemble sections for detailed proposals, there’s a proposal app made for you. Tools that can speed up your overall sales workflow and help free you up to spend more time on the projects that are meaningful to your business.

Erika McWalterAbout The Author: Erika McWalter is a content marketing expert for Qwilr who writes about project management. She has worked in the Digital Marketing industry for the last decade. When she’s not guiding people with her writing, she’s most likely doing DIY projects with her daughter.

Feel free to share...Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Share on Reddit
Reddit
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

Filed Under: 10 Things Lists, Your Small Business Tagged With: contracts, project management, proposal software, proposals, RFP, solopreneur tools, Technology tools

Fix Your Business Now!

Order SmallBizLady's new book Fix Your Business, 90-Day plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business. It includes the 12 Ps of Running a Successful Business and readers will finish the book with a new strategic plan to take their business to the next level.

About Melinda Emerson

Melinda F. Emerson, known to many as SmallBizLady is one of America's leading small business experts. As a seasoned entrepreneur, professional speaker, and small business coach, she develops audio, video and written content to fulfill her mission to end small business failure. As CEO of Quintessence Multimedia, Melinda educates entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies on subjects including small business start-up, business development and social media marketing. Forbes Magazine named her #1 woman for entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter. She hosts #SmallBizChat Wednesdays on Twitter 8-9pm ET for emerging entrepreneurs. She also publishes a resource blog http://www.succeedasyourownboss.com Melinda is also bestseller author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 months; A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works. Her latest ebook, How To Become a Social Media Ninja; 101 Ways to Dominate Your Competition Online was released in 2012.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Let me send my best blog posts to your inbox each week.

Click Here to Sign Up!

Get 2 FREE Chapters of SmallBizLady’s Book,
"Become Your Own Boss"!

Become Your Own Boss Download Two FREE Chapters

Most Popular Posts

>Seven Ways to be More Profitable in Your Small Business
> 7 Ways to Attract Customers to Your Small Business
> 6 Tips for Managing Small Business Finances
> How to Run a Successful Multilevel Marketing Business
> 10 Ways to Grow Your Small Business With Instagram
> How to Sell on Facebook
> How to Get Over the Fear of Starting a New Business

Featured Videos

“12 Principles of Highly Profitable Businesses with Melinda Emerson” from Sonia Dumas
October 2020

#SmallBizChat LIVE from NYC
May 2017

MSNBC Interview
Top Tip: Never Let a Customer Down

National Speakers Association
Winter Conference 2016

Tune in to Exhale, Wednesdays at 9 pm EST, only on ASPiRE. Join the conversation at #EXHALETV

Fox Business
Five Steps to Becoming a ‘Social Media Ninja

MSNBC
The importance of job mentoring for women

#SmallBizChat Live
National Small Business Week: Q&A

Good Day Philadelphia
Expert Shares Tips on How to Become Your Own Boss

Google
Best Practice for Social Media

Testimonials

Become Your Own Boss is a must read if you’re thinking of launching a business of your own.
Jean Chatzky, Bestselling Author of Money 911 and Financial Editor of NBC’s Today Show
Great step-by-step advice for anyone looking to start their own business.
Andrew C. Taylor, Chairman, Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Melinda Emerson has written a remarkable book. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to make the transition from working girl to successfully working it, as an entrepreneur.
Cynthia McClain-Hill, Past President, National Association of Women Business Owners
The perfect companion for those planning to go out on their own. Melinda delivers firsthand practical advice on how to be the successful entrepreneur. Read it if you want to get it right the first time.
Kenneth L. Shropshire, Professor at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a versatile speaker who can talk about how to grow small businesses or get started with social media, look no further.
Heather Van Sickle Executive Director, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE)
Her wit and depth of subject knowledge were entertaining and empowering. Melinda is definitely on our short list of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders we look to invite back in the near future.
Tennille M. Robinson Senior content & Event producer for Inc. magazine
Melinda Emerson, “SmallBizLady,” is an engaging and witty speaker and a great addition to any conference. Her terrific presentation and compelling delivery give people the information they need and want to become their own bosses and grow success… Read more
Laurie Dalton White Conference Director, Pennsylvania Conference for Women
Melinda Emerson has been a fantastic small business and social media resource for the Pitney Bowes team. Not only is she personable and easy to work with, but she also has an innate understanding of the small business audience. My marketing programs … Read more
Justin Amendola, Former VP, Global SMB Digital Strategy, Pitney Bowes

SmallBizChat

  • Twitter

Latest #SmallBizChat

Solving the People Problem with Brett Cooper 1200 x 1200

The SmallBizChat Podcast: Solving the People Problem with Brett Cooper

Brett Cooper is an HR expert, business advisor, keynote speaker, and executive coach. Over the years, he has assisted government branches, non-profit organizations, and corporations to work together more effectively and promote working relationships. As the President and Co-Founder of Integris Performance Advisors, Brett helps clients increase employee engagement and improve business efficiency. He is […]

Recent Comments

  • Bada Business ibc on 5 Tips for Getting More Online Reviews for Your Small Business
  • Justin Marble on TikTok vs. Snapchat: Which One Is Better for Marketing? [Infographic]
  • sathya on 15 Mistakes Not To Make In Your Digital Marketing Approach
  • Agency Platform Ebrandz on TikTok vs. Snapchat: Which One Is Better for Marketing? [Infographic]
  • Sejal on 15 Mistakes Not To Make In Your Digital Marketing Approach

#SmallBizChat

  • SmallBizChat Archive
  • @SmallBizLady

Business Advice

  • How to Start

SmallBizLady Store

  • Products
  • Free Chapter

Get In Touch

  • Write For Us
  • FAQ
  • Be a #SmallBizChat Guest
  • Contact Us
Copyright © 2019
Quintessence Group
PO Box 280
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
(610) 352-0680
Privacy Policy · Refund Policy

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in