Your proposal is your opportunity to sell your best ideas to a receptive Seeker. An effective Proposal is an informative, captivating, persuasive revelation of your great idea. Writing an effective Proposal doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it sounds. Especially if you remember to follow a few simple guidelines.

1. Keep your Seeker in mind. You’re writing a brief for people that may not be as familiar with your area of expertise. Avoid discussing your idea in terms only an insider would understand.
2. Keep your Proposal brief. Brevity is so important. While you don’t want to leave out critical information, you should be sensitive to how much information is really required for the purpose of explaining your proposed idea. Avoid overwhelming your Seeker with a gratuitous data dump.
3. Be as specific as possible. When appropriate, provide quantities, dimensions, categories, examples, specifications, dates, etc. Avoid vague and ambiguous descriptions.
Give them a taste. Show the Seeker an example of what your idea would look like. Too many people lack the imagination to grasp your idea without a little help. How much of a taste is up to you. Avoid proposing abstract ideas without any basis for judging the idea or any reference for how the idea might be brought to life.
4. Be thorough. You are responding to an RFP that has specific requirements. Be sure to address every point and answer every question. Avoid providing an incomplete or inaccurate Proposal.

There are a wide variety of approaches and methods used to present and propose ideas. Most of these approaches follow the following format.

1. Establish/restate the desired Goal and/or Objective
2. Address other specific points/questions from the RFP.
3. Introduce research, facts and other information that builds a case for your idea.
4. Present the Idea 
1. Provide some background on the origin of the idea (everyone ants to know where an idea came from).
2. Establish the premise for the idea.
3. Give the idea a handle/brand/name.
4. Reveal the idea.
5. Explain why the idea is great.
5. Provide examples of similar ideas that you’ve authored in the past
6. Provide other credentials and/or capabilities that help build your credibility as a Thinker.

Other formats and approaches exist. You may currently use a different approach that works well for you. You should choose a method or an approach that you believe suits your idea the best. The preceding comments are here only as suggestions, offering possible direction for your Proposal. Ultimately, you will need to decide on a format that is right for you. Good luck.