Finding the right balance between being professional and friendly in business can be tricky. When working with friends or people you know well, you want to stay professional but not sound too stiff or formal. This guide shows you how to write informal business proposals that keep good relationships while still being professional.
What are informal business proposals
Informal business proposals are a middle ground between casual emails and formal business documents. They have all the important parts of a regular proposal but use friendlier language and a more relaxed tone.
What makes a proposal informal
An informal proposal is different from formal ones mainly in how it's written, not what it includes. Formal proposals use business language like "executive summary" and "investment." Informal proposals use simpler words like "introduction" and "cost" but still cover the same important points.
What to include in informal proposals
Even informal proposals need certain parts to work well and protect both you and your client. Here's what you must include and what you can skip.
Must-have parts
Introduction: Every proposal needs to start by explaining what the project is about. This sets up everything else and gives context to your client.
Work details: Be clear about what work you'll do. This prevents arguments later about what was included or not included in the project.
Clear pricing: Show your prices clearly. Don't give discounts just because you know the person. Keep your regular rates to maintain your business value.
Contract: Always include a contract, even for friends. Contracts protect both sides and make sure everyone knows what to expect.
Next steps: Tell them exactly what they need to do next to start the project, including signing the proposal.
Examples of past work: If they already know your work quality, you can skip this. For new clients, showing examples helps build trust.
Guarantees: Add these if they fit your business and add value to the proposal.
How to write informal proposals
The way you write your proposal matters a lot. Use simple, friendly language while still sounding professional.
Using the right tone
Write like you're talking to the person face-to-face. Be friendly but professional. Avoid fancy business words that create distance, but keep it clear and well-organized.
Organizing your content
Start with the project overview, then move to work details, pricing, and next steps. Use headings and bullet points to make it easy to read quickly.
Making it personal
Mention specific things you've talked about or specific needs they have. This shows you understand their situation and aren't just sending a generic proposal.
Writing proposals for friends and family
Writing proposals for people you know personally needs extra care to keep both your business and personal relationships healthy.
Setting clear rules in writing
Be upfront in your proposal: "I do my best work for everyone, no matter our relationship. I keep high standards for all projects and expect the same from you."
Things you can't change for friends
Send professional-looking proposals
Include full contracts
Keep your regular prices (no friend discounts)
Get signed agreements before starting work
When to keep it simple vs detailed
Knowing when to write less and when to include everything helps you match your proposal to the situation.
When informal works well
Use informal proposals for existing clients, small projects, or when a full formal proposal might seem like too much. But don't make it too simple for new clients or big projects.
Keep your standards
Don't listen when clients say "just send me the price." Always explain your approach and why you're worth hiring. Write proposals that show your expertise.
Conclusion
Writing good informal business proposals means balancing friendly language with professional content while including all the important parts. Whether working with friends or casual contacts, keep your standards high, include proper contracts, and focus on clear communication that respects both your relationship and your business needs.
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