FREE Consulting Proposal Template
Master consulting proposal timelines with our intuitive consulting proposal Gantt chart template.
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Why use our Consulting Proposal Template instead of Excel or Google Sheets?
Get started with our Consulting Proposal Template in seconds while skipping the hassle involved with Excel or Google Sheets.
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Move at the pace of modern business with no learning curve or Googling formulas.
Good luck figuring out how to make a Gantt chart work in Excel or Google Sheets. Excel’s user manual weighs in at a hefty 500+ pages. It takes just five minutes with Tom’s Planner to start planning your first real project plan.
Headache-free collaboration and sharing.
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How to use Tom’s Planner’s consulting proposal template to build and share your consulting proposal.
Getting your project off the ground is as easy as 1-2-3.
Step #1
Click the 'start with template’ button to open the Consulting Proposal Template.
Step #2
Register for a free account and watch a short video on using Tom’s Planner. The account is free forever, with no strings attached.
Step #3
You’re all set to use the Gantt chart template. Need additional help? Our AI assistant can create a custom Gantt chart Consulting Proposal Template based on your project description.
What Is a Consulting Proposal?
A consulting proposal outlines your plan to help a client. The best consulting proposal examples spell out how you’ll
solve their problem or reach a goal. It typically includes your understanding of the client’s needs, your approach to
addressing them, a timeline, deliverables, and pricing.
A consulting services proposal template is a blueprint that specifies what you’ll do and why you’re the right person
or firm for the job. A well-written consulting proposal sample sets the tone for your working relationship and can
make or break a deal.
Where Does a Gantt Chart Fit?
Creating a solid consulting proposal will require using several different types of documents. One of those is a Gantt
chart. Why include something like Tom’s Planner’s offering in your sample consultant proposal? Why not just use a
consulting proposal template Word doc? It’s really all about flexibility and customization.
Yes, you can create a consulting proposal example PDF or a consulting proposal template doc, but neither of those
formats offers the capabilities you’ll find with a Gantt chart. Here’s a short list of why a Gantt chart should be
among your go-to tools when creating consulting proposal templates.
- Create a visible timeline that spans the entire project to highlight key points and milestones for the potential client.
- Allocate, track, and manage resources throughout the project.
- Assign tasks to team members.
- Track deadlines and dependencies.
A Gantt chart like Tom’s Planner’s offering makes it easier to pitch an accurate representation of your project than other tools, like a consultant proposal template Word doc. It’s a good way to showcase your abilities and to distill the project down to get a potential client’s buy-in.
When to Use a Consulting Proposal Template
Using a sample proposal for consulting services isn’t just about saving time—it’s about delivering professionalism and consistent quality. Using a template lets you focus on the narrative, instead of worrying about formatting or missing key sections. But when should you deploy one? Here are a few of the instances when a consultant proposal example is needed:
Responding to an RFP
When a potential client sends out a request for proposal (RFP), you’ll need to put your response together in an organized, compelling way. A sample consulting proposal PDF or one page consulting proposal will do the trick.
Starting a New Client Relationship
Starting a new client relationship? A proposal template for consulting services or even an individual consultant proposal sample doc helps you lay out everything you intend to do, when, where, and what resources will be necessary.
When Dealing with Complex Projects
Juggling multiple deadlines within a complex project? A template for a consulting proposal will help you (and your team and stakeholders) stay on track.
As you can see, there are plenty of times when a business consulting proposal will not only be beneficial, but necessary.
Who Should Use a Consulting Proposal Template?
A consulting proposal sample can serve many roles. But who should use them? Some of the answers might surprise you.
Consultants
Perhaps the most obvious group of people who’ll need to use a constant proposal template Word doc or Gantt chart are consultants. This is true across industries, from software and IT consultants to business development consultants and everything in between.
Project Managers
An example of consulting proposal doesn’t disappear once you get client buy-in. That’s when the action starts. Your proposal will act as a framework to guide project managers and others forward.
Team Members
Anyone involved in the project will need access to a simple consulting proposal template, at least to some extent. This is where a Gantt chart can really help by giving team members access to information about their tasks and what those tasks depend on.
With a well-crafted business consulting proposal template, you can give everyone the best chance of success. Gantt charts help visualize project timelines, ensuring that tasks, dependencies, and deadlines are clearly mapped out for smoother execution.
Start with templateTop Three Pitfalls to Avoid When Planning a Consulting Proposal
Ready to win that contract? You’ll need to make your proposal as compelling as possible. Avoid these three pitfalls and you’ll be well on your way.
- Failing to Understand the Client’s Problem
If you were looking for a way to make your proposal fail outright, it’s as simple as not understanding the client’s problem.
Solution: Get to know the client and their challenges, but look deeper to get to the real root of their issues.
- It’s Generic
Too often, consultants send out what basically amounts to boilerplate and clients feel unseen.
Solution: There’s nothing wrong with using a consulting project proposal template, but take the time to customize it.
- Setting Unrealistic Timelines
There’s an urge to get the client results as quickly as possible. But if your deadlines are unrealistic, you could damage your reputation and doom the project.
Solution: Make sure that you’re setting realistic deadlines and managing client expectations when it comes to project deliverables.
What Does a Marketing Consulting Proposal Template Include?
Our template includes everything you need to create a standout proposal:
- Gantt Chart
A Gantt chart lets you create a visual timeline for the entire project, complete with important milestones. You can break down tasks, highlight resources, and note dependencies.
- Cost Estimation
Provide a transparent breakdown of fees and expenses. Note where fees are just estimates to help the client avoid surprises.
- Portfolio
Highlight past successes to build credibility. Successes can take many forms but pay special attention when adding projects (see below).
- Example Projects
Showcase projects relevant to the client’s industry. These don’t have to be competitors – industry-adjacent projects work well, too. The more relevant your examples of consulting proposals, the better the client can judge your fit for their needs.
- Reference
Include previous client reviews. These are social proof and will ideally tie into your portfolio and example projects.
Four tips on how to make sure you reach your deadlines
Writing a consulting proposal is about balancing detail with clarity. Follow these steps to make sure you reach your deadline.
Start with a Discussion Document and Detailed Planning
Before you start on the proposal itself, start a discussion document with the client. This shorter, less formal document shows your understanding of their problem, the project’s goals, and your initial approach. By using this as a conversation starter, you can make sure everyone’s on the same page before committing.
Ditch Complex Terms and Be Concise
Consulting proposals are often read by busy executives or decision-makers. Skip the jargon and focus on clarity. Create structure with bullet points, headings, and clear language so your proposal’s easy to skim without losing its impact. The idea is to lay everything out clearly and logically so they can see at a glance what you’re proposing and make an informed decision quickly.
Tailor Each Proposal to the Client
A generic, one-size-fits-all proposal will erode trust and slow progress. Customize every proposal to reflect the client’s unique challenges, industry context, and goals. The information you gather during your initial kick-off call and in the discussion document/planning sessions will be invaluable for this.
Highlight the Value You Bring
Don’t just list your deliverables. Explain the “why” behind them. It’s not just enough to say “We know that you need more visibility” or “We know that you want more engagement”. Show the client how your work will create measurable value for their business, whether it’s increased efficiency, higher revenue, or improved employee engagement. Use real data or projected outcomes to strengthen your case and build trust.
Gantt charts in Tom's Planner vs in Excel
| Excel | Tom's Planner | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | License required | Free version available |
| Learning curve | Hours | Minutes |
| Create your first Gantt chart | Hours | Minutes |
| Making an update in your chart | Several minutes | Seconds (drag & drop) |
| Sharing charts with others | At some point you will save and email a file titled: version_4_def_usethisversion_reallyfinal.xlsx | Online, one source of truth, always up to date, with no confusion |
| Look & Feel | Messy | Clean, polished and professional |
| Dependencies | 
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| Filtering | 
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| Zoom in/out |
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| Automatic Legend |
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| AI-assist |
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Let our AI assist do the work for you |
| Export to image or pdf | Requires workarounds to export | One mouse click |
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