Files
pm-claude-skills/exports/aider/pm-sales/proposal-writer/proposal-writer.md
T
mohitagw15856 036511ab3e Windsurf + Aider targets, MCP server, and demo placement (#33)
Broadens both reach (more tools) and content types (an MCP server), continuing
the multi-platform story.

Windsurf + Aider:
- build-exports.mjs gains two platforms: exports/windsurf/*.md (workspace rules,
  trigger: model_decision) and exports/aider/*.md (conventions for `aider --read`).
  Now 5 platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, Cursor, Windsurf, Aider).
- install.sh + bin/cli.mjs install both (windsurf -> .windsurf/rules, aider ->
  .aider/skills with a --read hint); generated README index is excluded from copies.
- One-line windsurf-install.sh / aider-install.sh wrappers for parity.

MCP server (new content type):
- mcp/server.mjs — zero-dependency stdio MCP server exposing list_skills,
  search_skills, get_skill. Published as a second bin (pm-claude-skills-mcp).
  Logs to stderr; reads bundled skills/ at startup. mcp/README.md documents
  client config.

Also: README hero "See it in action" demo placement (ready to swap in a GIF;
recording guide in web/docs-assets/README.md), Works-With table + exports +
install docs updated, CHANGELOG Unreleased. package.json files/bin updated.


Claude-Session: https://claude.ai/code/session_016JWn5jRD5tcEFKrubjQ6Px

Co-authored-by: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
2026-06-17 23:15:38 +01:00

3.2 KiB

Proposal Writer Skill

Writes commercial proposals that win business — structured around the prospect problem, not the product.

Required Inputs

  • Prospect company and contact
  • Their problem or goal (from discovery — be specific)
  • Your proposed solution
  • Commercial terms (pricing, payment terms, contract length)
  • Timeline
  • Key stakeholders who will read this
  • Tone (formal / conversational / technical)

Output Structure


Proposal: [Brief description of what you are solving]

Prepared for: [Contact, Title] | [Company] Prepared by: [Name] | [Your Company] Date: [Date] | Valid until: [Date]


Understanding Your Situation

[2-3 paragraphs. Demonstrate you listened. Describe their situation, problem, and impact of not solving it in their words. This section should make them think "yes, exactly." Generic boilerplate here = proposal goes in the bin.]

The key challenge: [One sentence — the core problem] The impact: [What this costs them] What you have tried: [Acknowledge prior attempts]


Our Proposed Approach

What we will do (3-5 deliverables or phases)

Phase 1: [Name] (Timeline: [Weeks 1-2]) [What happens, what is delivered, what customer input is needed]

Phase 2: [Name] (Timeline: [Weeks 3-6])

What you will get (outcomes, not features)

  • [Outcome 1]
  • [Outcome 2]

What success looks like [How both parties know this worked]


Why [Your Company]

[3-4 sentences. Specific to their situation. Reference similar customers. Generic "why us" sections are skipped.]


Investment

Item Description Investment
[Component 1] [Description] £[amount]
Total £[total]

Payment terms: [Terms] Included: [What is in] Not included: [What is out — prevents scope disputes]


Timeline

Milestone Date
Contract signed [Date]
Kickoff [Date]
Delivery [Date]

Next Steps

  1. [Sign / reply / schedule] by [date]
  2. We will send contract and confirm kickoff
  3. [Any immediate action]

Quality Checks

  • "Understanding Your Situation" reflects what was learned in discovery (not generic)
  • Outcomes are listed (not just deliverables or features)
  • "Not included" section is explicit to prevent scope disputes later
  • Next steps include a specific date and named action
  • "Valid until" date is included to create urgency

Anti-Patterns

  • Do not lead with the solution before establishing that the problem is understood — the proposal must demonstrate problem comprehension first
  • Do not use vague investment language like "competitive pricing" — every proposal must state a specific price or range
  • Do not omit a "not included" section — undefined scope leads to disputes after the proposal is accepted
  • Do not forget a "valid until" date — proposals without expiry create awkward situations and stale pricing
  • Do not list next steps without naming who is responsible for each and what the expected timeline is

Example Trigger Phrases

  • "Write a proposal for [prospect] to [solve their problem]"
  • "Draft a statement of work for [project]"
  • "Turn my discovery notes into a proposal"