Whenever you agree on a contract with a new client, establishing a statement of work (SOW) is crucial for several reasons.
But when it comes to creating a document as complex as a SOW, where do you even start?
Hiring someone to write one for you can be extremely costly, and you may not have the funds to go down this route.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
Here, we will discuss the concept of a statement of work in more detail and outline everything you must include.
What Is a Statement of Work?
First, let’s outline what a statement of work is.
A statement of work (SOW) is a concise document that outlines the specific objectives, deliverables, and scope of work for a project or contract.
It serves as a foundation for agreement between parties by clearly defining each party’s expectations, timelines, and responsibilities.
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What Should be Included in a Statement of Work?: The Perfect Statement of Work Example
Purpose of the project: Outlining the purpose of what both parties are trying to achieve from the new partnership. For consultants, this section of the SOW could include what specific consultation you will provide and how it will benefit the client.
Project scope: Outline the expected outcomes, how much the fee is for that work, and any other essential content. Here, you can identify the expected outcomes of using your consultancy service.
Project requirements: Including what you will need to do to help your client achieve their objectives and also what they may need to provide you with for you to complete the project. For consultant services this might include requiring access to particular documents or client tools to help you execute your service.
Project schedule: Outline how long they expect each section of the project to take to help manage expectations and provide a clear guideline of when the client can expect the project to be completed.
Project budget: Include an agreed budget for the project so that there are no nasty surprises on either side later on in the project. As a consultant, you can choose to create a budget based on deliverables, hours worked, or specific stages based on a set list of objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Include in a Statement of Work
What is the purpose of SOW?
A statement of work aims to clearly define the scope, objectives, deliverables, and timeline of a project or contractual agreement.
What is the difference between SOW and contract?
The SOW outlines the specific details and scope of work to be performed, while the contract is a legally binding agreement that establishes the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of the parties involved in the project or agreement.
Why is a statement of work so important?
A statement of work is important because it establishes clear expectations, defines project boundaries, and serves as a reference document to ensure alignment and accountability among project stakeholders.
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Keep Learning: Write the Perfect Consulting Proposal
You Know How to Write a Statement of Work. Now Build Your Agency.
As you can see, there are quite a few elements that must be included in a statement of work.
However, once you have written one, you can reuse that template for future clients, continuing to tweak it as and when necessary.
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