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251 – Winning Proposals: How to Get More Clients to Say Yes More Often – Part 1

Sales & Marketing, Podcasts

Content Sells Podcast

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If you’re someone who makes proposals to clients – perhaps you sell high-value products and services – like solar installations, leadership consulting, interior design services, custom software development, etc, you definitely want to prick your ears up for this episode.

Just like there’s a formula for a winning webinar, sales video, or sales page, there’s also a winning formula for sales proposals. Most businesses that we see are getting this wrong in some fairly important ways, and so we wanted to address that.

That’s why, in this episode, your hosts, Suzi Dafnis & Michelle Falzon, are sharing their best advice on how you can uplevel your proposals and win more of the projects you’re pitching for more of the time!

And even if you don’t sell via proposal, the tips being shared can be mapped over to sales conversations and other parts of your marketing – so this episode has something for everyone.

PLUS BONUS DOWNLOAD – The Winning Proposal Checklist

Free Resource Alert!
Download the Winning Proposal Checklist you can use to make your proposals more engaging and effective (and to earn you more sales)! Get Your Free Bonus Winning Proposal Checklist Here Now.

 

 

PLUS stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive into the visual elements, language, and live presentation techniques that make a Winning Proposal stand out!

Listen to This Episode to Hear More About:

  • The game-changing advice our Mastermind clients are using to win bigger projects—straight from real-world feedback.
  • The secret mindset shift that transforms your proposal from “just a document” into a powerful connection and sales conversion tool.
  • How to know if you are losing clients by presenting your price too soon (find out exactly when and how to introduce pricing in your next proposal).
  • Why most proposals fall flat—and the ONE change you can make to avoid a “No” response.
  • The 5-part structure that turns your proposal into a compelling, client-centred communication that closes the sale.
  • The power of a well-crafted “Introduction and Recap” — a simple but often overlooked step to hook your client from the first page.
  • Transitioning from sales conversations to proposals: how to keep the momentum going and close the deal.
  • Why your proposal might be overloaded with details and how you can simplify and clarify using the Essentials, Extras, and Boundaries framework.
  • Why you need a “Solution Overview” section to paint a vivid picture of success—without overwhelming your client.
  • The most common mistake Suzi & Michelle see in proposals that causes your clients to lose interest fast.
  • Client-first, not price-first! Why it matters to showcase value before introducing the financial investment.
  • How to frame your pricing so it feels natural instead of transactional.
  • Proposals as relationship-builders: how to make yours feel like a friendly conversation instead of a dry contract.
  • Curious about ROI? See how calculating the client’s return on investment can boost proposal success.
  • Adding social proof for a win: the power of case studies and testimonials in boosting client confidence.
  • Want more “Yeses?” Discover why and how to present your proposal live rather than just “emailing it over.”
  • Is your proposal visually engaging? Tune in for the elements that make or break proposal design.
  • And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

  • HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind
  • HerBusiness Network
  • Get Your FREE Winning Proposal 5-Part Structure Download Here
  • Episode 246 – 5 Metrics to Track Your Sales Funnel Success
  • Shandra Moran – The Transit Lounge
  • Chantel Gilbert – Bluegum Electrical

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About the Hosts

Suzi Dafnis

Hi there. I’m Suzi Dafnis, CEO at HerBusiness. My BIG passion is helping women business owners to grow and scale their business, so that they can create their ideal lifestyle and make a difference in the world. Every day I am inspired by the more than 30,000 amazing women (and...

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Michelle Falzon

Michelle Falzon, Director of We are Content, has more than 25 years experience in marketing and communications from her early days in TV, radio and press (documentary films, TV and radio commercials) through to print (book publishing, magazines, marketing collateral) and on to her early adoption of digital marketing in the...

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    author social links:

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