The proposal mistake that kills 80% of deals

The second you hit “send” on that proposal, you've already lost.

Sound dramatic?

Not really.

Here's why →

The problem: 

Even though you spend hours crafting the perfect proposal for each potential client, you have a really low close rate and get ghosted more often than you’d like to admit.

The benefit of solving it: 

Close a MUCH higher percentage of the deals you go after. 

Why what you’ve tried has failed: 

You're approaching proposals the conventional way, doing what everyone else is doing and waiting weeks for responses that never come.

Here’s how to solve it: 

When you email your proposal, you’re leaving it up to the client to interpret your offer and your value. 

But when you walk clients through your proposal live, you control the narrative. 

So instead of sending it in an email, set up a meeting and following this framework → 

Step 1: Set the agenda

"Here's what we're covering today: goals, scope, budget, next steps."

That one sentence puts you in the driver's seat.

Step 2: Walk through scope

Don't list deliverables → 

Paint outcomes.

Instead of "15 videos per month," say "consistent visibility that starts bringing customers to you by month three."

Step 3: Present budget ranges

Never ask "what's your budget?"

Say "here's a couple ways we can structure this" and give options.

Then ask if that's what they've set aside.

Step 4: Pause for objections

Objections are buying signals.

Don't fear them, invite them.

Ask: "What are our lingering questions here?"

And if they say "this seems expensive," you're right there to say "well the goal is for it to be free… here’s how I’ve designed this thing to pay for itself within 90 days."

When you're not in the room, they answer objections themselves.

And their answers are always wrong.

Step 5: Collaborative close

Never ask "do you want to do this?"

Instead, assume they’re onboard and say "here's what I suggest we do next."

- - - - - - 

Clients care much more about the safest bet than they do the cheapest option. 

When you send your proposal via email, you’re losing your opportunity to demonstrate that you’re the safest bet.  

But when you walk them through it live, it puts you in the lead and you close more deals.

It puts you in the room. 

Best,
Jamie

Here's how I can help accelerate your freelance success:

• Not sure how to price your services? → My FREE pricing mini-course reveals the exact framework that gets you premium rates.

  
  

• Ready to escape the feast-or-famine cycle? → Join The Freelancing Program and master the Client Domino System that turns chaos into consistent $10K+ months (1,000+ freelancers and counting). 

  
  

• Serious about scaling? → Let's build your custom $100K+ roadmap in a focused 1:1 coaching session.