Let’s talk about a scenario that might sound all too familiar to you. You’ve crafted a killer proposal, you’ve sent it off with a hopeful heart, and then… crickets. You’re met with silence that seems to stretch on for eternity.
Frustrating, isn’t it? Well, that’s where mastering proposal follow-ups comes into play.
But here’s the catch: You don’t want to come across as pushy or annoying, but you also don’t want to be that speaker who just fades into the background. The art of persistence lies in striking the perfect balance. And believe me; it IS an art!
In this training episode, we’ll explore how to strike the right balance, what to include in your follow-ups, and even look at a few tools that can take the stress out of this process.
So, ready to banish that radio silence and land more speaking gigs? Let’s get to it!
Mastering Proposal Follow-ups: The Gentle Art of Persistence
Here are the minute marks that cover highlights in this episode:
Understanding the Importance of Proposal Follow-Ups
(3:00) Before we dive into the how, let’s first understand the why. Why are proposal follow-ups so crucial? Simply put, they show your interest and commitment. They demonstrate that you’re not just another speaker throwing proposals into the wind and hoping something sticks.
Follow-ups put you back on the radar of busy event organizers who, let’s be honest, are often juggling a million tasks at once. Your email proposal could have landed in their inbox at a busy time. Or maybe, just maybe, got lost in a sea of other proposals. A gentle follow-up can bring their attention back to you and your proposal.
But remember, there’s a fine line between being persistent and being pushy. You must tread this line carefully. A well-executed follow-up could be the deciding factor in securing more speaking gigs. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to ace your proposal follow-ups.
How to Strike the Right Balance when Following Up
(4:17) Persistence pays, but too much can tip the scales in the wrong direction. Striking the right balance when following up is essential. You don’t want to be the speaker who’s known for clogging up an event planner’s inbox with relentless messages.
So, how can we find that sweet spot?
- Give it Time: Following up 10 minutes after sending your proposal is a big no-no. Give the organizer some time to process the information. A rule of thumb is to wait for about a week before your first follow-up. It shows respect for their time and their process.
- Keep it Professional: A follow-up is a gentle reminder, not a plea or a demand. Keep your tone professional, courteous, and positive. An accusatory or desperate tone won’t do you any favors.
- Limit the Frequency: If you’ve sent a couple of follow-ups over a few weeks with no response, it might be time to take the hint. Constantly sending messages won’t magically produce a booking. It could, however, annoy the organizer and damage future opportunities.
- Include the Right Content: Avoid sending generic, ‘just-checking-in’ emails. Instead, use this opportunity to provide additional value. Perhaps share a recent blog post relevant to their event or a testimonial from a similar gig. This keeps your messages fresh and engaging and reinforces your credibility and expertise as a speaker.
Remember, your aim is to gently remind them of why you’re a great fit for their event, not to pressure or guilt them into a response. Keep it professional, positive, and courteous. After all, every interaction is a reflection of you and your brand.
Tools to Automate Your Follow-Ups
(6:50) As a busy speaker, managing proposal follow-ups can seem like another daunting task on an already overflowing plate. However, there’s a suite of tools available that can help automate this process, saving you precious time and mental energy.
Before you jump on the automation bandwagon, though, it’s essential to address a crucial question: can these tools help you personalize your messages adequately? After all, we’re all about creating genuine connections and showing our unique personality, right?
Well, the good news is many of these tools offer features that allow for personalization. Tools like Mailshake, FollowUpThen, and even CRM systems like HubSpot, or Salesforce, can be programmed to send out personalized emails at set intervals. This means you can ensure that each message feels individually crafted without having to hit ‘send’ on every single one.
However, always remember that automation is a tool, not a replacement for genuine interaction. Use these tools to handle routine tasks, but never let them overshadow the personal touch that only you can bring to your communications.
Your aim is to build authentic relationships. And for that, there’s no substitute for the human touch.
Following Up with Grace: Practical Examples
(8:45) Sure, we’ve laid out some strategies, but nothing speaks volumes like concrete examples.
Let’s dive into a few different situations and see how we could apply our new art of gentle persistence in each.
Example 1: Reinforcing Your Key Takeaway
Subject: Adding Value to [Event Name] with [Keynote Topic]
Body: Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been diving deeper into my research on [keynote topic] and came across some fascinating insights that I believe could really resonate with your audience at [event name].
I’d love to share these with you and discuss how we can make the event even more impactful. Do let me know if you’d like to set up a call.
Looking forward to your response to the proposal sent earlier.
Warm regards, [Your Name]
This example shows the art of personalizing your follow-ups, providing value, and maintaining a genuine interest in your prospect. Remember, every interaction is a chance to demonstrate how you can add to their event.
Your Next Steps in Mastering Proposal Follow-Ups
(12:00) We’ve dissected the fine art of proposal follow-ups, peeling back the layers of persistence, balance, and grace. Now it’s your turn to take these principles and put them into action.
Remember, follow-ups aren’t just a box-ticking exercise. They’re the bridge between you and your next speaking gig.
Mastering your proposal follow-ups can set you apart from the crowd, keep you top of mind, and enhance your relationships with potential event organizers. So why not make today the day you begin to transform your follow-up game?
But, if you’re feeling a little daunted by the prospect of crafting the perfect follow-up email, I’ve got just the thing for you: My Speaker Proposal Email Swipe Files.
That’s why I’ve compiled my years of experience and success into these Swipe Files.
They’re not just templates, but rather carefully crafted email drafts, chock-full of effective strategies and compelling language to grab a meeting planner’s attention.
With these Swipe Files, you’re not starting from square one. You’re stepping onto a platform built on proven success. They’re easy to use – simply adjust them to your needs, and they’re ready to go. It’s an efficient way to start securing more gigs while saving you time and energy.
So, why start from scratch when you can stand on the shoulders of success? The journey to more speaking gigs begins with a well-crafted email, and these Swipe Files are your secret weapon.
Remember, mastering the art of gentle persistence begins with a single step. So, take that step today, and let’s get you booked for more speaking gigs!
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Recommended Resources & Links
The Charli Jane Speakers Club – If you are seeking to expand your presence on various stages, you have arrived at the ideal destination! We proudly offer our members an impressive range of 5,200 – 10,400 speaking opportunities annually. Yes, you read that correctly!
We cater to diverse interests and expertise, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Moreover, we have developed a comprehensive program known as The Booked Solid Success Path, meticulously designed to complement and enhance your speaking engagements.
Episode 161 – AI and Speaking: How Can It Transform Your Business?
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The Ultimate Speaker Business Building Bundle – Includes all my course kits like: Find speaking gigs, recurring 60k from one gig, meeting planner page, price your speaking, create your own one-sheet course, marketing templates, find your niche course, speaking lead organizer, and so much more.
Get a professional onesheet designed – I have been designing one sheets, also known as a speaker sheet or one-pager, for over 18 years for speakers to use in their marketing mix.
The Breakthrough Public Speakers Community – My team and I are inside this community helping you, encouraging you, and supporting you through your speaking journey… along with 3,700+ speakers.
I hope you enjoyed this training episode!
I wanted to let you know that every training session is geared towards helping you launch and grow your speaking business.
Keep up the amazing work and keep inspiring others!
Wendi xo
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Meet Wendi McNeill
As the Founder and Owner of Charli Jane Speaker Services®, Wendi has been “Opening Doors of Opportunity” for speakers since 2002.
Charli Jane Speakers provides speakers with support, exposure, tools, tips, speaking and media leads, coaching/learning programs, and much more to assist them in growing their speaking business. Learn more about Wendi