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.

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: https://herbusiness.com/podcast/the-winning-proposal-5-part-structure/

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: https://her-business.lpages.co/herbusiness-mastermind-eoi/

HerBusiness Network: href="https://shrtlnk.co/ELSaH

Get Your FREE Winning Proposal 5-Part Structure Download Here: https://her-business.lpages.co/serve-leadbox/MPHMhe86qHbCiwb65vN6iJ/

Episode 246 - 5 Metrics to Track Your Sales Funnel Success: https://herbusiness.com/podcast/5-numbers-to-track-for-sales-funnel-success/

Shandra Moran - The Transit Lounge: https://thetransitlounge.com/

Chantel Gilbert - Bluegum Electrical: https://www.bluegumelectricalsolutions.com.au/

In this episode, your hosts, Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon are sharing ways to START creating a powerful community even BEFORE people become your customers – that is, how you can build community and connection in your MARKETING.

Because when you can do that, you actually make it EASIER for people to buy from you and you can accelerate the lead time before someone becomes a customer.

You can even enlist your paid customer community – those raving fans who really love what you do, to participate in your marketing community activities to provide powerful social proof and build trust in your market.

Listen to This Episode to Hear More About:

-> How you can drive loyalty, sales, and referrals for free.

-> The secret to giving prospects a “taste” of your expertise that builds community and increases conversions.

-> Why building community makes people buy sooner.

-> The simple and fast strategy that can shorten the path to conversion by attracting more of your ideal clients into your world.

-> The power of consistency: Why your audience craves routine and how it builds lasting trust.

-> Secrets to Q&A success—how you can craft engaging sessions that keep your audience coming back for more.

-> How you can use the “Ask Me Anything” magic to showcase your expertise and build trust.

-> The surprisingly easy way to engage your audience and guide your next offer (this has been a game-changer for Suzi & Michelle).

-> How to run a high-impact online group without letting it become a “ghost town.”

-> How you can turn followers into contributors (and why this is a massive leverage point for your marketing).

-> Harness the power of hashtags to showcase your community in action—An effortless method to boost social proof.

-> Why mini-events are a powerful tool for building connections and conversions (and the specific type of event we recommend).

-> How to seed your community-driven marketing content so that it effortlessly and naturally leads to your paid offers.

-> Avoid the “hard sell” with these 5 ideas that naturally lead prospects to your paid services.

-> Transform prospects into loyal advocates—How your community can drive more word-of-mouth than any ad campaign.

-> Tips to create buzz before you go live—Avoid “crickets” and build excitement for your community events.

-> And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

-> https://her-business.lpages.co/herbusiness-mastermind-eoi/ -> https://herbusinessnetwork.com -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/31-use-surveys-discover-what-customers-want-how-give-them-ryan-levesque/ -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/57-how-to-use-seeding-to-move-people-forward-with-your-content/ -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/77-secrets-to-creating-engaged-online-communities-with-susan-garrett/ -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/84-facebook-group-engagement-with-kate-toon/ -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/109-how-to-create-your-first-online-challenge/ -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/112-how-to-create-your-first-online-challenge-part-2/ -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/get-people-to-your-paid-offer/ -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/facebook-groups-the-essential-systems-and-processes-for-success/ -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/5-numbers-to-track-for-sales-funnel-success/ -> https://www.herempirebuilder.com/ -> https://www.yourstrataproperty.com.au/ -> https://styleliberation.com.au/ -> https://dogsthat.com/ -> https://reluminatebeauty.com.au/pages/about-us

Social Media can be a “hungry beast,” and trying to keep up with social posts that get results can feel overwhelming, confounding, and like we’re always playing catch-up!

That’s why, in this episode, your hosts, Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon, are sharing their top tips for creating a Social Media Calendar that gets results while keeping YOU sane :-)

Listen to This Episode to Hear More About:

-> The biggest mistake small businesses make with social media (and how to avoid it).

-> Why winging your social posts is a recipe for overwhelm—and what you can do to fix it!

-> The simple planning hack that will have you hitting the ground running in January

-> The secret to saving HOURS on social media every month.

-> Why knowing the “Big Rocks” in your marketing plan is key to a successful social media calendar.

-> Why every post should have a conversion purpose (and how to make it happen!).

-> How planning your social media in phases can drive more sales and boost engagement.

-> The overlooked opportunity cost of random posting - you will be amazed by how much it’s costing your business.

-> Why social media can be a waste of time for some businesses, who aren’t taking one crucial step in their planning process.

-> The EASY way to map out your year’s social media posts (without tearing your hair out).

-> Why batching is NOT productive (unless you’ve done this first).

-> From “tease” to “launch”—how to time your social media posts to build anticipation for your offers.

-> The #1 way to make sure every social post supports your broader marketing strategy.

-> The key to creating campaigns that resonate all year long (and boost your conversions).

-> And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

-> https://her-business.lpages.co/herbusiness-mastermind-eoi/ -> https://herbusinessnetwork.com -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/15-create-great-content-without-burning/ -> http://herbusiness-downloads.s3.amazonaws.com/content-sells/ep78-marketing-success-plan.pdf -> https://www.google.com/url?q=https://herbusiness.com/podcast/stacking-momentum-with-your-annual-marketing-plan/ -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/plan-your-next-launch-like-a-pro/ -> https://herbusiness.com/podcast/why-you-need-to-plan-next-year-now/ -> https://www.bluegumelectricalsolutions.com.au/ -> https://reluminatebeauty.com.au/pages/about-us

As this episode goes to air we’re right at the start of November so we thought it would be great to give you a gentle nudge to get your annual plan for next year done THIS MONTH.

And here’s why…

You don’t want to be planning the year in January.

You’re already behind.

That’s why your hosts, Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon, are sharing the planning structure and framework they use in their Mastermind and businesses for planning the upcoming year in the November of the year before.

When you can start deep-dive planning in November, by the time January arrives your business is set up for success.

Listen to this episode to hear more about:

-> The ONE shift in your annual planning that could skyrocket your results next year… and why NOW is the time to start.

-> Why November is the sweet spot for planning the year ahead—and how waiting until January could leave you missing out on critical growth.

-> The “Big Kahuna” strategy that can radically change your business in just one year.

-> The “mental marinade” effect: How giving yourself thinking time unlocks breakthroughs and avoids strategic missteps.

-> How to use 11 months of hindsight to create a crystal-clear, data-driven plan for the year ahead.

-> How to create space for game-changing ideas to emerge naturally.

-> The unexpected side benefit of planning ahead that enables you to “ride the coat-tails” of major events and holidays.

-> The 90-day recalibration trick: How checking in on your progress every quarter can keep your year on track.

-> How a simple planning tweak helped one entrepreneur cut her launches and make more money—and how you can apply the same strategy.

-> How one tweak in your planning can prevent burnout and still keep you moving forward.

-> The “early bird” method: How getting ahead with your planning sets you up for success.

-> And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

-> HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind

-> HerBusiness Network

-> Episode 15 - How to Create Content Without Burning Out

-> Episode 78 - 3-Steps to Finally Getting ANY Big Content Project DONE!

-> Episode 247 - Plan Your Next Launch Like a Pro

-> Episode 248 - The Power of “Plain Language” - With Susan Bell

-> Elizabeth Bond - Zenbird Words

Launching is one of the most powerful things you can do in your business.

Whether you’re launching a new product, service, or even a course, a well-thought-out launch can mean the difference between ‘winging it’ and getting by versus hitting your goal number of sales and creating real momentum for your business.

And, while there are many aspects to launching, in this episode, your hosts, Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon, walk you through a step-by-step roadmap for the planning part of a successful launch.

What are the ground rules and “must do’s” BEFORE you launch?

Listen to this episode to hear more about:

-> The hidden power behind a well-executed launch and how it can make or break your business success.

-> Why planning your launch is more than just picking a date—it’s about creating a momentum-building strategy.

-> How an unplanned launch could lead to overwhelm, wasted effort, and missed opportunities.

-> The secret to turning a launch into a buzzworthy, revenue-driving event your audience can’t resist.

-> Discover the 5 phases of a successful launch that can transform your results—hint: it’s not just about the “open cart”!

-> Why a clear launch goal is the foundation for everything, from your offer to your marketing tactics.

-> How to craft an irresistible launch offer that aligns perfectly with your goals and audience.

-> The surprising role of audience warm-up in creating a successful launch.

-> How to leverage your email list, no matter the size, to maximize your launch revenue.

-> Is it better to offer a high-ticket or low-ticket offer when launching?

-> How long should your open cart period REALLY be? Learn the ideal timing to keep excitement and urgency high.

-> Why planning your post-launch activities is just as important as the launch itself.

-> What successful launches have in common—a tried-and-tested strategy used by top business leaders.

-> The often-overlooked pre-launch strategy that makes a massive difference in driving conversions.

-> Why urgency and scarcity are your best friends when it comes to making sales during a launch.

-> How to map out your launch dates to create a seamless flow between phases and avoid last-minute chaos.

-> The insider’s guide to building an effective launch team—even if you’re a solopreneur.

-> Budgeting for your launch: What costs to plan for, and why it’s more than just ads.

-> The one debrief question that could reveal the goldmine in your launch—are you asking it?

-> Why the best launches never go to plan—but how a solid roadmap can save you from disaster.

-> And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

-> HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind

-> HerBusiness Network

-> Episode 23 - How to Craft an Offer That Sells

-> Episode 31 - How to use surveys to discover exactly what your customers want, and how to give it to them - with Ryan Levesque

-> Episode 176 - How To Successfully Launch Anything - with Jeff Walker

-> Episode 195 - Stacking Momentum with Your Annual Marketing Plan

-> Episode 199 - Creating a Runway: How to Pave The Way for the Sale & Get MORE Results for LESS Cost!

-> Episode 242 How to Find Your Core Message & Purpose - with Erin Weed

-> Episode 246 - 5 Numbers to Track For Sales Funnel Success

-> Patricia Viscount Consulting

Knowing your sales funnel metrics can also make all the difference between consistently hitting your sales goals and constantly feeling like you're falling short.

And yet, even though these are some of the most important numbers to track in your business, they are often the most overlooked and misunderstood.

In this episode, your hosts, Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon, dive into the 5 numbers to track for Sales Funnel Success. Plus how you can understand them and actually USE them to confidently make decisions and more consistently hitting your sales goals.

Listen to This Episode to Hear More About:

-> What a sales funnel really is and how to map out the stages your customers move through.

-> The 5 key metrics every business should track to maximise conversions and business growth.

-> How to determine which areas of your funnel are underperforming and where potential customers are dropping off.

-> The essential metric that shows you how much it costs to acquire a new lead.

-> Why tracking one specific ratio can make a huge difference in how you manage your paid advertising campaigns.

-> How understanding the long-term value of your customers can transform your approach to marketing and sales.

-> The critical number that reveals whether you're losing customers faster than you're gaining them—and how to fix it.

-> The surprising relationship between tracking your funnel numbers and reducing the emotional stress of running your business.

-> And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

-> HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind

-> HerBusiness Network

-> Episode 216 - Easy Steps for Optimising Your Online Sales Process

-> Episode 239 - Why Your Promotional Emails Aren’t Working and What to Do About It (with guest Kathy Farah)

-> Episode 245 - 8 Website Mistakes That Could Cost You

-> Kathy Farah

-> Susan Bradley - Social Sales Girls

We love a good system. And when it comes to content marketing, having clear systems, or ways of doing things can save you a lot of time and rework.

In fact, you can create a ton of successful marketing content in a streamlined way when you have good systems.

Which is why, in today’s Content Sells episode, your hosts, Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon are sharing 4 Must-Have Marketing Systems That Can Save You HOURS Every Week!

Listen to This Episode to Hear More About:

-> Why even a “back of the napkin” marketing plan is better than none

-> Discover the project planning tools Suzi uses in her own business to keep productivity high

-> Why you need to build a “runway” into your project plans and the specific part of the process most of us forget when planning out our campaigns.

-> The content planning process in place for the HerBusiness Growth Retreat.

-> The one thing you must always do before pressing the “send” button on your emails.

-> How to collect more awesome testimonials and case studies.

-> How to create a powerful “Feedback Loop” that accelerates your business growth.

-> And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

-> HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind

-> HerBusiness Network

-> HerBusiness Growth Retreat

-> Episode 199 - Creating a Runway: How To Pave The Way For The Sale & Get MORE Results For LESS Cost!

-> Episode 245 - 8 Website Mistakes That Could Cost You

-> Kristy-Lee Billett, People Powered HR

Attracting high-paying clients can make ALL the difference in terms of your profitability and also how much you ENJOY and THRIVE in your business.

In today’s Content Sells episode, your hosts, Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon are speaking with coaching and business expert Melinda Cohan about her Brand New Book “The Professional Coach” and how you can use her frameworks to grow your business and find more high paying clients you LOVE working with.

While her book is geared towards Coaching Businesses, the GEMS Melinda shares in this episode are so valuable for ALL business types.

PLUS checkout Melinda’s SPECIAL OFFER for Content Sells listeners when you buy her Must-Read Book.

VISIT: TheProfessionalCoachBook.com

Listen to This Episode to Hear More About:

-> Why you need to shift from an “Amateur” to “Professional” mindset in your business.

-> The 8 Pillars of Professionalism that help you grow a more successful and robust business.

-> Why we’re getting what it means to have a “work ethic” wrong (and how that’s burning us out!).

-> How to come up with your Unique Value Proposition – what makes you uniquely and unapologetically you!

-> Why you may be taking the services you offer for granted and why that’s diminishing the value you are getting paid.

-> How to deliver “exquisite client support” (and why this matters now more than ever!).

-> How to set professional pricing and why this doesn’t have to be daunting.

-> The difference between being burdened by your business and liberated by your business.

-> Rememberable and Repeatable and Writedownable… the 3 things your unique value proposition needs to be.

-> How jargon is killing your ability to attract high value clients.

-> The business success roadmap Melinda has shared with over 100,000 business owners

-> How to apply the power of leverage to: time, wisdom, expertise, content and impact.

-> How to get off the “feast or famine” rollercoaster when it comes to business growth.

-> How to get clients unstuck using a simple idea Melinda learned from a world champion dog trainer.

-> How Melinda is making money “fun”!

-> What if money was a lover? The groundbreaking question Melinda asks to change our relationship with money.

-> How to shake off the employee mindset that may be holding you back from your business going beyond being a “hobby”.

-> Why “charge what you’re worth” has nothing to do with pricing and is one of the most damaging pieces of advice in the business world.

-> “Aligned Pricing”  - how to align your pricing with the results you’re delivering so you can better communicate value.

-> The “reverse” thinking that will help you price and package your products in a profitable and aligned way.

-> How to “Protect your sparkle” and the role of self care in business (Melinda shares a “mic drop” piece of advice around self care that will blow your mind!)

-> How to have a big business while protecting your self care (even during busy launches).

-> And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

-> HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind

-> HerBusiness Network

-> Get The Professional Coach Book + Bonuses HERE

-> Melinda Cohan - The Coaches Console

-> Episode 15 - How to Create Great Content Without Burning Out

-> Episode 77 - Secrets to Creating Engaged Online Communities With Susan Garrett

-> Episode 110 - Villains, Superpowers and Designing a Successful Content Strategy With Melinda Cohan

Have you ever tried to get PR? Does it feel like you need to speak some “strange language” or pay a PR agent thousands of dollars to get TV, Radio and Press journalists to pay attention to you?

If so, you’re going to LOVE today’s Content Sells episode!

Your hosts, Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon are speaking with someone who has unlocked the power of FREE Publicity to grow her business and “become famous” in her niche.

That person is one of our Marketing Success Masterminders – property lawyer, Amanda Farmer, of Your Strata Property.

We’ve LOVED watching Amanda rack up win after win over the years when it comes to being featured in mainstream media like The Today Show, Sydney Morning Herald, Sky News, 2GB, A Current Affair, ABC News and more.

So, we invited her onto the show to share her secrets!

Listen to This Episode to Hear More About:

-> How Amanda is reaching literally millions of people for FREE via mainstream media

-> What steps Amanda took to become recognised as an expert in her niche by journalists from TV, Radio and the Press.

-> The necessity of having a story to share once a month.

-> How to know what stories journalists will find interesting (and which ones will get ignored).

-> How to build relationships with journalists and the things you must know about them and their media outlet BEFORE you connect with them!

-> How to be resilient and stay in for “the long game.”

-> The side benefits of PR that aren’t getting a flood of leads (these can actually sometimes be even more powerful).

-> Why realising journalists don’t have imagination can be a game changer when it comes to being SEEN by the media.

-> How to avoid the “curse of knowledge” when pitching stories.

-> How to be intentional about the media you want to be in (big tip - consume the media you want to be on).

-> How to come up with powerful hooks and angles that will get journalists featuring you.

-> The one most important thing to include in your FIRST media pitch to a journalist.

-> 3 “universal” types of PR worthy stories you likely have in YOUR business right now.

-> The site that publishes daily FREE Pr opportunities.

-> The “cardinal sin” when building a relationship with a journalist (and how to avoid it).

-> How to use your “PR mentions” after your appearance for long term benefit.

-> And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

-> HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind

-> HerBusiness Network

-> Amanda Farmer - Your Strata Property

-> Cat Matson - Impactful Presenters

-> Melinda Cohan - The Coaches Console

Finding the best way to get to the core of your authentic message can be a frustrating and difficult journey for many content marketers.

That’s why, in this episode, your hosts, Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon are speaking with messaging expert, Erin Weed about how to find your core message and express yourself in a powerful and authentic way.

Erin helps leaders excavate and distil their truth through her unique method called The Dig®.

She says “I created The Dig to help you remember who you are, what you stand for and how to share it with others.”

Listen to This episode to Hear More About:

-> Why it’s not just clarity we are looking for, but EPIC Clarity (and how to get it!)

-> How to feel so confident and “on fire” about your message that you’re not only ready to tell people about what you do, but you’re unstoppable!

-> The straightforward “Grounding Question,” Erin recommends we ask ourselves when we are triggered, to quickly re-centre ourselves and bring us back to who we are.

-> Erin’s 10-word operating system.

-> The one intention we should all have when making a presentation to an audience

The real reason you might be feeling resistance to being more visible (and it’s not what you think).

-> Why self help is not about changing people, but rather helping them get back to the most true version of themselves.

-> How to find the most powerful ways for you to create your unique content with ease.

-> The 3 truths we have running all the time (and why understanding this can unlock your communication).

-> The role of facts, emotions and gut-feelings in your finding your purpose and what your core message is.

-> How to access Erin’s FREE Head-Heart-Core Video Training.

-> And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

-> HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind

-> HerBusiness Network

-> Erin Weed

-> Erin’s FREE Head-Heart-Core Video Training

-> EP 228 - When and How To Offer a VIP Ticket Option for Your Online Course, Challenge or Program

-> Belinda Weaver - Copywrite Matters

Are you bamboozling your audience with jargon?

Are you being too complex or technical with your copy?

In this episode, your hosts, Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon chat with HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind member, Susan Bell of Susan Bell Research about the power of “Plain Language” and you can be massively more effective with your content when you are more straight forward.

Listen to This Episode to Hear More About:

-> Why Plain Language is a lot more than using simpler language in our writing

-> The 4 elements of Plain Language.

-> How to make sure your reader can get & find the information they need, when they need it.

-> The keys to being more understandable!

-> How to communicate so people can actually USE the information you are sharing.

-> Why getting your users to understand begins with YOU understanding your users!

-> The “Hop, skip and jump” phenomenon that stops your clients actually reading and understanding your content.

-> The “Plain language edit” – how to create plain language content.

-> What you can learn when reading your own content – the “breath” test that shows you where you may be losing your readers.

-> Where and how to treat your most important information.

-> The vital piece of information you must always put at the top of any page or website.

-> The precious value of white space!

-> The “word count” hack that lets you know you’ve stepped over plain language barrier and you’re probably being too complex!

-> How to use headings as a way to make it easier for people to navigate your content.

-> How to use “big business” user testing ideas in small business to create more effective communication your market loves (and understands!)

-> The RIGHT way to use jargon (what you must do every time you use jargon)

-> And much more…

 Also Mentioned in This Episode:

-> HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind

-> HerBusiness Network

-> Susan Bell - Susan Bell Research

-> Belinda Weaver - Copywrite Matters

-> EP 237 - How & When to Hire a Copywriter with Belinda Weaver