Most service businesses obsess over getting a discovery call.
They build decks. They rehearse their pitch. They “build rapport.”
And then—after the call—they send off the proposal in a PDF and just… hope.

No review meeting. No context. Just an email with a doc attached.

That’s a problem. Because without a proposal review meeting, you’re giving up control at the most important moment in the sales process.

Why proposals shouldn’t be left to chance

Here’s what typically happens when you email a proposal:

• The client opens it while juggling 6 other things
• They skim. Get confused. Maybe even misread something
• They hesitate—because they’re unsure—and don’t respond
• You start the dreaded “just following up” email spiral
• The deal dies. Quietly. Without feedback. Without clarity.

And worst of all? You never even get to explain the value.

Enter: the proposal review meeting

It’s not complicated. It’s just smart.

Before you send the proposal, schedule a short 15–20 minute review call.
That’s it. That’s the whole move.
You book it during the initial call—while they’re engaged.

“Once we put together your proposal, we’ll do a quick walkthrough so you can ask questions and we can make sure it’s exactly what you need. Does that work?”

They’ll almost always say yes.

Why this changes everything

1. You control the context
You’re not guessing what they’re thinking while reading it alone. You’re right there, framing the deliverables, the timeline, the pricing.

2. You answer objections in real time
Instead of losing the deal over a simple misunderstanding, you explain it—live.

3. You create a rhythm
From meeting → proposal review → decision.
This gives structure. It keeps momentum alive.

4. You show you’re a pro
Professionals walk clients through complex things. Vendors email PDFs.

What to cover in the meeting (it’s not a pitch)

Keep it tight. Here’s a sample structure:

1. Recap their goals
2. Walk through the structure of the proposal
3. Highlight any optional items or choices they have
4. Ask: “What questions do you have about anything you see?”
5. Confirm next steps or timeline for a decision

You’re not hard-selling. You’re guiding.
You’re partnering. That’s what closes deals.

Bonus tip: Always book from a meeting (FAMBAM)

I got this one from Dan Martell, and it’s gold:

From A Meeting, Book A Meeting.
Before you end any call, always book the next one. Especially for the proposal review.

Don’t say, “We’ll send it over later this week.”
Say, “We’ll send it over and review it with you Thursday at 1 PM.”

That locks it in. Keeps the deal moving. Prevents the ghosting spiral.

Great proposals need great delivery

Even the most beautifully structured, upsell-rich, modular proposal won’t work if nobody reads it.

A proposal review meeting isn’t a formality. It’s the moment.
It’s where you bring clarity. Handle objections. Build confidence.
It’s where deals close—or drift into the abyss.

Sales meetings are optional. Proposal review meetings are not.

👉 Learn more or book a no-obligation demo

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