A simple workflow turns one-off proposals into a repeatable professional habit.
11 min readWorkflow steps
- Discovery (15 to 30 min call or form)
- Recap email ("Here is what I heard")
- Proposal (scope, price, terms, valid until)
- Follow up day 3 and day 7 if silent
- Kickoff after written yes
Skip recap and you propose wrong work.
Proposal skeleton
For: [client] Problem: [1 sentence] Scope: [bullets + cap] Not included: [bullets] Investment: [price] / [hours] Payment: [deposit, due, method] Start: [date] Valid until: [date] Next step: Reply "accepted" to book kickoff
See how to quote VA rate.
DRAFT tips
- Discover before pricing
- Recap in writing
- Answer with one recommended option
- Follow up on schedule
- Timebox validity
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Proposal before discovery | Recap first |
| Three prices, no recommendation | Pick one primary |
| No valid-until date | Stale quote chaos |
| Custom novel each time | Template |
How Salag helps
- Agreement Builder: scope sections for proposals.
- Rate Calculator: price before you send.
- Request Clarifier: clean vague discovery notes.
Move safer. Not faster.
In short
Same steps every new client: discover, recap, propose, follow up.
Use one template. Fill scope and price. Send within 24 hours of call. Valid 7 to 14 days.
Common questions
Same steps every new client: discover, recap, propose, follow up. Use one template. Fill scope and price. Send within 24 hours of call. Valid 7 to 14 days.
Discovery call or form first. Never full proposal before you know scope.
One PDF or email: problem, scope, price, terms, valid until date. Plain English.
Proposal becomes contract when they reply accepted. Match numbers.
Offer smaller pilot proposal instead of cutting price silently.
Discover, Recap scope, Answer with options, Invoice terms, Follow up, Timebox validity.
Client shops your proposal to cheaper VA. Watermark scope, valid-until date.
Yes. Proposal email plus acceptance reply is the deal.
Agreement builder and rate calculator feed proposal sections.
Template doc, rate calculator, calendar for follow up.
Thirty minutes with template. New client fills blanks.
Retainer: hours and tasks. Project: milestones and deposit.
No verbal yes. Accepted reply or signed doc before work.