It’s time for our annual review of the books we’re recommending for the new year!

Join your hosts Suzi Dafnis and Michelle Falzon as they share books they’ve loved and learned from that can help you be a more effective content marketer and create the business and live you love in 2025!

Plus get your hands on our NEWLY UPDATED and hugely popular Content Sells Recommended Reading List!

Go here to get the FREE 2025 Content Sells Recommended Reading List Now!

Listen to this Episode to Hear More About:

-> How to get your hands on the hugely popular Content Sells Recommended Reading List.

-> The book Michelle has re-read on a regular basis for the last 20 years… and why you need to read it too!

-> Which book Suzi loved so much she bought HUNDREDS of copies for HerBusiness Network members.

-> See which book written by a Grammy-winning record producer was Michelle’s favourite book of the year!

-> Find out which book will help you pivot your skills so you can thrive at every stage of your career and why embracing this shift is critical for long-term success as a content marketer.

-> Planning on writing a book this year? We’ve got the perfect recommendation for you!

-> Get the inside story on the book that reveals why your second act could be even more powerful than your first and how to align your content marketing to reflect this growth.

-> Discover the counterintuitive secret to staying fulfilled and productive when you’re feeling stuck or burnt out.

-> Learn how to reframe your priorities to achieve greater clarity and impact in both your content and your life.

-> Plus, so much more!

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind:
https://her-business.lpages.co/herbusiness-mastermind-eoi/

HerBusiness Network:
http://herbusiness.com/

Amazing Bookstore in Portugal that Suzi mentioned (named the most beautiful bookstore in the world):
https://www.livrarialello.pt/en/home

The Content Sells Podcast Reading List (all the books featured in this episode are listed there along with DOZENS of highly recommended business and personal development books that are perfect for content marketers!).

Welcome to Part 2 of this Episode! If you’re someone who makes proposals to clients you definitely want to tune into today’s show.

In this episode, your hosts, Suzi Dafnis & Michelle Falzon, continue to share 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.

Definitely tune into Part 1 of this episode, where we share a detailed step-by-step explanation of the Winning Proposal Framework - exactly how to structure your proposals for success!

Listen to This Episode to Hear More About:

-> The #1 mistake most businesses make with proposals—and how to fix it instantly.

-> Why your proposal’s visual design can make or break the deal (and how to master it).

-> How one catering business used visual storytelling to win high-value contracts and sell for millions!

-> Simple layout tricks that make your proposals easier to read and more persuasive.

-> Discover how using a photo of YOU (instead of stock images) could transform your proposals.

-> The art of "visual storytelling" in proposals—captivating your client, one step at a time.

-> How to set the perfect tone for trust and connection in your proposals.

-> The power of assumptive language: What to say to guide your client to a "yes" effortlessly.

-> Why "walking your client through" a proposal live is the ultimate game-changer.

-> The critical reason you should NEVER email your proposal before presenting it.

-> What to do when clients go straight to the pricing section—and how to regain control.

-> Boost buy-in during your proposal meeting with these strategic, open-ended questions.

-> How to handle price objections while protecting your value.

-> Why a summary checklist can be the subtle nudge your client needs to move forward.

-> FAQ sections: The hidden tool that addresses doubts before they arise.

-> One-click approval: How to remove every barrier between your client and a "yes."

-> How follow-up timing can make or break a deal—and how to perfect it.

-> Haven’t heard Part 1 yet? Hit pause and listen to Episode 251 to unlock the full winning proposal strategy.

-> FREE DOWNLOAD: The Winning Proposal Framework—get all the details from Part 1 and Part 2!

-> And much more…

Also Mentioned in This Episode:

HerBusiness Marketing Success Mastermind:
her-business.lpages.co/herbusiness-mastermind-eoi

HerBusiness Network:
https://her-business.lpages.co/request-an-invitation/?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=General&utm_campaign=membership-waitlist

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

Episode 251 - Winning Proposals - How to Get More Clients to Say Yes More Often Part 1:
https://herbusiness.com/podcast/winning-proposals-how-to-get-more-clients-to-say-yes-more-often-part-1/

Donna Cross - Culturally Directed Care Solutions:
https://cdcs.com.au/who-we-are/

Episode 241 - The Power of Plain Language with Susan Bell:
https://herbusiness.com/podcast/the-power-of-plain-language-with-susan-bell/

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.

PLUS BONUS DOWNLOAD – The Winning Proposal Checklist

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/