Sales
The Go-Giver
Bob Burg & John David Mann
A short story on why giving first is a real growth strategy.
Recommended for: We Aren't Following Up on Proposals
All Challenges
Sales
We Aren't Following Up on Proposals
Proposals go out and then nothing. Use a simple follow-up schedule.
The Challenge
Proposals go out and then nothing. Use a simple follow-up schedule.
Why This Happens
- No follow-up system
- Fear of being pushy
- No one responsible
Questions to Ask Yourself
- 1.How many open proposals do you have?
- 2.When did you last follow up on each?
- 3.Who is responsible for follow-up?
What to Do First
1
List every open proposal.
2
Follow up on each today.
3
Set reminders using the schedule.
Step-by-Step Solution
- 1
Day 0 — Proposal sent.
- 2
Day 2 — Confirm receipt.
- 3
Day 5 — Follow up.
- 4
Day 10 — Follow up.
- 5
Day 20 — Final follow-up / status.
Three Levels of Solutions
Quick Win
Do this today
Follow up on every open proposal today.
Build the System
Next 30 days
Use the Day 0/2/5/10/20 schedule on every proposal (adjust timing to fit your business).
Long-Term Transformation
Where you're headed
Every proposal gets a clear yes or no.
Lessons From the Pass It On Library
From The Go-Giver
Follow up to serve, not to pressure.
Framework: Give Value First
From Business by the Book
Keep your commitments and communicate clearly.
Framework: Biblical Business Decision Check
Pass It On Action
Put the follow-up schedule in your calendar.
Practical Tool
Proposal Follow-Up Tracker
Fill it in here, then download or print. Your answers stay on your device.
Your Action Plans
Sign in to check off steps and save progress to My Growth Plan. Sign in
7-Day Action Plan
- Day 1 — Identify the problem: write down exactly how “We Aren't Following Up on Proposals” shows up in your business.
- Day 2 — Review the numbers: gather the facts, figures, and examples connected to this challenge.
- Day 3 — Find the root cause: answer “How many open proposals do you have?”
- Day 4 — Choose one change: List every open proposal.
- Day 5 — Assign responsibility: name ONE owner, a deadline, and the expected result.
- Day 6 — Implement: Follow up on each today.
- Day 7 — Review what happened: what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ll do next week.
30-Day Action Plan
Week 1 — Diagnose
- Answer: How many open proposals do you have?
- Answer: When did you last follow up on each?
- Answer: Who is responsible for follow-up?
- Complete the 7-Day Action Plan.
Week 2 — Build
- Use the Day 0/2/5/10/20 schedule on every proposal (adjust timing to fit your business).
- Day 0 — Proposal sent.
- Day 2 — Confirm receipt.
- Day 5 — Follow up.
Week 3 — Implement
- Day 10 — Follow up.
- Day 20 — Final follow-up / status.
- Train the people involved and assign owners.
Week 4 — Measure & Improve
- Compare results to where you started.
- Write one lesson learned.
- Adjust the process.
- Share what you learned with someone in the fellowship.
Biblical Principles
Wisdom for the journey — encouraging stewardship, integrity, and service, never a promise of guaranteed success.
#13 · Work
Diligence creates opportunity
Proverbs 12:24
#64 · Customers
Communicate truthfully
Proverbs 12:22
#65 · Customers
Keep your commitments
Matthew 5:37
Related Challenges
Recommended Books
Approved Bookshelf resources related to this challenge.
Faith & Business
Business by the Book
Larry Burkett
Biblical principles for running a business with integrity.
Recommended for: We Aren't Following Up on Proposals
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