This time of the year, it is common for proposals to get caught up in limbo. People are on vacation. Others are filling in. It seems like no one has the time or inclination to move your proposal forward. So, what can you do?

Determine the top three proposals you’ve got out and figure out one thing you can do to move each one closer to closing. Then do that!

Here are five ways to move them closer to closing.

Five Ways to Move a Proposal to a Close

1. Email the decision maker a direct question.

You might say, “I want to be sure I give you everything you need. Is my proposal exactly what you are looking for?

2. Send a written card a few days after you deliver the proposal.

You might write something like, “I look forward to working with you. Please let me know if you need anything else from me at this point.”

3. Follow up by phone.

State that you’d like to swing by to discuss a slight adjustment to the proposal that will provide an additional benefit.

4. Follow up via email to offer a new opportunity.

This can be something you had not thought of before, or something standard that you might not have included in the original proposal.

5. Call or email to verify the date and time of your follow up meeting.

Do this several days out.