The Exact Proposal Template

That Won Me 5 Jobs And $1,256

My First 30 Days On Upwork

(With No Portfolio And No Prior

Experience)

Quick Backstory:

I was a senior in college studying business administration.

And when I wasn’t busy copy-and-pasting Google answers into

my E-homework module (still not sure how anyone graduated

before the internet)…

I was brainstorming different ways to make money. Because I

REALLY didn’t want to get a 9-5.

So when the rest of my classmates were partying, chasing girls,

and participating in 2am group-howls at the local club…

I was putting in work.

Juuuuust kidding. (I’ve always wanted to tell a romantic “I

worked while they slept” story)

The truth is, I participated in my fair share of group-howls. And

I’m not ashamed to admit it.

And even though I may have been the guy singing “Sweet

Caroline” at the top of my lungs (in perfect harmony, mind you)

with 30 strangers at 2am…

I was able to make $1,200 in side-income while doing it. Using

only the written word.

And so can you.

If you take your proposals seriously (Or completely non-

seriously, which you’ll see in just a second) and hypnotize

yourself into an “abundance” mindset, not caring whether you

land or lose a job because your life is already super awesome

anyway…

Then you’ll inevitably find success. IF you keep going.

Bonus: Here’s the two-step process I used to create these

proposals from scratch:

1) Reverse-engineer WHO the client is looking for. Ask

yourself “Who would I hire if I were them?” And then

come across as that person. Be empathetic and try to

gather ALL the info you can from the job posting.

(You could even stalk their social medias a little bit, if

you’re able to find em’.)

Take into consideration their personality type, industry,

and use of language. Are they hyper-positive? Hyper-

negative? Blunt? Ditzy? Use the personality traits you can

gather from their job posting to “season” your writing.

But first, let me clarify what I mean by “season” using a

steak analogy. (You’ll be seeing a lot of steaks in this PDF).

The way you normally write is considered your voice. Or

your tone. Or your style.

Whatever you want to call it, imagine that your writing

voice is an unseasoned steak.

The key to writing a great proposal is by “seasoning” your

steak with what you think the client wants.

Meaning, you’re still going to write with your regular

writing voice… But you’re going to spice it up by adding

in traits you think they’re looking for.

So if your client is very optimistic / happy / positive…

You’d write in a more optimistic / happy / positive way.

If you catch my drift.

Also, Pro Tip: If they’re looking for witty writers, or any

other specific descriptive word… Don’t just tell them.

Show them.

2) Use their own words. This is an insanely

underappreciated rapport building technique. A lot of the

time, repeating their words back to them goes completely

under their radar.

Because they simply write the proposal and never read it

again.

People hire who they like. And tend to like who’s similar

to them. So using words they themselves use will give you

an edge on a subconscious level.

Now, enough about me *Blushes*.

Let’s get right into the EXACT proposal template that

won me 5 jobs and $1,200 my first month on Upwork

with NO portfolio and NO prior experience.

And although I wouldn’t recommend using it word for

word…

I can’t really stop you from doing it.

☺

Job #Won: (Get it?)

Proposal #1:

Hey you freaky fitness fanatic, Noticed you were looking for a creative copywriter. Someone who's capable of giving your steak a little sizzle.

Well, I'll make your steak sizzle. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

In fact, It would HAVE to be metaphorical because honestly, I don't even think I know how to cook a steak. My culinary skills never progressed past sophomore year foods class. And even then, the only reason I passed that damn class was because I paid this guy we called 'trenchcoat kid' to make an extra loaf of bread each time and then give it to me. The kid was a freak, but he could do wonders with a little yeast and water. I'm still throwing him props, lol.

Anyway, you're probably like "Grant, I get it. You can't cook. Why are you even telling me this?"

Well i'm telling you this because I wanted to let you know that even though I can't cook, I can write. And I can write quickly.

I'm also dedicated to health and fitness. I landed a scholarship to play college basketball my freshman year. One of my major goals.

The thing was, I didn't have enough time to stay dedicated to basketball and work a full-time job. I needed something that I could squeeze in to a tight schedule. And that ended up being personal training.

PT allowed me to put my attention on basketball while making a passive income training other students. I was also writing a lot during that time.

I'll be someone you can rely on to deliver to you funny, engaging, and persuasive copy in a variety of different verticals.

You want to grow your company while strengthening the relationship your customers have with your brand. And that's what I can deliver to you.

If you think we'd be a good fit, please send me a message and we can chat more about your needs and how I might be able to help. - Grant

These were questions that were also on their proposal:

• What supplements do you use? How often do you lift weights? Are you on instagram following any fitness pages? Do you like fitness memes? Do you stay up to date on health/fitness trends? Name a few Can you write a new blog article every 2 weeks?

I regularly take Vitamin D, fish oil, vitamin B and magnesium. I used to buy protein powder, but now I don't use any. I've found that adequate protein, fats, and sleep has been enough to foster muscle growth.

• Why are you the right person for this job?

I'm the right person for the job because I have two passions: writing and fitness. I've worked with many clients and have practical experience that I could apply to articles you need. I also have a solid understanding of what your market is looking for, because i'm part of it, and can craft empathetic copy that hits on every emotional hot button your audience may have

Job #2:

Proposal #2:

Hey you beautiful bearded beauty,

Noticed you were looking for a witty copywriter. Someone who's capable of giving your steak a little sizzle.

Well, I'll make your steak sizzle. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

In fact, It would HAVE to be metaphorical because honestly, I don't even think I know how to cook a steak. My culinary skills never progressed past sophomore year foods class. And even then, the only reason I passed that damn class was because I paid this guy we called 'trenchcoat kid' to make an extra loaf of bread each time and then give it to me. The kid was a freak, but he could do wonders with a little yeast and water. I'm still throwing him props, lol.

Anyway, you're probably like "Grant, I get it. You can't cook. Why are you even telling me this?"

Well i'm telling you this because I wanted to let you know that even though I can't cook, I can write. And I can write quickly.

And although I don't have a beard, I often sit down to write (after staring at my little babybutt face in the mirror) about what life would be like with a beard. ... And it's pretty god damn awesome.

At least I imagine it would be.

But I don't think I need a beard to help propel your brand to authority status in your industry. I just need a blank page, and a couple hours to write. And maybe 3 or 4 cups of coffee.

I'll be someone you can rely on to deliver to you funny, engaging, and persuasive copy in a variety of different verticals. I'll have readers of your blog literally waiting your next post, and saying "It should be here by now!" when a new article hasn't popped up yet.

You want to grow your company while strengthening the relationship your customers have with your brand. And that's what I can deliver to you.

If you think we'd be a good fit, please send me a message and we can chat more about your needs and how I might be able to help. – Grant

Their other questions:

• What part of this project most appeals to you?

I love writing engaging articles. Especially on more personal topics such as beard grooming / personal care. Your readers aren't just buying any old product, they're buying a product they put ON THEIR FACE!

• What questions do you have about the project?

Would you like your articles energetic and humorous? Or more professional? I am capable of writing in multiple different tones / voices.

• Why do you think you are a good fit for this particular project?

I think I'm a good fit for this project because I can deliver to you articles that are informative and entertaining. Your readers will get fantastic, life-changing tips packaged into entertaining and engaging stories.

Job #3:

Proposal #3:

Hey you wacky WiFi wizard, Noticed you were looking for a copywriter that can translate boring WiFi technical jargon into customer-centric narratives with some sauce. AKA Someone who's capable of giving your steak a little sizzle.

Well, I'll make your steak sizzle. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

In fact, It would HAVE to be metaphorical because honestly, I don't even think I know how to cook a steak. My culinary skills never progressed past sophomore year foods class. And even then, the only reason I passed that damn class was because I paid this guy we called 'trenchcoat kid' to make an extra loaf of bread each time and then give it to me. The kid was a freak, but he could do wonders with a little yeast and water. I'm still throwing him props, lol.

Anyway, you're probably like "Grant, I get it. You can't cook. Why are you even telling me this?"

Well i'm telling you this because I wanted to let you know that even though I can't cook, I can write. And I can write quickly.

And I can also translate technical talk into regular-person talk.

Want to tell your beloved 'custies about AP's? Captive Portals? AUPS? BSSID's? Or why the heck WAP stands for Wireless Application protocol AND wireless access point? i'm your guy.

I'll be someone you can rely on to deliver to you fun, engaging, and personal copy in a variety of different verticals. I'll translate that technical blab-jab into regular-person language that even the newbiest of WiFi'ers will be able to get behind.

You want to grow your company while strengthening the relationship your customers have with your brand. And that's what I can deliver to you.

If you think we'd be a good fit, please send me a message and we can chat more about your needs and how I might be able to help. – Grant

Other Questions:

• What part of this project most appeals to you?

For starters, I use WiFi ever day of my web-addicted life. So we already have like, so much in common and stuff. Secondly, I get a sick pleasure out of translating technical talk into customer-centric narratives. Some people like cocaine, some people like gambling, and I just so happen to like writing stories and selling stuff in my room. Different strokes for different folks! And thirdly, you're a freakin' WiFi startup. like what? You're redefining an industry that seriously needs a shakeup. And I think that's awesome. We need more people like you. How come nobody's shaking up the shopping cart industry? Why am I still pushing around a rusty, metal box from the 1970's? Beats me.

Job #4:

Proposal #4:

Hey you beautiful bearded beauty, Noticed you were looking for a witty copywriter. Someone who's capable of giving your steak a little sizzle.

Well, I'll make your steak sizzle. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

In fact, It would HAVE to be metaphorical because honestly, I don't even think I know how to cook a steak. My culinary skills never progressed past sophomore year foods class. And even then, the only reason I passed that damn class was because I paid this guy we called 'trenchcoat kid' to make an extra loaf of bread each time and then give it to me. The kid was a freak, but he could do wonders with a little yeast and water. I'm still throwing him props, lol.

Anyway, you're probably like "Grant, I get it. You can't cook. Why are you even telling me this?"

Well i'm telling you this because I wanted to let you know that even though I can't cook, I can write. And I can write quickly.

And although I don't have a beard, I often sit down to write (after staring at my little babybutt face in the mirror) about what life would be like with a beard. ... And it's pretty god damn awesome.

At least I imagine it would be.

But I don't think I need a beard to help propel your brand to authority status in your industry. I just need a blank page, and a couple hours to write. And maybe 3 or 4 cups of coffee.

I'll be someone you can rely on to deliver to you funny, engaging, and persuasive copy in a variety of different verticals. I'll have

members of your email literally list sitting down to check for your name in their inbox, and then saying "It should be here by now!" when your name hasn't popped up yet.

You want to grow your company while strengthening the relationship your customers have with your brand. And that's what I can deliver to you.

If you think we'd be a good fit, please send me a message and we can chat more about your needs and how I might be able to help. – Grant

Other questions:

• Which of the required job skills do you feel you are strongest at?

My strengths reside in my email marketing and blogging abilities.

• Why do you think you are a good fit for this particular project?

I think i'm a good fit for this project because I can infuse humor into my copy, tell stories, and meet deadlines. If you're serious about growing your brand and connecting with your audience, it's important to find a freelancer that is serious about growing your brand with you.

Job #5:

Proposal #5:

Hey you future worlds-best-story owner, Noticed you were looking for a creative copywriter who can tell your story in an out-of-the-box way that showcases your personality and

stands out to recruiters and employers. Someone who's capable of giving your story steak a little sizzle.

Well, I'll make your story's steak sizzle. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

In fact, it would HAVE to be metaphorical because honestly, I don't even think I know how to cook a steak. My culinary skills never progressed past sophomore year foods class. And even then, the only reason I passed that damn class was because I paid this guy we called 'trenchcoat kid' to make an extra loaf of bread each time and then give it to me. The kid was a freak, but he could do wonders with a little yeast and water. I'm still throwing him props, lol.

Anyway, you're probably like "Grant, I get it. You can't cook. Why are you even telling me this?"

Well i'm telling you this because I wanted to let you know that even though I can't cook, I can write. And I can some juicy stories.

And I can write stories in a way that will make the reader of your story stop and think "Wow. We need this person on our team".

You might even find yourself with more offers than you'll ever know what to do with.

You want a creative copywriter that will not only tell your story in an out-of-the-box way that stands out to recruiters and employers, but also gets those recruiters and employers to TAKE ACTION!

You want them to be dazzled by your story and then reach out to you.

And that's what I can deliver that to you, my friend. If you think we'd be a good fit, please send me a message and we can chat more about your needs and how I might be able to help. - Grant

Other questions:

What is your approach to creative writing? How do you help your clients tell their unique stories?

My approach is simple: I listen to EVERYTHING you want to let recruiters and employers know. And I write it all down. There's things you're going to tell me that are completely unique to you, and we're going to figure out what those are. Then I'm going to figure out how to package those things into out-of-the-box stories that convey your "Must-have" qualities. Hitting at the heart of what the recruiters and employers want. It's not enough to tell the recruiters and employers who you are and what you've done. That's only half the equation. You need to ALSO tell the employers how who you are and what you've done will DIRECTLY benefit their business. And do it in a way that's crystal clear and compelling. AKA through stories!

Well, there you have it. The template that made me $1,200 my first 30

Days on Upwork.

Hope you loved it.

Best,

Grant

P.S. I’ve currently re-opened my consulting services for a limited time.

But I’m only taking on a maximum of 10 students.

If you need help finding your writing voice, perfecting your proposals,

or increasing the conversion rate of your cold emails…

Email me at Lannin.grant@gmail.com and we’ll talk ☺

You can also find more cool writing stuff on my Youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPgx2tIG2cJGVwlBxoj8Ocg?view

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