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
_as=subscriber