What to send
“Hi Anna, I haven't heard back about the proposal, so I'm guessing the timing isn't right, or something changed. Should I close the file for now, or is this still on your list?”
Short, friendly and easy to answer. You are not asking for a decision on the proposal. You are asking for a decision on whether to keep talking.
Why it works
“Just checking in” asks nothing, so it gets nothing. A buyer who has gone quiet usually feels a little awkward about saying no. Offering the no makes it easy. Many reply with “No, it's still on, we've just been busy”, and the deal moves again. Those who say “close it for now” give you back the time you were spending on hope.
How to prevent it
- Book the next meeting before you leave the room. In their calendar, not as a promise.
- Agree up front what happens after the proposal. “When you've read it, we'll talk on Thursday. If it's a no, just tell me. A no is a fine answer.”
- Follow up within 48 hours of every meeting, with the next step in writing.
- Send a short personal text after a good meeting, apart from the email. It is remembered.
Then let it go
If there is still no reply, stop. Set a reminder for three months and spend the time on your ten target accounts. A pipeline full of silent deals feels busy and closes nothing.