In this episode, Bart sits down with Sara Murray, founder & CEO of Murmaid International, sales trainer, keynote speaker, and host of Prospecting on Purpose. This conversation explores Sara’s journey from corporate to entrepreneur, her “ABAV” philosophy (Always Be Adding Value), the mindset behind confidence, abundance, and authentic connection, and the simple human behaviors that create massive business impact.

Sara shares candid stories about positivity, self-belief, gratitude, and what happens when you consistently show up as someone who notices, connects, and overdelivers.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

• “Always Be Adding Value” (ABAV) is the game-changer

Sara’s foundational philosophy: every interaction is a chance to make an emotional deposit. Add value before you ask. Add value even when you don’t need anything. Add value when it costs nothing. This is what builds reputation, trust, and opportunity.

• Confidence isn’t arrogance, it’s earned through action

Sara teaches how to “jump up on the pedestal” instead of shrinking in front of high-value clients. Confidence is built by collecting experiences, learning from people, and trusting your strengths.

• Abundance > Scarcity

Even in competitive industries, there’s more than enough success to go around. Sara and Bart connect over the idea that generosity creates momentum. When you give without expectations, the world opens up.

• Sales isn’t pushing, it’s helping

If your product or service genuinely improves someone’s business or life, then outreach isn’t “bothering” people. It’s informing them of value they deserve to know about.

• Listening is the new superpower

People miss opportunities because they’re too busy “performing.” Listening deeply to needs, hints, frustrations, vacations, or tiny details, creates connection. It’s rare. And therefore powerful.

• Personal touchpoints matter more than automation

Automation is fine. Humanity wins. A review. A thoughtful suggestion. A follow-up based on something they said. Most people don’t do these small acts, which is why they stand out.

• Entrepreneurship requires patience and faith

Sara emphasizes that the first few years are harder, longer, and more demanding than expected. But with patience, belief, and staying aligned with your “why,” the payoff is life-changing.

• Your childhood shapes your strengths

Sara’s ability to talk to anyone came from sitting next to strangers on flights as a Delta employee’s kid. Every interaction became a data point that built confidence, empathy, and curiosity.

• Value before ask, every time

One of Sara’s favorite examples: she once recommended two novels to someone going on vacation. It got her booked a full year earlier than expected.

• Human > transactional.

Helping people first is the business model

When you focus on helping, not hustling, you attract the right clients, create impact, and build a career you’re proud of.

Memorable Quotes

• “We’re at your service, we’re not your servants.”

• “Everyone’s trying to jump on the pedestal. You don’t have to take anyone off… just put yourself up there too.”

• “Abundance starts when you stop asking and start adding.”

• “If your service genuinely helps people, they need to know about it. That’s not bothering them, that’s doing your job.”

• “Patience and trust, that’s the hardest part of entrepreneurship.”

• “Changing someone’s life wasn’t my why at first… but it became my why.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

• Model Sara’s A-BAV approach: Look daily for no-cost, meaningful ways to surpass what “most people don’t” do.

• Shift from scarcity to service: Helping without keeping score amplifies everything, your brand, referrals, confidence, and results.

• Lead with humanity: Automation can draft. You deliver the emotion.

• Be confident by being curious: Ask more. Listen more. Notice more.

• Build emotional bank accounts before withdrawals: Look for tiny deposits that compound into trust.

Resources:

LinkedIn: Sara Murray | LinkedInWebsite: Sara Murray