Make More Sales with Brooke Greening

Make More Sales with Brooke Greening

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Make More Sales with Brooke Greening episodes

  • 4 Sales Call Mistakes That Kill Trust (And Cost You Clients)

    You’re not losing clients because you’re bad at sales.

    You’re losing them in the first five minutes… without even realizing it.

    That “friendly” small talk? That go-to “tell me about your business” question?
    That moment where you jump in to relate?

    Yeah… those might be the very things breaking trust. And the wild part?

    They all feel like the right thing to do. Let’s fix that. 😏

    ⸻

    Episode Summary

    You’re showing up to sales calls, being kind, friendly, and helpful…

    …and still not closing as many clients as you should.

    Here’s the deal: trust isn’t built through good vibes alone. It’s built through intentional conversations.

    In this episode, Brooke breaks down four common sales call mistakes that quietly chip away at trust—often in the first few minutes of the call.

    From the polite small talk loop to the classic “tell me about your business” opener, these habits feel harmless… but they leave your potential client feeling unsure, disconnected, or even resistant.

    The good news? Once you see them, you can fix them.
    And when you do, your calls feel more natural, more focused, and a whole lot more effective.

    Because sales doesn’t have to be sleazy—but it does need structure.

    ⸻

    What You’ll Learn
    • Why small talk alone doesn’t build trust (and what to do instead)
    • The difference between being friendly and being strategic
    • How “trying too hard” to connect can backfire on sales calls
    • The subtle way you might be making the conversation about you (oops 😬)
    • Why “tell me about your business” can signal a lack of preparation
    • How to avoid unintentionally sabotaging your calls
    • The mindset shift from “winging it” to leading with intention
    • ⸻

      Resources Mentioned

      Set Expectations Podcast Episodes

      1. https://buildingmomentum.info/how-to-start-a-sales-call/
      2. https://buildingmomentum.info/sales-calls-bad-examples/
      3. https://buildingmomentum.info/how-to-set-sales-call-expectations/
      4. First Establish Rapport Podcast Episode

        • https://buildingmomentum.info/sales-rapport-not-closing-deals/
        • ⸻

          Join the Conversation / Subscribe

          If you’re ready to stop guessing your way through sales calls and start leading them with confidence (without feeling pushy), I’ve got you.

          Grab more episodes, tools, and support right here:
          https://buildingmomentum.info/matcha

          ⸻

          Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn

          Want more no-fluff sales guidance that still feels like you?

          Come hang out on LinkedIn:
          https://linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening

          ⸻

          You don’t have to be a jerk to be good at sales. But you do have to be intentional. Here’s to valuing your customers—and making more sales.

          4 Sales Call Mistakes That Kill Trust (And Cost You Clients)

          00:00 Why Small Talk Can Hurt Your Sales Calls
          00:40 Welcome to Sippin’ Matcha & Helping You Make More Sales
          02:37 The SERVICE Sales Framework for Better Sales Conversations
          03:21 Why Being Friendly Isn’t the Same as Building Rapport
          04:05 Mistake #1: The Polite Small Talk Loop
          05:24 Why Small Talk Doesn’t Build Trust
          06:10 Mistake #2: Forced Connection on Sales Calls
          07:19 Why Prospects Feel Resistance When You Try Too Hard
          09:30 Mistake #3: The Accidental Hijack
          10:42 How Making It About You Costs You Trust
          11:35 Use the 70/30 Rule to Keep Prospects Talking
          12:55 Mistake #4: “Tell Me About Your Business”
          13:22 Why Generic Sales Questions Hurt Your Credibility
          14:22 How These Rapport Mistakes Sabotage Sales Calls
          15:33 Quick Gut Check: Which Sales Call Mistake Do You Make?
          16:17 Take the Sales Conversation Assessment
          17:11 What to Say Instead on Your Next Sales Call
          17:42 Subscribe for More Human-First Sales Tips

          19 min
        • Why Your Sales Rapport Isn’t Closing Deals (Fix This)

          If your sales calls feel great… but keep ending with “I need to think about it,” this episode is going to hit a little close to home (in the best way 😜).

          ⸻

          Episode Summary

          Let’s just say the quiet part out loud: most people think they’re good at building rapport… but they’re actually just being polite. And while politeness is lovely, it doesn’t close deals.

          In this episode, Brooke breaks down the real role of rapport in a sales conversation—and why staying surface-level is quietly costing you clients.

          You’ll hear why “being likable” isn’t the goal, how generic questions sabotage trust, and what actually helps someone open up about the real problem you can solve.

          Because here’s the deal: if you don’t get the real problem, you can’t offer real value. And that’s where sales start to fall apart.

          ⸻

          ✨ What You’ll Learn
          • Why “good conversation” doesn’t equal effective sales
          • The difference between being likable and being relevant
          • How surface-level rapport leads to surface-level answers
          • The subtle signs your rapport isn’t working (hello, “I’ll think about it”)
          • Why generic questions like “How’s your business going?” miss the mark
          • A simple question to audit your own sales calls this week
          • How to bring intentionality into your conversations without being awkward or pushy
          • ⸻

            🔗 Resources Mentioned
            • Sales Conversation Assessment (quick + super insightful): https://buildingmomentum.info/assessment
            • ⸻

              💬 Join the Conversation / Subscribe

              If this episode made you rethink your sales calls (or cringe just a little—in a productive way 😂), you’re going to love what we’re doing over here:

              👉 https://buildingmomentum.info/matcha

              New episodes, practical frameworks, and real talk about selling without feeling like a weirdo.

              ⸻

              🤝 Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn

              Want more no-fluff sales insight (with a side of personality)?

              👉 https://linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening

              ⸻

              Here’s your gentle nudge for the week: Are you starting your sales calls with something specific to them… or something you could say to literally anyone?

              That one shift? It changes everything.

              Progress counts. And thank goodness for that.

              Why Your Sales Rapport Isn’t Closing Deals (Fix This)

              00:00 Why Most Sales Rapport Doesn’t Close Deals
              00:17 The Real Problem With “Good” Sales Calls
              02:33 What Rapport in Sales Actually Means
              03:13 Why Small Talk Doesn’t Help You Sell
              04:32 Why Prospects Stay Surface-Level
              05:09 Being Likable vs Being Relevant
              06:42 Why Prospects Say “I Need to Think About It”
              08:12 Why You Can’t Wing Sales Calls
              09:12 Stop Saying “How’s Your Business Going?”
              09:38 How to Build Better Rapport on Sales Calls
              10:27 Intentional Connection vs Generic Friendliness
              11:48 A Simple Rapport Check for Your Next Call
              12:11 What to Listen for in the Next Episode

              14 min
            • How to Set Sales Call Expectations (Close More Deals Without Pressure)

              Sales calls don’t have to feel awkward… but let’s be honest—they often do. In this episode, Brooke breaks down one of the most overlooked (and most powerful) parts of a sales conversation: setting expectations right at the beginning.

              Because here’s the deal—when your potential client doesn’t know where the conversation is going, things get weird fast. But when you clearly explain the goal and the outcome? People relax. Trust builds.

              And suddenly… sales feel a whole lot more natural. Brooke walks you through a simple, repeatable way to open your calls so you can lead with confidence, avoid awkward transitions, and actually move the sale forward—without pressure or sleaze.

              And yes… it might feel clunky at first. That’s normal. Progress counts. And thank goodness for that.

              ⸻

              What You’ll Learn
              • Why most sales calls feel awkward (and how to fix it in the first 30 seconds)
              • The 2 essential pieces every sales call opening needs:
                • The goal (what you’re there to understand)
                • The outcome (what they can expect by the end)
                • A simple, real-life example of how to set expectations naturally
                • How setting expectations builds trust fast
                • Why talking about the investment upfront actually makes things easier (not harder)
                • What to say instead of “I’ll follow up later…” (you know… the momentum killer 😬)
                • How to confidently transition into the rest of your sales conversation
                • ⸻
                  🔗 Resources Mentioned
                  1. Start of this mini-series: https://buildingmomentum.info/how-to-start-a-sales-call/
                  2. What not to do (aka the cringe-worthy examples): https://buildingmomentum.info/sales-calls-bad-examples/
                  3. Take the Sales Call Assessment: https://buildingmomentum.info/assessment
                  4. ⸻

                    💬 Join the Conversation / Subscribe

                    If this episode made you think, “Oh wow… I’ve definitely been skipping that part,” you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out solo.

                    👉 https://buildingmomentum.info/matcha

                    Come hang out, keep learning, and build a sales process that actually feels like you.

                    ⸻

                    🤝 Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn

                    Want more practical, no-pressure sales guidance (with a little personality)?

                    Let’s connect: 👉 https://linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening

                    ⸻

                    P.S. If your sales calls have been feeling a little… vague, this is your sign. You don’t need a perfect script. You just need a clear starting point. And this? This is it. 💛

                    How to Set Sales Call Expectations (Close More Deals Without Pressure)
                    16 min
                  5. What to Say on a Sales Call: Good, Bad, and Cringey Examples (Set Expectations Right)

                    What actually happens in the first few minutes of a sales call can make—or break—the entire conversation.

                    In this episode, Brooke Greening breaks down real-world examples of how people actually set expectations on sales calls—from completely skipping it, to awkward and scripted approaches, all the way to a simple, effective framework that builds trust fast.

                    You’ll hear what sounds good in your head but lands poorly in real life, why vague conversations kill momentum, and how a clear, confident setup lowers resistance and keeps prospects engaged from the start.

                    If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to open a sales call (or avoided talking about pricing altogether), this episode will give you the clarity—and language—you need.

                    ⸻

                    What You’ll Learn
                    • Why not setting expectations is the fastest way to lose trust
                    • The hidden problem with saying “tell me about your business”
                    • Common “bad” and “cringey” sales call openings (and why they fail)
                    • How over-scripted intros actually push prospects away
                    • The real reason prospects feel confused—and how that kills conversions
                    • A simple, natural way to set expectations that builds trust instantly
                    • How to confidently introduce pricing without making it awkward
                    • Why clarity lowers resistance and increases engagement
                    • ⸻

                      Resources Mentioned
                      • Previous episode in this mini-series: 👉 https://buildingmomentum.info/how-to-start-a-sales-call/
                      • Sales Assessment (referenced in the episode): 👉 https://buildingmomentum.info/assessment
                      • ⸻

                        Join the Conversation / Subscribe

                        Want more bite-sized sales coaching you can actually use between sips of coffee or matcha?

                        👉 https://buildingmomentum.info/matcha

                        Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to make more sales—without the awkwardness.

                        ⸻

                        Connect with Brooke

                        Want to learn more from Brooke or continue the conversation?

                        👉 https://linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening

                        What to Say on a Sales Call: Good, Bad, and Cringey Examples (Set Expectations Right)
                        19 min
                      • How to Start a Sales Call Without Feeling Awkward (Set Expectations Like a Pro)

                        Ever been on a sales call that felt… chaotic? Or maybe you’ve been the one thinking, “Why does this feel so all over the place?”

                        Here’s the deal: it might not be your offer. It might not even be your confidence. It might be that you skipped the first (and most important) step: setting expectations.

                        In this episode of Sippin’ Matcha & Helping You Make More Sales, Brooke and Scott break down what a wedding taught them about great communication—and how that lesson applies directly to your sales calls.

                        Because when people know what’s coming, they relax. And when they relax… they actually listen.

                        If your calls feel scattered, awkward, or hard to “transition” into the offer—this one’s for you.

                        ⸻

                        💡 What You’ll Learn
                        • Why most sales calls go off the rails in the first few minutes
                        • What “setting expectations” actually means (and what it doesn’t)
                        • How this simple step helps your potential client relax and engage
                        • The two common ways calls fall apart:
                          • The “interrogation spiral” 😅
                          • The “checked out and distracted” zone
                          • Why skipping this step makes talking about pricing feel way harder than it needs to be
                          • How setting expectations positions you as a leader (without being pushy)
                          • The one question to ask yourself to spot your biggest blind spot: “Do I set expectations… or do I just start talking?”
                          • ⸻

                            🔗 Resources Mentioned
                            • The Service Sales Framework Assessment (3–5 minute self-check to uncover blind spots in your sales conversations)
                            • Upcoming episode: The good, bad, and cringey ways to set expectations
                            • 📄 Full episode transcript 
                            • ⸻

                              💬 Join the Conversation / Subscribe

                              If this episode had you thinking, “Oh… I might be doing that…” — you’re not alone 😂

                              The good news? This is fixable. And it doesn’t require becoming someone you’re not.

                              👉 Dive deeper and get practical tools here: https://buildingmomentum.info/matcha

                              Here’s to valuing your customers and making more sales. (Without the awkward energy.)

                              ⸻

                              🤝 Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn

                              Want more real-talk sales strategies that actually feel good to use?

                              Connect with Brooke here: https://linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening

                              She’s sharing frameworks, mindset shifts, and the occasional “oh wow, I’ve been doing that wrong” moment—in the best way.

                              How to Start a Sales Call Without Feeling Awkward (Set Expectations Like a Pro)
                              14 min
                            • 7 Ways You’re Accidentally Sabotaging Your Sales Calls (Without Realizing It)
                              Episode Summary

                              You’re showing up for sales calls. You’re having good conversations. And yet… something’s not converting.

                              If you’ve ever walked away from a call thinking, “That went well… so why didn’t they move forward?” — this episode is for you.

                              In this episode of Sippin’ Matcha and Helping You Make More Sales, Brooke breaks down 7 subtle (but common) ways service-based business owners unintentionally sabotage their sales calls.

                              These aren’t obvious mistakes. They’re the quiet ones. The ones that feel normal… but quietly stall momentum, create confusion, or leave your potential client unsure about what to do next.

                              The good news? Once you see them, you can fix them. And sales starts to feel a whole lot more natural — and effective. Because you don’t have to be pushy to be good at sales.

                              ⸻

                              What You’ll Learn
                              • The 7 hidden breakdowns that derail sales calls (even when they “feel” good)
                              • Why your client might leave a call uncertain instead of confident
                              • How unclear structure leads to lost opportunities and ghosting
                              • The role of expectations, clarity, and next steps in closing deals
                              • How to lead a conversation without feeling pushy or scripted
                              • Why your perception of the call may be very different from theirs
                              • Simple shifts to help your calls feel more natural, focused, and effective
                              • ⸻

                                Resources Mentioned
                                1. Free Sales Conversation Assessment https://buildingmomentum.info/assessment → Discover the 7 places you may be quietly sabotaging your sales calls (in just a few minutes)
                                2. ⸻

                                  Join the Conversation

                                  If this episode had you nodding along (or calling yourself out just a little bit 😅), you’re not alone.

                                  Come join us and get more practical, human-first sales support: 👉 https://buildingmomentum.info/matcha

                                  You’ll get new episodes, tools, and encouragement to help you make sales feel a lot less awkward — and a lot more effective.

                                  ⸻

                                  Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn

                                  If you want more insights like this (with a little humor and a lot of clarity), come say hi on LinkedIn:

                                  👉 https://linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening

                                  Brooke shares real-life sales scenarios, practical frameworks, and encouragement for service-based business owners who want to grow their revenue without becoming someone they’re not.

                                  ⸻

                                  Here’s to valuing your customers — and making more sales. ☕🍵

                                  24 min
                                3. How Many Times Should You Follow Up on a Proposal? (Without Being Annoying)
                                  How Many Times Should You Follow Up on a Proposal? (Without Being Annoying)

                                  You sent the proposal.
                                  You felt great about the call.
                                  And now… Crickets.

                                  If you’ve ever stared at your inbox wondering “How many times should I follow up before I become that annoying salesperson?” — this episode is for you.

                                  In this final installment of our proposal series, Brooke breaks down a clear, simple follow-up rhythm that helps you stay professional, confident, and visible… without sounding pushy or desperate.

                                  Because here’s the truth: You don’t have to be a jerk to be good at sales. And you don’t have to disappear after one follow-up either.

                                  In this episode, Brooke walks through exactly how often to follow up, what to say, and how to stay in someone’s line of vision until you get a real answer. And spoiler alert: don’t say no for them. If you’ve been feeling awkward about follow-up, this framework will help you approach it with clarity and confidence.

                                  ⸻

                                  What You’ll Learn
                                  • Why most proposal follow-up feels awkward (and how to fix it)
                                  • The biggest mistake people make before they even send a proposal
                                  • Why saying “just checking in” or “circling back” can hurt your follow-up
                                  • How to ask clear yes-or-no questions that actually get responses
                                  • A week-by-week follow-up framework you can start using immediately
                                  • Why you should never say no for a potential client
                                  • How consistent follow-up strengthens your long-term sales pipeline
                                  • ⸻

                                    Resources Mentioned

                                    • Previouis Proposal Podcast Episodes
                                      • Why Your Proposal’s Aren’t Working (And What to Fix First) https://buildingmomentum.info/why-your-proposals-arent-working/
                                      • Why You Get Ghosted After Sending a Proposal https://buildingmomentum.info/why-you-get-ghosted-after-sending-a-proposal/
                                      • Do You Really Need to Send a Proposal? https://buildingmomentum.info/do-you-really-need-to-send-a-proposal/
                                      • Sales Conversation Assessment https://buildingmomentum.info/assessment
                                      • ⸻

                                        Join the Conversation

                                        If this episode got you thinking about how you handle proposals and follow-up, I’d love to keep the conversation going. Subscribe and ask your question here: 👉 https://buildingmomentum.info/matcha

                                        That’s where you’ll get new episodes, tools, and practical ways to make sales feel a whole lot more human.

                                        ⸻

                                        Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn

                                        If you enjoy these conversations about sales, messaging, and running a service-based business, come say hello on LinkedIn.

                                        👉 https://linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening

                                        I share practical sales insights, real-life examples, and encouragement for service-based business owners who want to grow their revenue without becoming someone they’re not. Because sales doesn’t have to be sleazy. Here’s to valuing your customers — and making more sales.

                                        19 min
                                      • Do You Really Need to Send a Proposal?
                                        Do You Really Need to Send a Proposal?

                                        ⸻

                                        📝 Episode Summary

                                        You’ve probably heard this before: “That sounds great—can you send me a proposal?”

                                        But here’s the thing… do you really need to?

                                        In this episode of Sippin’ Matcha and Helping You Make More Sales, Brooke and Scott tackle one of the most common moments in the sales process—and why saying yes to every proposal request might be slowing down your close rate.

                                        You’ll learn when proposals are absolutely necessary, when they’re just a polite “no,” and when you can (and should!) skip them entirely and move straight to the sale. It’s not about being pushy—it’s about leading with clarity, structure, and confidence. If you’ve ever used a proposal to avoid a pricing conversation… this one’s for you. 😉

                                        ⸻

                                        📘 What You’ll Learn
                                        • When proposals are necessary—and when they’re just slowing things down
                                        • Why “Send me a proposal” isn’t always a buying signal
                                        • The biggest mistake service providers make with proposals
                                        • What to do instead when the decision-maker is ready to buy
                                        • How to avoid using proposals as a crutch for hard conversations
                                        • ⸻

                                          🔗 Resources
                                          • 📄 Sales Conversation Assessment – Diagnose where your sales process is stalling https://buildingmomentum.info/assessment
                                          • 🧾 Your Daily Five PDF – A simple rhythm for daily, sustainable sales https://buildingmomentum.info/five
                                          • 🌍 Buddy Rathmell’s Company: Map Winners – Local SEO services from a trusted partner https://www.mapwinners.com/
                                          • 7 Brew Drive Through: https://7brew.com/
                                          • ⸻

                                            🎧 Listen to Previous Episodes in the Proposal Series:
                                            1. Why Your Proposals Aren’t Working (And What to Fix First): https://buildingmomentum.info/why-your-proposals-arent-working/
                                            2. Why You Get Ghosted After Sending a Proposal: https://buildingmomentum.info/why-you-get-ghosted-after-sending-a-proposal
                                            3. ⸻

                                              🗣️ Join the Conversation

                                              Got a proposal, pricing, or awkward client question you’re not sure how to handle? Submit it anonymously here: 👉 https://buildingmomentum.info/matcha

                                              ⸻

                                              🤝 Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn

                                              For more human-first sales advice (with a side of matcha), follow Brooke here: 🔗 https://linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening

                                               

                                              15 min
                                            4. Why You Get Ghosted After Sending a Proposal
                                              Why You Get Ghosted After Sending a Proposal
                                              📝 Episode Summary

                                              You finally sent the proposal. You felt good about it. Maybe even excited. And then… silence. 😶

                                              In this episode of Sippin’ Matcha and Helping You Make More Sales, Brooke and Scott break down why potential clients go dark after receiving a proposal—even when the conversation seemed to go well.

                                              Spoiler alert: it’s not always about price or timing.

                                              Brooke shares three of the most common mistakes that lead to ghosting and how to fix them with a few small (but powerful) changes to your proposal process.

                                              If you’re tired of hearing crickets after putting in hours of prep, this episode is your go-to guide.

                                              ⸻

                                              📘 What You’ll Learn
                                              • The #1 rule for sending proposals that actually get responses
                                              • Why booking a follow-up meeting before you send a proposal is critical
                                              • How to avoid splitting decision-makers—and what to ask instead
                                              • Why making your proposal “all about you” actually turns people off
                                              • How to make your client feel seen, understood, and ready to say yes
                                              • ⸻

                                                🔗 Resources Mentioned
                                                1. 📝 Sales Conversation Assessment – Pinpoint where your sales process is breaking down (https://buildingmomentum.info/assessment)
                                                2.  📘 StoryBrand Framework – The proven messaging method Brooke uses in her proposals (https://marketingmadesimple.com/buildingmomentumresources) 
                                                3. 📄 Your Daily Five PDF – Brooke’s daily rhythm for consistent, human-first sales (https://buildingmomentum.info/five)
                                                4. ⸻

                                                  🗣️ Join the Conversation

                                                  Tired of getting ghosted? Want help writing proposals that actually close the deal? Submit your question anonymously here: 👉 https://buildingmomentum.info/matcha 

                                                  ⸻

                                                  🤝 Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn

                                                  For more practical sales tips (and a few strong opinions on proposals), follow Brooke here: 🔗 https://linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening 

                                                  17 min
                                                5. Why Your Proposals Aren’t Working (And What to Fix First)
                                                  Why Your Proposals Aren’t Working (And What to Fix First)

                                                  ⸻

                                                  📝 Episode Summary

                                                  You had a great call. The client seemed excited. They asked for a proposal… and then? Crickets. 😬

                                                  In this episode of Sippin’ Matcha and Helping You Make More Sales, Brooke and Scott break down one of the most common reasons proposals stall or get ghosted: surprises.

                                                  If your proposal includes new problems, unexpected solutions, or pricing reveals you didn’t talk through first—you’re setting yourself up to lose the sale.

                                                  Brooke unpacks the exact moment trust begins to erode—and how to turn proposals into a natural, no-drama next step instead of a deal breaker.

                                                  ⸻

                                                  📘 What You’ll Learn
                                                  • The 3 types of “proposal surprises” that kill deals
                                                  • Why your proposal should reflect the sales conversation—not replace it
                                                  • How to avoid overexplaining or overselling in your documents
                                                  • The two things your client must know before they ever see a proposal
                                                  • Why “Send me a proposal” isn’t always a good sign (and what to do instead)
                                                  • ⸻

                                                    🔗 Resources Mentioned

                                                    Sales Conversation Assessment (buildingmomentum.info/assessment) — Pinpoint what’s stalling your deals and how to fix it

                                                     ⸻

                                                    🗣️ Join the Conversation

                                                    Got a sales or proposal question you’d love Brooke to answer on the podcast? Submit it anonymously here: 👉 buildingmomentum.info/matcha 

                                                    ⸻

                                                    🤝 Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn

                                                    For weekly sales tips, real talk about client conversations, and a few matcha mentions, follow Brooke here: 🔗 linkedin.com/in/brooke-greening

                                                    18 min

                                                  About Make More Sales with Brooke Greening

                                                  From the publisher's feed

                                                  You’ve built a successful B2B service business. Now you need a sales process that can keep up.