In this Mastering Excellence episode, host Nikki Rausch welcomes Ciara Stockeland (serial entrepreneur, author, and fractional CFO) to discuss how business owners can unlock hidden profit by leveraging their “invisible inventory.”

About the Guest:

Ciara Stockeland is a four-time Ironman, speaker, and the creator of the Inventory Genius Consulting Program. She’s built and sold inventory-based businesses, testified before the US Senate, and is a Profit First certified coach. Ciara specializes in helping entrepreneurs increase profitability through simple, structured strategies.

Episode Highlights:

1. Why the key to more profit isn’t always creating something new, but better using what you already have.

2. Understanding “invisible inventory”: unused content, untapped services, and under-scheduled time.

3. The power of routines and time management for entrepreneurs.

4. How to identify your “vodka lemonade”—the one offer you can do over and over for consistent profit.

5. Real-life client stories, including how focusing on a single product transformed a business and life.

6. The importance of being intentional, expecting ROI, and creating calm instead of chaos in your business.

7. Why managing your time is directly linked to managing your money.

8. Encouragement for entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or stuck—small, consistent steps can lead to big changes.

Connect with Ciara:

1. Podcast: Inventory Genius

2. Books: “Profit Genius” and “Inventory Genius” (available on Amazon)

3. Website: www.ciarastockeland.com

4. Email: [email protected]

Key Quotes:

1. “Profit is fun.”

2. “If you can’t manage your time, you can’t manage your money.”

3. “Be a good steward of what you have.”

Tune in for practical strategies and inspiration to help you find hidden profit in your business without burning out or adding more to your plate!

Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00!

For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook.

Find Nikki:

Nikki Rausch

[email protected]

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Sales Maven Society

https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Are you unintentionally sabotaging your sales by relying too heavily on AI? In this episode of The Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch dives into the hot topic of using AI in sales—and where it helps versus where it hurts. If you’ve ever sent a message written by AI that got zero response, only to realize later it didn’t sound like you, you’re not alone. Nikki shares why authenticity is more crucial than ever in sales and how overreliance on AI can erode trust, disconnect you from potential clients, and stall your business growth. AI can be a powerful assistant when it comes to idea generation, subject line suggestions, and call summaries—but it shouldn’t be your closer. Nikki explains that in service-based industries, people aren’t buying from AI—they’re buying from you. And when your messaging lacks your personality and nuance, especially in moments that require empathy, boundary-setting, or objection handling, sales opportunities can slip through your fingers. Through relatable client stories and insights from her own career, Nikki highlights the moments where human connection is non-negotiable—like crafting outreach messages, addressing pricing concerns, and expressing genuine appreciation. She shares how to reframe AI-generated copy to sound more natural and shows how even subtle tweaks can dramatically improve your engagement and results. So if you're using AI to speed up your sales process, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how to let AI support you—without replacing the most important part of your business: you. Because in today’s market, your human touch is your biggest differentiator. Tune in and discover how to use AI as a powerful tool—without losing your authentic voice. Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00! For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook. Find Nikki: Nikki Rausch [email protected] Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Have you ever had someone say, “I’m definitely going to hire you... I just need help with one more thing first”? You help them. You offer your expertise. And then... silence. In this episode of The Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch breaks down how to spot the difference between a legitimate lead and a time-wasting distraction, and how to handle those people who always have just one more thing they want from you (for free).

Nikki opens up about her own experiences with repeat freebie seekers, people who continually reach out under the guise of becoming paying clients, only to ghost after getting what they need. She explains why it’s not only okay but necessary to protect your time and expertise, even when the ask seems small or comes from someone you know. These moments can feel manipulative, and Nikki reminds listeners that being kind doesn’t mean being a doormat.

This episode is full of practical advice and ready-to-use phrases for when someone says, “Can I just pick your brain real quick?” or “As soon as I get through this thing, I’ll be ready to move forward. Can you help me in the meantime?” Instead of giving away your time in hopes of a future sale, Nikki encourages you to confidently respond with options like: ➡️ “I’d love to support you. Would you like to book a paid session?” ➡️ “That’s exactly the kind of thing we cover in my strategy sessions. Would you like the link to book?”

She also explores the internal tug-of-war many entrepreneurs face: the desire to be generous and helpful vs. the reality of running a business. Nikki makes it clear that when people pay for your services, they’re not just investing in you. They’re investing in themselves. And that shift in mindset is often what creates real transformation.

Whether you’ve dealt with this once or a dozen times, this episode will give you permission to stop overgiving, honor your boundaries, and stay focused on serving your paying clients at the highest level. You’ll walk away with the confidence to recognize when “just one more thing” is a red flag and how to respond without guilt or hesitation.

Need help crafting language that sets firm but kind boundaries? Nikki offers one-on-one support to help you navigate these tricky conversations. Book a session and stop letting distractions derail your business.

Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00!

For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook.

Find Nikki:

Nikki Rausch

[email protected]

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Sales Maven Society

https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

 

If you’ve ever felt discouraged by the silence on the other end of your emails, social posts, or offers, you're not alone. In this episode of the Sales Maven podcast, Nikki Rausch breaks down what that silence actually means (spoiler: it’s not failure) and shares powerful audience engagement strategies that help you move from broadcasting to genuinely connecting.

Nikki explains that engagement isn’t about instant replies or high numbers. It’s about building relationships over time. Every small interaction, or “micro-touch,” contributes to the bigger picture. Research shows that it can take 40 or more touches before someone is ready to buy. So if you're not getting a reply yet, it may just be part of the process.

This is where the idea of “convincer strategies” comes into play. Everyone has a unique threshold for how many times they need to hear from you before they take action. Your job is not to push harder or try to talk someone into buying. Your job is to stay present and make it easy for people to respond when they are ready.

One of the best ways to encourage engagement is by creating curiosity loops. Instead of pushing your offer, ask thoughtful, open-ended questions that spark reflection and invite dialogue. For example:

• “Would it be helpful to see what’s working for others in a similar position?”

• “Are you still focused on X, Y, and Z?”

• “Would you be willing to share your take on X, Y, and Z?”

These kinds of questions open doors, rather than closing them.

Nikki also encourages listeners to shift away from one-size-fits-all messaging and start reaching out individually. If you’re not getting engagement, take a look at what you’re sending. Are you inviting responses, or just delivering information?

This week’s challenge: Send three curiosity-driven messages to three different people. Start with something personal, like “How have you been?” or “What’s new with you?” Then see what happens when you open the door to real conversation.

Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00!

For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook.

Find Nikki:

Nikki Rausch

[email protected]

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Sales Maven Society

https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

What if the most powerful thing you could say… was nothing at all?

In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch sits down with Carol Becker, a member of the Sales Maven Society, who shares her remarkable transformation from mechanical design engineer to caregiver support specialist. After surviving a coma and navigating life with memory loss, Carol found a new purpose: helping caregivers, especially those supporting dementia patients, feel seen, heard, and understood.

Carol opens up about the emotional toll caregiving can take, and how silence, patience, and intentional communication can become powerful tools in building trust and support. She also reveals how learning sales techniques through the Sales Maven Society gave her the confidence and clarity to communicate more effectively with clients and loved ones alike.

Whether you're in sales, caregiving, or simply looking to become a better communicator, this episode offers insights into the power of silence and how the right words (and pauses) can change lives.

Timestamps 00:43 Welcome to the Sales Maven Show 01:30 Carol Becker's Journey: From Engineer to Caregiver Advocate 03:08 Supporting Caregivers: Techniques and Tools 06:34 The Power of Words and Communication 10:49 The Importance of Silence in Communication 16:29 Carol Becker's Experience with the Sales Maven Society 17:14 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

🔗 Learn more about Carol's work: https://brainbitsbybecker.com

Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00!

For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook.

Find Nikki:

Nikki Rausch

[email protected]

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Sales Maven Society

https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Have you ever said something in a sales conversation that landed the wrong way—even when your intentions were good?

In this solo episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch breaks down what not to say if you want to build trust and close more deals. Sharing a recent personal experience at a dentist’s office, Nikki illustrates how one offhand comment can unknowingly damage rapport.

She explains why every word matters when interacting with clients and how to ensure your message aligns with your intent. You'll learn practical strategies to reframe your communication for stronger client relationships, more effective sales conversations, and long-term success.

Whether you're new to sales or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you spot common missteps and fine-tune your messaging so you know exactly what not to say—and what to say instead.

Timestamps: 00:43 Welcome to the Sales Maven Show 00:54 The Rapport-Breaking Mistake 01:20 A Real-Life Example: The Dentist Visit 02:52 The Importance of Building a Rapport Bank Account 09:10 The Impact of Communication: Intent vs. Impact 10:47 Improving Communication Skills for Better Relationships 11:59 Reframing for Positive Client Interactions 22:15 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00!

For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook.

Find Nikki:

Nikki Rausch

[email protected]

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Sales Maven Society

https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Are your sales conversations being driven by confidence and strategy—or by your ego?

In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch unpacks the critical difference between ego-driven reactions and strategic thinking in sales. She highlights common traps that entrepreneurs and sales professionals fall into—like rushing to pitch, taking objections personally, hesitating to send offers, or feeling deflated when clients don’t take action.

With relatable examples and actionable tips, Nikki shares how to shift into a more empowered, service-focused mindset. You’ll learn how to respond with intention, boost your confidence, and make smarter decisions that grow your business. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or overly reactive in your sales process, this episode is your invitation to lead with strategy instead of emotion.

Timestamps 00:43 – Welcome to the Sales Maven Show 01:15 – Ego Thinking vs. Strategic Thinking 04:01 – Common Sales Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them 04:39 – Planning to Pitch Too Soon 10:44 – Handling Objections with Curiosity 13:04 – When Clients Don't Take Action 16:27 – Dealing with Discount Requests 19:23 – Overcoming the Fear of Sending Offers 23:35 – Shifting from Ego to Strategic Thinking 28:14 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00!

For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook.

Find Nikki:

Nikki Rausch

[email protected]

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Sales Maven Society

https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Want to boost your sales confidence while juggling business, family, and faith?

In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch chats with Shana Cooper—CPA, entrepreneur, and mom of five—about the power of sales confidence in both personal and professional life.

With over 30 years of experience, Shana shares how she blends biblical principles with practical financial strategies to help women lead with clarity and confidence. She opens up about her journey from employee to entrepreneur, the lessons she’s learned raising five kids while running a business, and how improved communication and sales skills can transform marriages, families, and careers.

Shana also introduces her brand Happy Homes and Families and her upcoming framework, Coming Home by Design, which empowers women to create lives rooted in purpose, connection, and confidence—starting at home.

Whether you're building a business or a better family dynamic, this episode will inspire you to own your voice and grow your sales confidence.

Timestamps: 00:43 Welcome to the Sales Maven Show 01:34 Meet Shana Cooper: CPA and Mom of Five 02:13 Blending Finances, Family, and Faith 02:58 Homeschooling and the Entrepreneurial Mindset 04:18 Facing Financial Challenges in Marriage 07:40 The Life CFO Framework 10:41 From Corporate Job to Entrepreneurship 12:13 Building Sales Confidence Through Communication 16:56 How to Adjust Messaging for Better Engagement 17:15 Boosting Productivity and Purpose 17:43 Navigating Multiple Roles with Grace 19:04 Gaining Confidence and Letting Go of Perfectionism 20:12 Effective Outreach and Relationship-Building 21:24 Why Sales Skills Are Essential for Growth 23:01 Creating a Positive Ripple Effect 27:59 Final Takeaways and What’s Ahead

Connect with Shana Cooper: 🔗 Website: happyhomesandfamilies.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Shana Cooper on LinkedIn

How do you keep clients coming back—even when times get tough financially?

In this episode of the Sales Maven Podcast, Nikki Rausch shares actionable tips on how to retain clients during economic downturns. Learn how to stay top of mind, introduce effective downsell offers, and communicate proactively to meet your clients where they are—without losing the relationship (or the revenue). If client retention is part of your business strategy, this episode is packed with insights you can use right away.

Timestamps:

• 00:43 – Welcome to the Sales Maven Podcast

• 01:04 – Why budget concerns shouldn’t mean goodbye

• 01:59 – Stay ready: Planning for client pushback

• 03:31 – What is a downsell offer (and why you need one)

• 05:28 – Communicating with confidence and compassion

• 06:26 – Creative examples of downsell offers in action

• 11:55 – Keep the connection: proactive engagement strategies

• 14:20 – Final thoughts and next steps

Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00!

For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook.

Find Nikki:

Nikki Rausch

[email protected]

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Sales Maven Society

https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Want to build instant rapport with your audience—without feeling fake or forced?

In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch reveals how to quickly connect with groups during presentations. Drawing from her NLP background and years of experience, Nikki unpacks the subtle but powerful ways to create a sense of safety, respect, and engagement from the moment you take the stage.

You’ll learn how to pace and lead effectively, why positive acknowledgment matters, and how to avoid common missteps that can alienate your audience. Whether you're speaking to a small team or a packed room, these practical tips will help you win over the group and communicate with confidence.

Timestamps:

• 00:43 Introduction to the Sales Maven Show

• 00:53 Overcoming Presentation Fears

• 02:23 Creating Safety Through Pacing and Leading

• 04:23 Engaging the Audience Respectfully

• 07:40 The Importance of Positive Acknowledgment

• 08:36 A Counter Example: What Not to Do

• 15:52 Practical Tips for Winning Over a Group

• 18:32 Conclusion and Call to Action

Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Take advantage of this opportunity to work together with you and Nikki. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click Join Today, and then checkout and use coupon code 47trial to get your first month for $47.00!

For more actionable sales tips, download the FREE Closing The Sale Ebook.

Find Nikki:

Nikki Rausch

[email protected]

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

Sales Maven Society

https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion