Sales Maven

Have you ever been hit with one of those vague “client requests” that seem impossible to answer effectively? 

Maybe it’s a half-formed question or a general inquiry with no specifics, and you’re left wondering how to respond without wasting time or losing a potential sale.

Today’s episode dives into essential sales strategies to turn these unclear inquiries into valuable opportunities. 

Nikki shares a simple yet powerful mindset shift to transform frustration into confidence, positioning you as the trusted authority that clients seek out. 

She’ll walk you through the art of “giving them a menu” – a tailored approach to offering clear, actionable choices that help clients better understand your services and make quicker decisions. 

From practical tips on handling broad requests to strategies for steering the conversation toward a specific solution, this episode gives you the tools to keep the ball rolling with any prospect. 

You’ll learn how to confidently structure options, guide clients through the buying process, and close more sales without feeling salesy or pushy.

Tune in to discover how you can make any client request—no matter how vague—a pathway to a sale, building stronger connections and making it easier than ever for clients to say “yes” to working with you.

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!

In This Episode:

[00:41] How to turn vague client requests into sales.

[01:07] Trying to decipher the vague request and make recommendations can be frustrating. Stop and take the opportunity to reframe this in your mind.

[02:03] Coming across as unhelpful can repel the potential client.

[04:22] Giving them something to start with gives their brain a chance to start working on what they actually want.

[06:56] It's your job to give the potential client a menu and get them started.

[07:25] Thank you so much, I can absolutely help you with that. Here are a few questions for specific options.

[08:27] Give the potential client a menu with three options.

[10:01] Which option is the best fit for you? Would you like to discuss any further?

[12:21] You want to give the information gatherer something to take back to their client.

[13:26] Externally motivated people may be attracted to the most popular option, because they like to know what other people are buying.

[14:52] Make it easy for them to say yes to one of your options.

[15:17] Leave the door open for them to reach out at a later date.

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

Work With Nikki Discussion

To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven 

Do you find yourself entangled with tire kickers—those prospects who keep you on the hook without ever committing? If so, you're not alone; this episode is for you.

Today, Nikki dives into practical strategies to support you in closing more sales by recognizing and managing these non-committal clients. 

You’ll learn how to masterfully handle indecisive prospects so you can either guide them toward a decision or gracefully "bless and release" them, saving you valuable time and energy. 

Nikki shares her proven methods for setting boundaries, from pre-framing techniques in calls to playing “cat” to build curiosity. 

By the end, you’ll have the tools to spot and manage these "tire kickers," protect your time, and engage with clients who are genuinely ready to move forward.

Tune in to discover Nikki’s insights for setting clear boundaries and positioning yourself with confidence—no more chasing after those elusive tire kickers!

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!

In This Episode:

[00:41] How to handle those tire kickers? Turn them into committed clients or 'bless and release".

[01:47] Nikki defines "tire kicker".

[03:00] Are you doing something to continue this behavior and allow it to keep going?

[04:09] There's always a balance of power in sales.

[05:04] Starting with a pre-frame in order to set expectations. "The purpose of today's call is to answer any last calls, and then we'll decide today whether we'll be working together."

[08:15] "Bless and release" or stopping lobbing the ball back and forth.

[09:45] "If you're not ready now, I respect that. Reach out to me when you're ready to move forward."

[10:06] Playing cat. Pulling back a little bit and letting them take action in order to move forward.

[13:34] When they're not ready to move forward, you must stop coaching and giving free advice.

[14:38] Some "tire kickers" will just continue to take and take.

[15:33] I now offer 15-minute Spotlight Coaching sessions for people who have a quick question or just want to pick my brain.

[17:35] It might make sense for you to have something like this in play.

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

Work With Nikki Discussion

To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven 

Have you ever noticed a buying signal but held back, unsure if you should act on it?

Today’s episode is all about recognizing and following up on buying signals—even in those unexpected, non-traditional settings—without that fear of rejection holding you back. 

Nikki dives into why this skill is so essential for growing your client base and shares insights gained over years of coaching and even writing a book on the topic.

This episode stems from a recent coaching session where Nikki saw, once again, the power of acting on buying signals to convert interest into clients. 

She walks us through two main reasons we often hesitate and miss these cues, plus some of the internal hurdles that might keep us from reaching out. 

Nikki also highlights why ignoring these signals can unintentionally convey that you’re not interested in a client’s business.

By learning to act confidently, you’re letting potential clients know, “I’d be honored to work with you.” Otherwise, they may create their own stories, assuming you’re not interested or think they can’t afford your services.

Tune in to gain Nikki’s top tips for recognizing buying signals and following up effectively. This episode will help you connect with prospects and grow your business naturally—without fear or hesitation.

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!

In This Episode:

[00:53] We'll be talking about how to recognize and act on a buying signal even in a non-traditional setting and also how to follow up without a fear of rejection.

[01:21] Knowing how to recognize and act on buying signals makes a huge difference in your conversions.

[02:24] We need to act on buying signals and send the message that we want to work with them.

[03:01] A buying signal is a cue that someone is interested. These signals come in many forms from asking questions to positive and negative comments.

[04:30] Even if you're not sure, it's still your job to follow up. Is there something I can help you with?

[05:06] Buying signals can be settled. You have to be turned on and tuned in to pick them up.

[06:19] We project our limiting beliefs onto the other person.

[07:48] If you're not a psychic, you don't get to mindread and hallucinate. Let the other person tell you whatever they're going to say.

[09:40] When you get a buying signal, it's your job to issue an invitation. Would you like to sign up or chat more? Wait. 

[11:03] You can always reach back out with a simple question. Would you like to talk more?

[13:09] Worst case scenario is they say no. We have to be able to recognize buying signals and be willing to follow up with necessary.

[14:57] You have to recognize and act on buying signals when you get them.

[15:14] Get a free PDF on recognizing buying signals.

[15:46] Recognizing and acting on buying signals begins with being a good listener. Issue an invitation and wait for the other person to respond. 

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

Work With Nikki Discussion

To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven 

Have you ever written a book only to wonder, “Now what?” Don’t let your hard work sit on the shelf collecting dust. Learn how leveraging skills can turn your book into multiple resources. 

Today, as part of the Mastering Excellence series, Nikki talks with Susan Friedman, an expert in book marketing. She’s here to share her proven strategies for turning your book into multiple products and increasing your profits.

We know you poured your heart and soul into your book, but don’t stop there. Learn how to repurpose your content into checklists, tip sheets, and even online courses, giving your readers more ways to engage with your expertise—and more ways for you to get paid.

In this episode, you’ll discover how to take your book and create a variety of new products that can skyrocket your sales, whether it’s turning a chapter into a workshop or an article into a lead magnet. 

We’ll also explore how leveraging your skills can help you build even more value, expanding your reach and impact.

Lastly, we’ll dive into the power of niching down—how adapting your material for specific audiences can open up fresh opportunities and grow your influence.

Listen in for tips on maximizing your book's potential, boosting your income, and leveraging your expertise in ways you never imagined. This episode is packed with actionable insights that will change how you think about book marketing.

Susan Friedmann is a badass in the world of nonfiction book marketing coaching and training. With over 30 years of experience, she’s on a mission to help authors sell books in bulk. Through her company, Aviva Publishing, she’s guided hundreds of non-fiction authors toward mastery in their niche. 

She's a writing powerhouse, with 18 books to her name - the first selling more than 500,000 copies to one company! 

She also hosts "Book Marketing Mentors," an award-winning weekly podcast now in its 8th year, which ranks in the top 1.5 percent of podcasts worldwide.

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!

In This Episode:

[00:47] There is a structure to success. When you break down how someone is achieving a high level of success you can apply that structure in your life and business.

[02:14] Our topic today is about how to take a book and turn it into multiple products.

[03:01] We learn about Susan's first success on her own, niching down to trade shows. She began Aviva Publishing to publish her own work. 

[04:21] Susan's book evolved into checklists for people attending or presenting at trade shows. This ended up 10xing her book sales.

[05:35] These checklists eventually evolved into tip sheets and then articles.

[06:33] The magic of recycle, repurpose, and reuse.

[07:08] Articles can also become mini books or ebooks or even lead magnets. Cut, slice, and dice.

[08:13] A book can be a door opening business card.

[10:27] Brainstorm and think about how many different pieces you have in the book that you could turn into other products. Break it down to the lowest common denominator.

[12:35] Think about who your market is and what you want the book to do for you.

[15:57] Do the multiple products refer back to the book? This would depend on the specific audience.

[18:44] Strategies like having a sponsor who sponsors the book to get it put in everybody's bag at an event. You both would need to have the same type of audience.

[23:19] The advantage of having established expertise.

[26:44] Your big fat business card (book) is a way to get your foot in the door.

[28:40] Speakers are usually expected to have a book.

[34:28] Nikki issues a challenge to have a brainstorm session about your work and see what other products you can turn it into.

[35:03] Book topics can also be taken and niched down for specific groups.

[37:07] Fun questions with Susan!

[39:16] Susan is also working on a book marketing crash course.

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

Work With Nikki Discussion

To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven 

Find Susan:

Get A Book Marketing Brainstorming Session With Susan!

Susan Friedmann - Book Marketing Mentors

Aviva Publishing

Book Marketing Mentors Podcast

Books by Susan Friedmann

Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram

How Playful Sales Strategies Can Drive Your Book Success - BM442

Have you ever been to a client meeting where the first words out of their mouth are, "There's no budget"? Don’t let budget constraints make you panic.

Today, Nikki shares strategies to set yourself and the prospect up for success and maybe even earn their business.

We know you need to get paid, but hold off on immediately “blessing and releasing” this prospect. Learn key questions to determine if this prospect has the potential to become a future client and how to respond when budget is an issue.

We’ll also explore how to uncover their motivation for setting up the meeting in the first place, and how to show respect when the person you're speaking with may not want to be there.

You'll discover how to build rapport and move the client from being a "prisoner" to a "learner," then to an "interested party," and eventually to an advocate or ambassador.

Lastly, we’ll cover strategies for maintaining communication and rescheduling once the budget outlook improves.

Listen in for tips on asking insightful questions, engaging the person you’re speaking with as effectively as possible, and keeping the lines of communication open to create a lasting impression—even when they start the conversation with budget constraints.

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!

In This Episode:

[00:42] many business owners face a common challenge: how to effectively navigate client meetings and interactions where there are budget constraints.

[01:02] In a coaching session, one of my Sales Maven Society members asked about this. I knew this would be a good topic to talk about because so many of us run into this. 

[02:13] When someone says they have budget constraints, continue the conversation to find what might best serve them. Then discuss possible next steps for addressing the current budget issues.

[03:11] Try to uncover what their motivation was for setting up the meeting in the first place. "I'm curious or is it okay to ask, what prompted this meeting now"?

[04:40] Maintaining and building relationships when the person in the call with you is a "prisoner". What would make this a good use of your time?

[06:16] Reach back out to the boss and let them know what was discussed. Is there anything specific you'd like accomplished?

[07:36] Budgets change. Find an opportunity to have the next chat.

[08:45] You can also send a message before the budget rolls over to the person you had the meeting with and reference your call and share suggestions.

[11:10] It's all about asking insightful questions and engaging the person that you're in conversation with as effectively as possible and maintaining ongoing communication.

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

Work With Nikki Discussion

To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven 

Are you tired of being overpowered by difficult clients in your corporate sales meetings? Do you struggle to stay calm when faced with challenging clients who seem determined to contradict everything you say?

You’re not alone. Today, Nikki shares confidence tips specifically for women dealing with know-it-all clients. She breaks down what you can do to set yourself apart and set yourself up for success even when they may have a bit of a condescending attitude. 

Use these strategies to turn a challenging situation into a win for you and your client! Learn how to establish power and take control of the meeting from the start. 

You'll discover how to ask powerful questions that keep you in control and learn a foolproof strategy for defusing hostile behavior without getting defensive.

Nikki also explains why "selective amnesia" might just become your new best friend in managing difficult clients within corporate sales. Along with a personal story about a challenging client that taught her one of the most valuable lessons of her career.

Whether you're a seasoned corporate sales professional or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate difficult clients with confidence and ease.

Tune in to learn how to turn tough corporate sales situations with difficult clients into opportunities for growth, stronger relationships, and ultimately, bigger deals!

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!

In This Episode:

[01:38] Establish your authority. Ask permission to lead the meeting. Pre-frame the call to take the lead in the meeting. 

[02:18] In order to make this meeting productive, can I start with a few questions?

[03:08] Establish your expertise when asking a standard question. 

[04:24] Acknowledge and allow them to share their expertise. You can also ask about expectations.

[06:17] When you ask questions the person answering is the expert at that moment.

[08:58] Nikki shares a story about her early career where she was able to stand in her place of credibility and speak about her product and solutions, while still giving respect to their knowledge base.

[10:51] Always take a step back and get curious. Ask yourself if you've created an environment of safety.

[13:09] Nikki shares a strategy for turning a prisoner into a learner.

[14:11] If you can be curious and create safety, a lot of times you can win these people over.

[14:49] A polarity response is when someone takes an opposing view to what is said. For some people, this has become a behavioral trait.

[15:51] When someone shows up with a polarity response, you need to be able to switch your language. You can find training about this in the Sales Maven Society.

[18:29] For a polarity response, use something like I'm not sure you'd be open to this.

[19:11] Getting defensive is the worst mistake that you can make. Look for ways to be curious and show it in your body language and your questions.

[20:47] Selective amnesia is where you say what you need to say, but then next time you talk to this person you're fine. 

[25:15] Boundaries create safety.

[26:05] Set yourself up for success by changing your language with polarity, bringing selective amnesia when needed, changing the way you frame questions, and pre-framing at the start of the call.

[27:02] It's okay to bless and release. Then use that energy to find your next client.

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

Work With Nikki Discussion

To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven 

Most business owners know it's easier and more cost-effective to keep an existing client than to acquire a new one. Even a small increase in customer retention can significantly boost profits.

Have you ever had a sale fall through or seen a client relationship fall apart? These moments of crisis might actually lay the foundation for future success and be the key to exceptional customer retention.

In this episode, Nikki explains how to turn sales failures into opportunities to build customer loyalty.

We learn how Nikki went above and beyond to resolve a delivery issue and satisfy her client. She also shares a negative example of a company that failed to deliver products and offered inadequate solutions.

It's crucial to take responsibility and make a sincere effort to resolve issues. Going the extra mile can turn customers into brand ambassadors while failing to do so can permanently damage relationships.

Tune in to discover customer retention tips that turn problems and complaints into win-win situations, keeping your customers loyal and even transforming them into enthusiastic fans.

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!

In This Episode:

[01:08] The goal of this episode is to help you plan for those times when things just don't go well.

[02:51] Nikki shares an example of a delivery failure where slides didn't record with one of her clients. She ended up fixing it by recording a mini training that covered some bonus training that was in her original presentation. The client was very grateful and gave her a raving recommendation. 

[07:59] Going above and beyond and delighting clients is what we are going for.

[09:03] Going the extra mile allows people to be appreciative and possibly shout your praises to others.

[10:01] Nikki contrasts this bridge building experience with a company she was a client of that completely let her down. They didn't deliver and said it was her fault. They poured gasoline on the bridge!

[16:06] When something goes wrong, we have an opportunity to make it right and win the customer over. There's always an opportunity to make things right.

[16:36] Do you want to build bridges or do you want to burn bridges?

[17:46] What is something that you can do to delight and surprise a client when something goes wrong?

[18:06] If you have a story you would like to share I would love to hear it.

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

Work With Nikki Discussion

To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven 

Strategic pricing strategy matters. Marketing methods that used to work in the past are much more nuanced these days. This episode tackles strategic pricing strategy and how to approach discounts - who to offer them to, when, and how.

This on-air coaching call features one of our unique and brilliant Sales Maven Society members, Nicole Smith Levay. 

Nicole is a transformational retreat leader and somatic coach who helps high-achieving women stop over-giving on autopilot and learn to prioritize themselves and their soul work.

Nikki and Nicole dive into Nicole's concerns about her current pricing and promotional tactics. They investigate why the "inner circle" discount approach may be ineffective and explore how to structure pricing tiers for maximum impact.

There is power in rewarding action-takers and early adopters. Nikki talks about how predicting who your buyers will be can backfire and shares a better approach for maximum impact. We also learn about increasing lifetime client value.

Whether you need help with launches, unsure about discount strategies, or looking to boost sales without devaluing your services, this episode is packed with actionable insights on Strategic Pricing Strategy.

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!

In This Episode:

[01:11] Nicole is a transformational retreat leader and somatic coach. She helps women put their soul work first. She does this through somatics, breath work, and meditation.

[02:24] She also has a group coaching program called Forward Momentum.

[03:50] She helps women take their businesses from year one to three to four to seven more smoothly.

[04:10] Nikki agrees that in business we reach levels where we know something has to give or change.

[06:08] To make the changes we want to make in our lives, we can't keep acting on autopilot. We need to pause and check in with our bodies and see what's going on.

[07:50] Nicole also hosts retreats. In two weeks, her group is going to Santorini and Crete and the theme is Connect with Source Energy. 

[11:17] This call is a coaching session.

[11:41] Nikki has helped Nicole move through resistance and fears. 

[11:41] Nicole's question for this coaching session is about marketing her programs.

[13:19] Her tried and true formula that she's been using for retreats isn't as effective for digital programs. She's not sure if it's how she does the launch or if it's her pricing structure.

[14:24] Marketing has changed. Offering special pricing for an inner circle doesn't work as well as it used to. 

[14:50] It's fine to have tiers with a sequence attached. You could have a rollout and a launch with an email sequence attached to it.

[15:06] Nikki tested this last year. 

[15:46] Nikki loves to reward action takers. Implementers get results. Implementers are often people who buy right away.

[17:17] Don't be overly strategic in trying to predict who your buyers will be. Share your offer with the entire list.

[17:32] Don't try to hit the trifecta. You don't really know what the right offer at the right time for the right buyer is.

[18:53] Just put your offer out there to everyone.

[20:04] Some elements in Nicole’s past efforts might be about having control for who's right fit for her offers.

[21:11] Have a small first step workshop to increase the lifetime value of clients and build trust. Give people an opportunity to get that first touch.

[23:13] How can we put a really great offer in front of people that will allow them to dip their toe in the water?

[25:27] Is there a way to pull a transformational experience out of the retreats and give someone a mini retreat?

[29:30] Nikki's advice is to give people the opportunity to be willing to work with her.

[30:36] In the Sales Maven Society, Nicole has learned to not be afraid to try new things and not to be afraid to follow up.

[32:24] According to Nikki, working with people who are willing to take action is the best thing ever.

[33:45] The Somatic Boundary Meditation helps you find where you're overextending yourself.

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

Work With Nikki Discussion

To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven 

Find Nicole:

Power Within Healing

Free: Somatic Boundary Meditation

Facebook | Instagram

Are your speaking gigs falling flat? It's time to revolutionize your audience engagement strategy. Nikki is joined by speaking and visibility coach Laurie-Ann Murabito to reveal how to captivate your audience and keep them on the edge of their seats. 

Learn how to infuse your unique personality into your presentations and set clear goals that resonate with your listeners.

Nikki and Laurie-Ann discuss valuable techniques for crafting and delivering impactful speeches. Through the use of "speech blocks," you'll discover how to create a presentation that highlights your personality and authority while remaining flexible. 

Laurie-Ann is an author, award-winning speaker, the woman behind Speak and Stand Out, and the Be In Demand podcast host. 

Follow along as she shares her journey from winning a childhood smiling contest to coaching business owners on leveraging speaking opportunities with clients like Johnson & Johnson, the American Cancer Society, and more. 

Whether you're speaking on stage or virtually, Laurie-Ann's tips will help you create an audience engagement strategy that turns listeners into loyal followers and clients. Get ready to transform your speaking skills and make a lasting impact!

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!

In This Episode:

[02:17] We're going to talk about how to have your audience on the edge of their seat when speaking.

[02:36] Laurie-Ann shares how she really was a reformed shy person who couldn't even make eye contact with others.

[03:02] She realized this behavior wasn't going to serve her and decided to make changes.

[04:19] Self integrity is one of her highest values. She ended up agreeing to speak at an event and shares her first experience.

[05:59] As she spoke, she improved and ended up being fully booked as a coach because of speaking.

[07:22] Laurie-Ann breaks down what Nikki would have to do to have her audience on the edge of their seats. She begins with journaling and body movement and music. This is part of her prespeaking routine.

[10:03] When crafting a speech she wants to bring out personality. Try to infuse a skill or hobby that will make you unique. Set a goal and decide where you want to go with the speech.

[14:02] When you're done with the speech, what do you want the listeners to do, think, and feel?

[14:44] The wisdom of building a speech in blocks.

[16:04] The beginning blocks are opening and authority. Teaching or learning is in the middle. You can teach three points with three pieces of data. The ending contains the call to action. Then closing.

[21:09] Nikki and Laurie-Ann discuss virtual speeches. 

[24:40] What do you do when the audience isn't engaging? Course correct with a joke or something. 

[26:31] Sneak in your experience and how to learn more. 

[30:07] If you lose your place or forget the next thing you were going to say, no one is going to know but you.

[30:39] Laurie-Ann loves nature, the ocean, and hearing success stories from her audience.

[32:08] We learn about the smiling contest.

[34:50] Laurie-Ann shares a little about the upcoming Speaking Monetization Tips podcast.

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

Work With Nikki Discussion

To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven 

Find Laurie-Ann:

Speak and Stand Out

Be In Demand Podcast

Laurie-Ann Murabito LinkedIn

Laurie-Ann Murabito Instagram

Laurie-Ann Murabito YouTube

Rethink Your Leadership: Influence Your Team to Empower and Promote Engagement

Rethink Leadership: 4 Lessons To Make You Remarkable

Most people want sales success. To achieve it, they often need to step out of their comfort zones and accept expert advice.

New techniques and strategies can feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. It's natural to want to stick to what feels safe and known, yet this can limit our growth and potential, especially when it comes to sales.

This episode is inspired by a conversation Nikki had with a client about receiving advice on sales success that she hadn't tried before, and that pushed her outside her comfort zone.

Everyone has to learn to sell in their own way, but until they have the experience to know what works and what doesn't, it's beneficial to be open to an expert or mentor who has already achieved success in sales.

Nikki shares how she was fortunate to have a sales mentor who helped her when she first started her sales career and how she continued to learn from that mentor for 20 years. She still uses the advice she learned from him in the Sales Maven Society.

She also shares another client story about someone who eventually increased their sales from nothing to over $40,000 a month and now has $60,000 days in her business because she was willing to take an expert’s advice.

Nikki explains how embracing discomfort can build confidence and shares steps to move forward. She even reveals what she tells herself when it's time to step up and do that thing she doesn't want to do.

It's okay to find a mentor, teacher, or coach who can push you to step out of your comfort zone and achieve sales success while building confidence and discovering what works and what doesn't.

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!

In This Episode:

[01:22] This episode was inspired by one of Nikki's clients who was overwhelmed with some of the feedback she was getting from her boss.

[02:05] In sales, people will find their own way, but also need to be open to advice from people who've already achieved success.

[03:10] Why does experience matter in sales? Experienced people have a unique perspective on what does and doesn't work.

[04:48] You'll probably have to try things that might feel weird or uncomfortable to you, until you've perfected your technique.

[05:24] We shouldn't dismiss people who've been in the arena and have already done what we want to do.

[06:01] In Nikki's sales career, she found a sales mentor who was her mentor for 20 years. 

[07:03] He taught Nikki techniques she still uses today, including stating your price like you were stating the time of the day. He also taught her it was important to get rid of qualifiers and not to sell past the close. This resulted in her first $70,000 order.

[08:39] There's huge value in using mentors and coaches.

[09:06] There will be times when you have discomfort. You can either quit or embrace the feeling of being uncomfortable.

[10:03] When Nikki's uncomfortable, she embraces the fact that change is happening and even says it out loud.

[11:38] Nikki shares a client success story where trying led the client to getting to over $40,000 a month to $60,000 days. 

[14:17] Doing the thing that feels really uncomfortable creates confidence. Steps include: Keeping an open-minded approach to things. Reminding yourself of past successes. 

[16:13] Think of a time when you did something you didn't want to do and it led to success.

[18:03] Be open to trying something new that your brain may want to dismiss.

[19:07] What are you going to do to keep that open-minded flexible approach?

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

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Nikki Rausch

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