What if some of the most common sales tactics are actually hurting your relationships with potential clients?

In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch shares five things she has intentionally stopped doing in sales conversations after more than 25 years in sales and over a decade teaching entrepreneurs how to sell with confidence and integrity.

From avoiding shame-based sales tactics to refusing to undermine her own credibility, Nikki breaks down the subtle habits that can damage rapport, create resistance, and make buyers feel uncomfortable without you even realizing it.

This episode explores how to maintain trust and authority while still creating genuine connection in sales conversations. Nikki also explains why making clients or even yourself "the butt of the joke" can weaken the relationship, how assuming you know what someone thinks can create defensiveness, and why she never believes it is her job to convince someone to buy.

Instead, Nikki shares a relationship-first philosophy rooted in respect, curiosity, and permission-based selling. Learn how focusing on rapport and asking thoughtful questions creates a more natural, trust-based buying experience for both you and your clients.

If you've ever felt uncomfortable with pushy sales tactics or wondered how to sell in a way that feels authentic and aligned with your values, this episode gives you a refreshing perspective on what effective sales conversations can actually look like.

In this episode, learn:

1. Why shame should never be used as a sales tactic

2. How self-deprecating humor can weaken your authority

3. Why assuming you know what a client thinks creates resistance

4. The importance of maintaining rapport in every sales conversation

5. Nikki's three-part framework for ethical, effective selling

6. How permission-based sales conversations lead to stronger client relationships

A question to consider:

Are your sales conversations building trust and connection?

Or are certain habits unintentionally creating resistance for your buyers?

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the Sales Maven Show and share it with another entrepreneur who wants to sell with more confidence, integrity, and ease.

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]

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Sales Maven Society

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

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:02 Never Shame Clients in Sales

03:12 Stop Making Yourself the Joke

05:12 Don't Tell Clients How They Feel

06:22 Why Shame Shouldn't Drive Sales

09:10 Nikki's Core Sales Philosophy

11:00 Building Trust Through Better Conversations