TRP 267: The Aversion to Selling with Sue Heilbronner

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love interviews Sue Heilbronner, executive coach, speaker, and author of Never Ask for the Sale: Supercharge Your Business with the Power of Passionate Ambivalence. Sue explains why many professional services providers resist selling themselves and how to shift that mindset by embracing authenticity and confidence. She introduces the concept of passionate ambivalence—the ability to be genuinely excited about opportunities while remaining unattached to the outcome. This approach helps professionals appear more credible, command higher fees, and attract long-term clients.

Sue also addresses common challenges such as imposter syndrome, over-eagerness, and desperation in sales. She emphasizes qualifying prospects, presenting yourself as the product, and building thought leadership through strong digital presence and meaningful contributions. With practical strategies for pricing, follow-up, and conference networking, Sue provides actionable insights for professionals looking to transform their approach to business development and rainmaking.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

YouTube: https://youtu.be/va71ZBSew5s

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:https://www.leopardsolutions.com/index.php/request-a-demo/

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Sue is a sought-after speaker, startup CEO, mentor, adjunct professor of entrepreneurship, facilitator, strategic advisor, Conscious Leadership coach, co-founder of the MergeLane investment fund, creator of the Leadership Camp training program for high-potential leaders, former federal prosecutor, and a direct and fearless catalyst for change.

Sue has the privilege of bringing her speaking, TED and TEDx-style speaker coaching, facilitation, coaching, Conscious Leadership, and consulting expertise to companies around the world. She’s worked with teams and leaders from Facebook, G2, Salesforce, Gainsight, Kiva, Uptake, Oracle, and more.

Sue has been a CEO and CRO for digital marketing, technology, and e-commerce companies since the earliest days of the Internet. She began her career as an attorney – last as a federal prosecutor with the United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. She transitioned to business by founding an online baby gift company in 1999, which she later sold when she joined Discovery Communications, the parent company of Discovery Channel and 15 other international networks.

Sue went on to lead companies in the interactive travel, digital publishing, e-commerce, home maintenance, and online education sectors. Sue serves as a mentor with Techstars and an adjunct professor of law and entrepreneurship at the University of Colorado Law School. Sue is a powerful presence who inspires audiences with her authenticity, directness, quick mind, and humor. Sue earned a BA from Oberlin College and a JD and Master of Public Policy from Duke University. She lives in Boulder and Chicago.

Links:

https://www.heysue.com/

https://www.heysue.com/never-ask-for-the-sale

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sueheilbronner/

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