Sales Maven

Have you ever been caught off guard when the very first thing a prospect asks you is, “What’s your price?” It can feel abrupt, maybe even a little irritating. Suddenly, you’re on the defensive, worried about proving your value before you’ve had a chance to build rapport. In this episode of the Sales Maven Podcast, Nikki Rausch tackles this all-too-common scenario head-on and gives you practical strategies for handling it with confidence, credibility, and ease. When someone leads with “what’s your price,” it’s tempting to respond with “it depends.” But Nikki explains why that phrase is one of the biggest mistakes you can make—it creates mistrust and leaves the other person feeling dismissed. Instead, she walks you through simple, effective language you can use to keep the conversation moving forward while still honoring the question. One powerful approach is giving a price range. By saying, “Projects like this typically range between X and Y,” you immediately build trust, show transparency, and keep the door open to a deeper discussion. This keeps you positioned as a professional who respects the buyer’s need for clarity while still allowing flexibility. You’ll also hear Nikki’s personal story about reaching out to a potential service provider and being brushed off with a vague “we’ll get to that later.” That moment was enough to make her walk away completely—a reminder that prospects want real answers, not evasive responses. Nikki shares how you can avoid creating that kind of doubt and instead present yourself as trustworthy and approachable. Beyond live conversations, Nikki gives examples of how to respond in writing when the “what’s your price” question comes through an email or contact form. She offers sample wording you can adapt, such as thanking the prospect for their interest, providing a range, and then extending an invitation to schedule a discovery call. This approach shows you take them seriously and gives them a clear next step. Perhaps the most important reframe Nikki offers is this: when someone asks about price, it’s a buying signal. Instead of feeling annoyed, recognize it as an opportunity. By practicing your responses ahead of time, preparing your top three discovery questions, and issuing clear invitations after sharing a price or range, you’ll set yourself apart from competitors who stumble in this moment. This short but impactful episode is packed with actionable takeaways. If you’ve ever struggled with the “what’s your price” conversation, you’ll come away with renewed confidence and language you can put into practice right away. Listen in to learn how to answer the question in a way that strengthens rapport, establishes credibility, and increases your chances of closing the sale. 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 nikki@yoursalesmaven.com Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Have you ever struggled with how to end a stalled client project without damaging the relationship? On this solo episode of the Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch dives into the tricky territory of closing projects gracefully while avoiding the fallout of burning bridges. When projects stall, whether because of an unresponsive client, a missing deliverable, or a vendor dropping the ball, it can drain your time, energy, and confidence. Nikki shares her own hard-learned lessons from dealing with clients who resurfaced months or even years later expecting work to resume at no cost. She explains how these situations can hurt your reputation, create resentment, and negatively impact your business if not handled proactively. The heart of this episode is practical strategy. Nikki walks through frameworks you can implement immediately to protect yourself and your business. From writing clear completion timelines into your contracts, to adding project inactivity clauses, to creating reactivation fees for late restarts, she shows you how to set firm boundaries without alienating your clients. You will also hear examples of specific scripts you can use when projects stall, giving you language that communicates confidence, professionalism, and clarity without unnecessary apology. Nikki emphasizes that taking back control in these moments is not about being harsh or unreasonable. Instead, it is about preserving your reputation, safeguarding your mindset, and ensuring you do not give away your power in client relationships. She reminds listeners that closing projects in a structured way is a form of good customer service. By delivering news clearly, without emotion or apology, you maintain professionalism and prevent resentment from creeping into your work. If you have ever found yourself chasing down missing pieces, feeling stuck in limbo, or worried that enforcing agreements would mean burning bridges, this episode offers a way forward. With the right agreements, scripts, and mindset shifts, you can close projects smoothly, protect your boundaries, and keep relationships intact for the future. 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 nikki@yoursalesmaven.com Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to not just build a business, but to design a life you love around it? In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch sits down with Dr. Terri Levine—renowned entrepreneur, bestselling author of more than 40 books, and international keynote speaker—for a powerful conversation about freedom, boundaries, and the intentional choices behind long-term success. Together, they explore how to create a business that doesn’t dictate your life, but instead supports the life you’ve always envisioned. Dr. Terri shares how her approach flips the traditional model. Instead of rushing into business strategy first, she guides clients to start with a life design plan. By clarifying what truly matters—relationships, health, passions, and personal fulfillment—she helps entrepreneurs craft businesses that work for them, often enabling them to run successful companies in as little as 20 hours per month. She calls this “business by design,” and it’s a refreshing alternative to the hustle-at-all-costs mindset. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear candid stories from Dr. Terri’s own journey, including life lessons learned from personal loss, her commitment to living without regret, and how she stays grounded in love even in challenging situations. Her insights reveal why boundaries are essential and how to align every decision with your larger vision. From turning everyday setbacks into course corrections, to staying flexible as goals shift, she demonstrates that entrepreneurship isn’t about rigid control—it’s about conscious choices. The conversation also highlights the importance of evidence for success. For Dr. Terri, the proof is in the freedom she enjoys: time with loved ones, the ability to support her foundation, and the chance to design days around what brings her joy. She encourages listeners to evaluate their own sense of freedom, asking: If today were your last day, are you truly spending it how you want? Whether you’re just beginning or are already established, this episode offers an inspiring roadmap on how to create a business that reflects your deepest values and goals. Instead of falling into the trap of living by default, you’ll learn how to live—and work—by design. Learn more about Dr. Terri Levine: https://heartrepreneur.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 nikki@yoursalesmaven.com Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Have you ever sent an outreach message and wondered why it didn’t get a response? In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch breaks down exactly what makes outreach messages work and what causes them to fall flat. She shares practical strategies for crafting messages that truly engage readers, build connection, and inspire action, instead of getting ignored or deleted. Nikki starts by analyzing a real outreach message that, at first glance, seems polished and professional. But on closer inspection, it fails to spark engagement because it is written entirely from the sender’s perspective. With more than 70 percent of its sentences beginning with “I” or “we,” the message focuses on the writer’s wants, vision, and goals, rather than on the recipient. Nikki explains why this self centered approach is a common trap and why effective outreach messages must flip the focus back onto the reader. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through questions. Nikki draws on neuroscience and psychology to show that questions literally hijack the brain, triggering instinctive elaboration and forcing the reader to engage. She highlights how well placed questions tap into cognitive engagement, encourage reflection, and even create new neural pathways that make a message more memorable. Whether it is as simple as “Are you being called to uplevel?” or “Would you agree the world needs positive voices?,” the shift from statements to questions transforms outreach messages into genuine conversations. Clarity is another key ingredient. Nikki emphasizes that vague, generic phrases like “uplevel, expand, redirect” or “your voice has power” don’t connect because they could apply to anyone. Instead, she encourages giving specific, sincere compliments that show real understanding of the recipient’s work. She also stresses the importance of having a single, clear call to action. Multiple asks like “check out our website” and “schedule a call” only dilute the message and overwhelm the reader. Throughout the episode, Nikki shares practical tips like following the 80/20 rule (at least 80 percent of sentences should be about the reader, only 20 percent about the sender) and framing calendar links around the recipient’s convenience rather than the writer’s. She even offers a simple pattern interrupt question, “Did I catch you at a bad time?,” that can shift conversations instantly. By the end, you will not only understand the psychology behind effective outreach messages but also have clear, actionable ways to rewrite your own. Nikki’s advice will help you stop wasting time on generic messages and start creating authentic connections that get real responses. 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 nikki@yoursalesmaven.com Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Have you ever walked away from a sales call thinking, “I’m not sure what just happened”? You’re not alone, and it usually comes down to a few common missteps. In this solo episode of the Sales Maven Show, Nikki Rausch breaks down the top 3 sales mistakes women entrepreneurs make in their sales conversations and more importantly, how to fix them. The first mistake is hinting at an offer instead of clearly extending an invitation. Too often, entrepreneurs build rapport, deliver value, and then close with a vague, “Let me know if you’re interested.” Nikki explains why this puts all the effort on the client and leaves them confused about what to do next. Instead, she shows you how to use clear, respectful invitation language that guides prospects toward a simple yes or no decision. The second mistake is winging the conversation without a process. Many business owners believe sales should come naturally, but without structure, conversations quickly go off track. Nikki introduces her Selling Staircase framework and explains how a strategic process with pre framing and asking the right types of questions creates clarity for both you and your buyer. With structure in place, you will not only raise your close rate but also create a smoother, more enjoyable experience for your clients. The third mistake is waiting to feel confident before fully showing up in your business. Confidence does not come first, it comes from taking action and putting in the reps. Nikki encourages listeners to stop stalling, start sharing offers, and practice sales conversations until confidence builds naturally. She uses a simple analogy, like building muscle through daily pushups, to show how consistent practice creates results over time. By addressing these top 3 sales mistakes, you will learn how to issue clear invitations, follow a proven process, and show up consistently without waiting for the perfect moment. These small but powerful shifts can dramatically improve your conversations, increase your close rate, and help more people benefit from your work. If you are tired of leaving money on the table or walking away from calls unsure of what went wrong, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need to transform your sales conversations. Tune in, take notes, and start making the simple tweaks that lead to bigger results. 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 nikki@yoursalesmaven.com Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Have you ever wished someone had handed you a roadmap of the biggest sales lessons before you started your career? In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch does exactly that by sharing the seven game-changing lessons she wishes she’d known from day one. These aren’t theories or fluffy concepts—they’re hard-won truths that can save you from costly mistakes and wasted time, whether you’re selling to corporate clients, managing B2B accounts, or running your own business. Nikki begins by dismantling the myth of loyalty in sales. She explains that while taking excellent care of clients is important, it doesn’t guarantee repeat business. Markets shift, priorities change, and people move roles. The lesson? Diversify your revenue streams and always be prepared to bring in fresh buyers instead of relying on a few big accounts. Another critical sales lesson is the “What have you done for me lately?” principle. Past success won’t carry you forward if you stop marketing, prospecting, or nurturing your pipeline. Nikki recalls painful experiences that taught her how quickly momentum can stall when you assume one big sale will sustain you. Consistency is the key to staying relevant and profitable. She also dives into the reality that compensation packages, budgets, and buying behaviors change frequently. By detaching ego from pricing and packaging, entrepreneurs can pivot faster and test what works in real time. This flexibility often determines whether a business thrives or struggles when conditions shift. Relationships, Nikki emphasizes, are the foundation of long-term success. Strong connections with clients and colleagues open doors that skills alone cannot. She shares how deep relationships continued to bring her opportunities across multiple companies and even into her entrepreneurial journey—proof that trust and rapport truly trump everything else. One of the toughest but most valuable sales lessons Nikki shares is that promises don’t equal sales. Until there’s a signed agreement or money in the bank, nothing counts. She encourages business owners to confidently ask for the close during calls instead of leaving deals hanging in limbo. Lesson six encourages sellers to run their accounts like their own business. By advocating for your work as if it were its own living, breathing entity, you protect its health and growth. And finally, Nikki highlights communication skills as the ultimate superpower. Investing in your ability to adapt, listen, and respond effectively will elevate every aspect of your sales process. These seven sales lessons are more than stories from Nikki’s past—they’re actionable strategies you can apply today. From strengthening client relationships to mastering the close, each takeaway is designed to help you build sustainable success. If you’re ready to shortcut years of trial and error, tune in and discover the sales lessons that will keep your pipeline strong, your confidence high, and your business thriving. 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 nikki@yoursalesmaven.com Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

Have you ever worried that mistakes in business have left you with a damaged reputation? Maybe you’ve struggled with poor follow-through, broken commitments, or unintentionally taking people for granted. If so, you’re not alone—and this episode of The Sales Maven Show is for you. In today’s conversation, Nikki Rausch tackles the tough but vital subject of rebuilding trust when your reputation has taken a hit. Drawing from listener feedback, Nikki shares insights into how entrepreneurs and sales professionals can acknowledge their missteps and start fresh with clients, colleagues, and business partners. She reminds us that reputation isn’t built on perfection—it’s built on consistent patterns of behavior. The encouraging news? You have the power to reshape those patterns and repair relationships over time. Nikki introduces a practical framework inspired by Scott Galloway’s crisis management strategies: acknowledge, take responsibility, and overcorrect. Acknowledging means owning your mistakes without excuses. Taking responsibility requires being clear and direct about what went wrong. Overcorrecting means showing up better than before, demonstrating with consistent action that you’re committed to change. Whether it’s sending regular updates, setting realistic commitments, or simply saying, “I appreciate you,” these steps go a long way in restoring credibility. Throughout the episode, Nikki shares examples from her own sales career, illustrating how something as simple as returning calls and emails consistently helped her earn the trust of clients and partners. She also walks through practical scenarios—what to say when you’ve failed to follow through, how to reset expectations when you’ve overcommitted, and how to show genuine appreciation when you’ve taken someone for granted. Each example includes actionable scripts and ideas to help you rebuild bridges. But Nikki also emphasizes that repairing a damaged reputation doesn’t mean you’ll win everyone back. Some people may not offer a second chance, and that’s okay. What matters most is how you choose to show up moving forward. By being present, consistent, and willing to extend grace to others, you not only strengthen your reputation but also deepen the trust and loyalty of those who value your work. If you’ve been carrying the weight of a damaged reputation, this episode offers hope, perspective, and tangible tools to help you move past guilt and into growth. Reputation repair is possible—and it starts with the small, intentional actions you take today. 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 nikki@yoursalesmaven.com Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion

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: Why the key to more profit isn’t always creating something new, but better using what you already have. Understanding “invisible inventory”: unused content, untapped services, and under-scheduled time. The power of routines and time management for entrepreneurs. How to identify your “vodka lemonade”—the one offer you can do over and over for consistent profit. Real-life client stories, including how focusing on a single product transformed a business and life. The importance of being intentional, expecting ROI, and creating calm instead of chaos in your business. Why managing your time is directly linked to managing your money. Encouragement for entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or stuck—small, consistent steps can lead to big changes. Connect with Ciara: Podcast: Inventory Genius Books: “Profit Genius” and “Inventory Genius” (available on Amazon) Website: www.ciarastockeland.com Email: hello@ciarastockeland.com Key Quotes: “Profit is fun.” “If you can’t manage your time, you can’t manage your money.” “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 nikki@yoursalesmaven.com 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 nikki@yoursalesmaven.com 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 nikki@yoursalesmaven.com Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society https://calendly.com/salesmaven/work-with-nikki-discussion