

Sales Maven
Nikki Rausch
Feel awkward selling your services? You're not alone.
The Sales Maven Podcast is your go-to show for learning sales strategies, rapport building and how to sell with confidence, kindness, and credibility without ever feeling pushy or fake.
Hosted by trusted sales strategist Nikki Rausch, each episode gives you practical sales tips, conversation examples, and real-life sales coaching so you close more deals, strengthen client relationships, and grow your business.
Perfect for women entrepreneurs and service-based business owners ready to turn "I hate selling" into "I've got this."
The Sales Maven Podcast is your go-to show for learning sales strategies, rapport building and how to sell with confidence, kindness, and credibility without ever feeling pushy or fake.
Hosted by trusted sales strategist Nikki Rausch, each episode gives you practical sales tips, conversation examples, and real-life sales coaching so you close more deals, strengthen client relationships, and grow your business.
Perfect for women entrepreneurs and service-based business owners ready to turn "I hate selling" into "I've got this."
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 12, 2024 • 17min
How To Avoid Tarnishing Your Reputation With A Bad Referral
Clients view your referrals as an extension of yourself. Bad referrals backfire and ripple into the relationship you have with your clients. What can you do to buffer or completely avoid such situations? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to place yourself in the position to thrive in business and produce true value for your audience. Today, learn about how to avoid tarnishing your reputation with a bad referral on this episode of the Sales Maven Show. In today's episode, Nikki's solo discussion talks about how to avoid tarnishing your reputation with a bad referral. She recalls unknowingly giving a bad referral to one of her largest clients and what she did to redirect the situation before it actually got bad. Listen as Nikki talks about filtering referrals, giving disclaimers, and saying "No" to certain referrals. Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Don't miss this opportunity for you and Nikki to work together. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales challenges; she provides answers and guidance to boost your confidence. 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: [00:27] - Welcome, and thank you for listening! [03:00] - Nikki talks about unknowingly giving a bad referral to one of her largest clients. PART 1 [05:37] - Nikki talks about unknowingly giving a bad referral to one of her largest clients. PART 2 [08:01] - What is Nikki's reflection on that situation? [10:43] - Remember that referrals should have mutual benefit. [12:39] - Nikki shares how to add more context to your referrals as a disclaimer. [14:41] - Thank you for listening. Nikki is so grateful you are here! 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 Work With Nikki Discussion To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven

Feb 5, 2024 • 10min
Why You Shouldn't Use AI For Selling
As Nikki likes to say, "You can't AI your way into sales." Sales conversations require collaboration and a personal flair. No matter how high-tech and seamless an experience is, people still appreciate a human touch. Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to place yourself in the position to thrive in business and produce true value for your audience. Today, learn about why you shouldn't use AI for selling on this episode of the Sales Maven Show. In today's episode, Nikki's solo discussion talks about why you shouldn't use AI for selling. She shares the reason AI is a slippery slope despite being useful in some cases. Listen as Nikki talks about remaining genuine instead of spammy in your sales conversations. Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Don't miss this opportunity for you and Nikki to work together. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales challenges; she provides answers and guidance to boost your confidence. 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: [00:27] - Welcome, and thank you for listening! [00:58] - Nikki explains why AI is a slippery slope despite being useful in some cases. [02:36] - Why can't you AI your way into sales? [05:18] - AI spams the same methods over and over again. [07:25] - Thank you for listening. Nikki is so grateful you are here! 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 Work With Nikki Discussion To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven

Jan 29, 2024 • 22min
How To Stop Sabotaging Your Sales Success
It's understandable. You are a top-performing entrepreneur who takes a careful look at your business. You're the first to give yourself feedback or critique your work. However, have you thought about this: Self-judgment is not the same as self-awareness? You don't need to self-sabotage by being overly harsh on yourself. Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to place yourself in the position to thrive in business and produce true value for your audience. Today, learn about how to stop sabotaging your sales success on this episode of the Sales Maven Show. In today's episode, Nikki's solo discussion talks about how self-judgment is detrimental to your success and how to avoid this sabotaging behavior. She shares insights from her personal experience and her honest discussions with others. Listen as Nikki talks about finding ways to let go of sabotage and embrace your current business performance with grace. Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Don't miss this opportunity for you and Nikki to work together. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales challenges; she provides answers and guidance to boost your confidence. 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: [00:27] - Welcome, and thank you for listening! [01:23] - Nikki talks about self-judgment being detrimental to your success. [04:23] - In what ways can you step out of self-judgment? PART 1 [07:20] - In what ways can you step out of self-judgment? PART 2 [08:57] - Nikki recalls the ups and downs of the past year. [11:40] - "That's where freedom lies." [14:16] - Nikki talks about identity statements. PART 1 [17:04] - Nikki talks about identity statements. PART 2 [19:44] - Thank you for listening. Nikki is so grateful you are here! 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 Work With Nikki Discussion To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven Podcast Episodes Referenced: Three Ways to Overcome a Sales Slump Stop Selling Yourself Short

Jan 22, 2024 • 21min
What To Do When Your Group Program Isn't Filling
Group programs are seriously some of the most rewarding work. These offers maximize time, create a great return on investment, and keep cash flow coming. They also maximize the impact you have on the world with a group of your ideal clients. What can you do if your group program hasn't been filling up? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to place yourself in the position to thrive in business and produce true value for your audience. Today, learn about what to do when your group program isn't filling on this episode of the Sales Maven Show. In today's episode, Nikki's solo discussion talks about using offer fundamentals to help you fill your group programs. She shares how there are questions and points to think about before launching a group program. Listen as Nikki talks about securing potential buyers willing to spend at the price point you charge. Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Don't miss this opportunity for you and Nikki to work together. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales challenges; she provides answers and guidance to boost your confidence. 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: [00:27] - Welcome, and thank you for listening! [02:48] - Do you have an audience? [05:22] - Are you sure you have active potential buyers? [08:18] - Nikki talks about knowing where your potential buyers are coming from. [11:06] - Ask potential buyers what's stopping them from buying. [13:37] - Nikki shares common reasons people don't buy at first. PART 1 [16:32] - Nikki shares common reasons people don't buy at first. PART 2 [19:16] - Thank you for listening. Nikki is so grateful you are here! 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 Work With Nikki Discussion To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven

Jan 15, 2024 • 43min
How To Show Up & Represent Yourself & Your Brand On Sales Calls - In-person and Virtually: Mastering Excellence Series
Confidence is transferable. When you have on clothes that make you feel your best, you show up more powerfully. Your confident image transfers into how you communicate your business and how potential clients view your offers. How can you best present the confidence of your brand? Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to place yourself in the position to thrive in business and produce true value for your audience. Today, learn how to show up and represent yourself and your brand on sales calls (in-person and Virtual) in this Mastering Excellence Series conversation on this episode of the Sales Maven Show. After 20 years as an executive in the fashion and beauty space, Angela Foster is now a Petite Style Coach. Busy, high-achieving Petite women hire her to create a closet filled with clothes that fit their height and flatter their body shape. Her clients are confident in being visible and representing their business and personal brand in any professional setting. All while eliminating the frustration and decision fatigue busy professional women experience getting dressed in the morning. In today's episode, Nikki and Angela discuss how best to represent yourself and your brand during sales conversations. Angela talks about planting seeds of confidence and gaining clients using your style. Listen as Nikki and Angela talk about projecting the image you desire, knowing your signature styles, and understanding mindful fashion choices. Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society, take advantage of this opportunity for you and Nikki to work together. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales situations; she provides answers and guidance to boost your confidence. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click add to cart, and then at checkout use coupon code: 47trial to get your first month for $47.00! In This Episode: [00:27] - Welcome, and thank you for listening! [01:48] - Angela Foster works with petite female professionals so being fashionable is a stress free experience. [04:01] - "It's so much easier to walk away from it." [05:30] - Plant seeds of confidence. [08:06] - How can you present the confidence of your brand? [10:52] - If you want to charge high-value rates, your image needs to step up and match that value. [13:44] - Your overall style influences what you signal to clients. PART 1 [15:16] - Your overall style influences what you signal to clients. PART 2 [17:20] - "You should be earning the person's business." [19:56] - Are you projecting the image you desire for your brand? [22:44] - Angela talks about which style aspects communicate your brand messaging. (Hint: More than color.) [25:42] - Which words describe your brand? [28:43] - Don't forget these style pointers from Angela! PART 1 [31:22] - Don't forget these style pointers from Angela! PART 2 [33:17] - Do you know your signature styles? [35:38] - Angela talks about knowing your signature style for different occasions. [37:29] - Angela gushes over her puppy. [39:37] - What's next for Angela? [41:23] - Thank you for listening. Nikki is so grateful you are here! 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 Work With Nikki Discussion To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven Find Angela: Angela Foster LinkedIn To take the Style Body Shape Quiz (No Fruit Salads) from Angela: angelafoster.co/salesmaven Previous episode appearance: Thought Leadership & Sales ON-AIR Coaching Call

Jan 8, 2024 • 51min
How To Reach Your Ideal Client - Mastering Excellence Series
Learn how to attract intentional buyers and reach your ideal clients in this episode of the Sales Maven Show. The importance of connecting with the right clients, setting goals, and tailoring marketing strategies is emphasized. Discover the value of attracting buyers rather than just followers and the joy of podcasting. Exciting changes in the business include continuous access to the main program and upcoming online trainings. Connect with the speaker on social media and receive a thank you message along with the 'Closing the Sale' ebook.

5 snips
Jan 1, 2024 • 17min
The Difference Between Soliciting & Relationship Selling
Explore the fine line between soliciting and relationship selling. Discover how fostering genuine connections can transform your sales approach. Learn the importance of permission in the sales process and how it can lead to more effective engagement with clients. Nikki shares strategies to create curiosity and maintain rapport, helping you connect with your ideal clients more effortlessly. Shift your focus from intrusive tactics to authentic relationships for greater business success.

Dec 25, 2023 • 54min
How To Create Connection
Learn how to create connections through storytelling and genuine listening in this episode. The importance of connection in sales, personal growth, and relationships is emphasized. The neuroscience behind the need for connection is explored. Discover upcoming events and programs related to creating connection. Express gratitude and find resources to boost sales confidence.

Dec 18, 2023 • 33min
Listener Questions Answered By Nikki
This episode is "a little something extra" for everyone today, as this is the 200th episode. Nikki had no idea this podcast she started in March 2020 would grow to 200 episodes, providing value for the amazing Sales Maven Community and beyond. This podcast is able to continue thanks to listeners like you! Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to place yourself in the position to thrive in business and produce true value for your audience. Today, two wonderful clients, Cherylynne Crowther and Angela Foster, and Nikki's lovely team bring up sales questions in an on-air coaching call episode of the Sales Maven Show. Cherylynne Crowther guides individuals on a transformative journey in the realm of special education advocacy. Her immersion in special education advocacy ramped up early in the pandemic closures when she joined the board of directors for a special education advocacy group. Cherylynne's career has focused on communication and information. Her management background in journalism and communication, including as an Emmy-award-winning executive producer at KING 5 TV, MSNBC.com, Edelman PR, and TEDxSeattle, paves the way for an unparalleled experience. After 20 years as an executive in the fashion and beauty space, Angela Foster is now a Petite Style Coach. Busy, high-achieving, Petite women hire her to create a closet filled with clothes that fit their height and flatter their body shape. Her clients are confident in being visible and representing their business and personal brand in any professional setting. In today's episode, Nikki gathers her team of lovely ladies, Kathy Bliss, Jayme Richardville, and Melissa Spindler, alongside two wonderful clients, Cherylynne Crowther, and Angela Foster, for a lighting round on-air coaching call answering questions. Listen as Nikki answers questions about her approach to upcycling free offers, her favorite thing about being the Sales Maven, and the #1 sales question people asked her over the years. Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Don't miss this opportunity for you and Nikki to work together. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales challenges, and she provides answers and guidance to boost your confidence. Join the Sales Maven Society here, click add to cart, and then checkout and use coupon code: 47trial to get your first month for $47.00! In This Episode: [00:27] - Welcome, and thank you for listening! [02:11] - Cherylynne Crowther questions if she should offer sliding scale pricing. PART 1 [04:56] - Cherylynne questions if she should offer sliding scale pricing. PART 2 [07:36] - Nikki explains how to upcycle free or discounted services to benefit a broader audience. [09:46] - What is Nikki's favorite thing about being the Sales Maven? [12:00] - What is Nikki's most unpopular opinion about business? [14:57] - Angela Foster wonders which question people don't think to ask Nikki. (Hint: Lifetime Value) PART 1 [17:54] - Angela Foster wonders which question people don't think to ask Nikki. (Hint: Lifetime Value) PART 2 [19:41] - Nikki jokes about how bad she is with anniversaries. [21:38] - What's the best response when people say "No" to a pitch? [23:38] - Nikki reveals the #1 sales question people asked her over the years. [25:20] - What was Nikki's ultimate goal when building Sales Maven? [27:06] - Nikki shares which sales deal she's most proud of over the years. PART 1 [29:29] - Nikki shares which sales deal she's most proud of over the years. PART 2 [31:11] - Thank you for listening. Nikki is so grateful you are here! 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 Work With Nikki Discussion To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven Find Cherylynne: Cherylynne Crowther LinkedIn Find Angela: Angela Foster LinkedIn Previous Episodes: Episode 155: Thought Leadership & Sales Episode 100: 100 Episodes – Sales Maven Team & Questions For Nikki

Dec 11, 2023 • 15min
How I Got Scammed By A New Sales "Strategy"
We all get scammed or find ourselves in these awkward positions sometimes, and spreading awareness makes it less likely to happen to others. If you find yourself in a similar situation, this is what you want to look out for. Your very own Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch, is here to offer tips, techniques, and strategies to master your sales conversations. Discover methods to place yourself in the position to thrive in business and produce true value for your audience. Today, learn about how Nikki got scammed by a new sales "strategy" on this episode of the Sales Maven Show. In today's episode, Nikki's solo discussion talks about a recent encounter with a questionable sales strategy. She shares her experience of getting scammed and adds her business perspective on how the strategy impacts the entrepreneurs' brand in the long term. Listen as Nikki talks about why entrepreneurs taking a chance on a strategy is nothing new, but experimentation still needs to happen with "integrity." Nikki invites you to join the Sales Maven Society. Don't miss this opportunity for you and Nikki to work together. Bring your questions, concerns, and sales challenges, and she provides answers and guidance to boost your confidence. 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: [00:27] - Welcome, and thank you for listening! [01:52] - Nikki talks about a questionable strategy people are using to pitch services. [04:50] - Nikki shares the first sign that it was a scam. [07:39] - "This is a scam." [09:16] - Nikki talks about using strategies with integrity. [12:15] - Thank you for listening. Nikki is so grateful you are here! 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 Work With Nikki Discussion To download free Resources from Nikki: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven


