

Sales Maven
Nikki Rausch
Feel awkward selling your services? You're not alone.
The Sales Maven Podcast is your go-to show for learning 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 tips, conversation examples, and real-life 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 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 tips, conversation examples, and real-life 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

Jun 9, 2025 • 44min
From Default to Design - The Path to a Choiceful, Aligned Life - Mastering Excellence
What does it really take to live an aligned life—one where your personal and professional goals support each other instead of compete? In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch is joined by bestselling author, book strategist, and coach Stacy Ennis to unpack what it means to live and work intentionally. Drawing from her global lifestyle and extensive publishing background, Stacy shares practical strategies for designing a choiceful life—one that aligns with your values, energy, and aspirations. Nikki and Stacy explore the power of intentional decision-making, boundary-setting, and wellness practices that fuel sustainable success. They dive into how to attract ideal clients, maintain momentum through rejection, and the value of celebrating wins both big and small. Stacy also reflects on her transformative TEDx experience and the freedom that comes from building a life rooted in purpose and clarity. This episode is full of actionable insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and creatives looking to align their business with the life they truly want. Timestamps: 00:43 Introduction to the Sales Maven Show 01:19 Meet Stacy Ennis: Bestselling Author and Book Strategist 02:54 Discovering Common Ground: Idaho Connections 04:35 The Impact of Travel on Personal Growth 06:59 Challenges and Adventures of Living Abroad 09:27 Designing a Choiceful Life: Insights and Strategies 14:60 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 22:28 Embracing European Work-Life Balance 24:04 Attracting the Right Clients 26:58 Pursuing Dreams and Overcoming Rejections 28:09 Transformative TEDx Experience 32:59 The Importance of Personal Wellness 38:53 Celebrating Wins and Team Culture 41:25 Exciting Developments in Business 42:37 Connecting with Stacy Learn more about Stacy and her work at www.stacyennis.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

Jun 2, 2025 • 39min
Crafting Business Proposals and Closing Higher-Priced Offers - On-Air Coaching Call
Are your business proposals closing the deal—or costing you clients? In this on-air coaching episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch welcomes long-time client and email strategist Kathy Farah for a deep dive into improving sales conversations and conversions. Kathy specializes in helping high-level coaches and consultants build email systems that boost revenue, save time, and nurture relationships. Together, they unpack what makes business proposals work—especially how to structure them with three clear options, avoid overwhelming jargon, and follow up with strategic "circle back" calls. Nikki also coaches Kathy on asking stronger discovery questions and positioning offers more effectively. You'll hear real-time coaching, actionable strategies, and insights into how small tweaks can make a big impact. Whether you're pitching services or refining your offer, this episode is packed with practical guidance to help you close more sales with confidence. Timestamps: 00:43 Welcome to the Sales Maven Show 00:52 Introducing Kathy Farah 01:38 Kathy's Email Marketing Expertise 03:10 The Importance of Email Lists 06:27 Common Mistakes in Email Marketing 11:20 Adapting to Client Needs 13:05 Effective Proposal Strategies 21:32 Affordable Training for Better Discovery 21:57 Crafting Effective Proposals 24:15 The Importance of Circle Back Calls 27:11 Avoiding Jargon in Proposals 31:20 Implementing Strategies for Success 32:30 Personal Insights and Contact Information Connect with Kathy Farah: 🔗 Free Resource: Re-Engage Your List 🔗 Kathy on LinkedIn 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

May 26, 2025 • 41min
Simple Shifts That Instantly Boost Your Likability Using NLP Strategies
What makes someone instantly likable—and how can you tap into that skill in everyday conversations? In this episode of The Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch shifts the spotlight from sales strategy to one of the most powerful tools in your toolkit: likability. Drawing from her deep expertise in neurolinguistic programming (NLP), Nikki reveals practical, easy-to-apply techniques that can elevate how others perceive you—both personally and professionally. She breaks down three key strategies to increase likability: ✔️ Genuinely acknowledging people ✔️ Matching and mirroring speech patterns ✔️ Asking thoughtful questions You'll also learn why ending conversations on a positive note can leave a lasting impression. Whether you're networking, building client relationships, or simply trying to connect better with those around you, these tips are game-changers for boosting rapport and communication. Timestamps: 00:43 Welcome to the Sales Maven Show 00:54 The Importance of Communication Skills 01:10 Boosting Likability with NLP 02:14 Real-Life Applications of NLP 03:35 Why Likability Matters 04:33 Understanding the Role of Rapport 06:39 Three Tips to Increase Likability 07:59 Tip 1: Acknowledge People 19:22 Tip 2: Matching and Mirroring Rate of Speech 27:08 Tip 3: Asking Questions 36:09 Final Thoughts on Increasing Likability 38:51 Conclusion and Call to Action 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

May 19, 2025 • 46min
Establishing Success Conditions To Drive Bigger Results - Mastering Excellence Series
What if the key to scaling your business wasn't working harder—but identifying the right success conditions to make growth inevitable? In this episode of the Sales Maven podcast, host Nikki Rausch interviews Mandi Ellefson, founder of Hands-Off CEO, to explore how uncovering and applying success conditions can transform your business. Mandi shares her journey from financial struggle to building a multimillion-dollar net worth—and how she now helps consulting agency owners achieve predictable growth with less stress. Together, they dive deep into defining success conditions, why they matter, and how to implement them to create consistent client results, boost conversions, and design scalable offers. Mandi also shares tips on pricing based on value, qualifying the right clients, and stepping into a more empowered leadership role. If you're ready to scale with intention—and integrity—this episode is your roadmap. 👉 Connect with Mandi on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mandiellefson Timestamps: 00:43 – Welcome to the Sales Maven Podcast 01:20 – Meet Mandi Ellefson: From Debt to Multimillionaire 02:54 – What Are Success Conditions? 06:57 – Creating Consistent Client Transformation 13:31 – How to Navigate Market Shifts and Breakthroughs 15:58 – Identifying and Applying Success Conditions 24:29 – Metrics That Move the Needle 24:45 – Improving Sales Conversion Rates 25:20 – Estimating Revenue Potential 26:18 – Overcoming Resistance in the Scaling Process 26:54 – How to Price Based on Value 28:13 – Leveraging Success Conditions for Growth 29:25 – Designing Offers That Deliver Results 30:57 – Qualifying Ideal Clients 33:10 – Leadership, Integrity, and Saying No 40:15 – Mandi's Final Advice for Sustainable Scaling 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

7 snips
May 12, 2025 • 15min
Conversation Tips: How To Talk Price During Your Sales Pitch
Discover powerful tips for confidently discussing pricing in sales, especially during promotions. Learn to manage client expectations and handle questions about promotional pricing effectively. Transparency is key to building trust, and you'll find specific language to enhance your discovery calls. Explore the importance of maintaining a balanced power dynamic and when to be flexible in negotiations. With engaging personal stories and practical advice, you'll be equipped to tackle tricky conversations with grace and professionalism.

May 5, 2025 • 28min
Buying Signals in Action - How One Business Owner Turned Interest Into Income
In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch sits down with Sales Maven Society member and client Patricia Viscount, a fun and authentic copywriter who knows how to turn insight into income. Patricia shares how tuning into buying signals has transformed her approach to sales and client engagement. You'll hear how her unique framework—interviewing her clients' clients—has helped boost SEO rankings, improve messaging, and position businesses more effectively. Nikki and Patricia also dive into the critical role of follow-up, the power of client feedback, and the strategies that lead to long-term, profitable relationships. Packed with success stories and practical tips, this episode will sharpen your ability to recognize and act on buying signals to grow your business with confidence. Timestamps: 00:43 Introduction to the Sales Maven Show 01:16 Meet Patricia Viscount: Fun and Authentic Copywriting 03:12 The Power of Client Interviews for SEO and Positioning 07:18 Recognizing and Acting on Buying Signals 09:28 Success Stories: The Impact of Following Up 16:19 Building Long-Term Client Relationships 22:29 Conclusion and Contact Information Connect with Patricia Viscount on LinkedIn: 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-viscount 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

Apr 28, 2025 • 56min
Mastering Excellence- How to Start a Successful Nonprofit: Turning Your Passion Into Impact
In this heartwarming episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch welcomes Levi Ware—musician, speaker, and co-founder of the Melodic Caring Project (MCP). Levi shares the incredible origin story of MCP, a nonprofit that streams live concerts to children and families navigating serious illnesses. If you've ever wondered how to start a nonprofit rooted in passion and purpose, this episode is for you. Levi takes us behind the scenes of MCP's early days, including the emotional first concert, the power of community, and how he turned a personal mission into a scalable, impactful organization. From maintaining authenticity to navigating personal sacrifices and innovating through COVID-19, Levi's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for aspiring changemakers. Listeners will come away with: A deeper understanding of how to turn a passion project into a nonprofit Powerful stories of connection and healing through music Actionable advice on launching and sustaining a mission-driven organization Timestamps (Adjusted): 00:43 Welcome to the Sales Maven Show 01:22 Meet Levi Ware & the Melodic Caring Project 04:43 How the Idea Was Born 09:24 Katie's Story – The First Concert 14:00 Braden's Story – Expanding the Vision 19:35 Building with Purpose & Relationships 25:19 Turning Music into a Mission 28:17 The Family Impact of Illness 31:15 How to Start a Nonprofit from the Heart 33:42 Staying True to the Mission 38:05 Pivoting During a Pandemic 44:12 The Sacrifices Behind the Scenes 48:33 What's Next for MCP 51:20 How You Can Get Involved 54:26 Campaigning for Sustainable Support To learn more or support MCP, visit: MelodicCaring.org 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

Apr 21, 2025 • 29min
Closing Your Consults With Ease In 30 Minutes or Less - Sales Success Story
Jill Shroyer, founder of Expedition HR, helps small businesses navigate complex HR situations. In this discussion, she shares ingenious strategies for effective consultations, emphasizing the value of concise communication and impactful questioning. Jill reveals how simplifying her sales process dramatically improved client interactions and shortened discovery calls. She also addresses tackling tough HR conversations with compassion while honing consultative skills to better discern client needs. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone aiming to refine their sales techniques!

Apr 14, 2025 • 25min
Handling Harsh Feedback - What to Do When Someone Dismisses Your Work
In this solo episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch tackles a topic every business owner faces but few like to talk about: harsh feedback. Whether it's an offhand comment online or unsolicited criticism from someone who isn't your ideal client, knowing how to handle negative feedback is a crucial skill for any entrepreneur. Nikki shares practical strategies to navigate tough comments confidently and grace, without letting them derail your progress. This episode explores: How to determine whether feedback is worth your energy What to do (and not do) when someone criticizes your content or business The importance of focusing on your ideal audience Smart ways to repurpose content that's received pushback Real-life examples of how Nikki has dealt with critical responses If you've ever felt discouraged by a comment or questioned whether you should keep showing up, this episode reminds you of your value and keeps you focused on serving the people who matter most. 🎧 Timestamps 00:43 – Welcome to the Sales Maven Show 01:06 – Facing criticism as a business owner 03:12 – Processing feedback with clarity 05:25 – How (and when) to respond 08:06 – What to do with unsolicited advice 19:34 – Final encouragement for moving forward 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

Apr 7, 2025 • 25min
How To Stop Giving Away Free Advice and Close Sales
In this episode of The Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch welcomes her inspiring client, Samantha Irwin, for a conversation packed with strategies to help you close more sales through exceptional customer service. Samantha works with women business owners to elevate frontline service and create customer experiences that drive loyalty—and revenue. They dive into: How to engage staff in ways that help close sales Simple yet powerful techniques to delight customers and boost conversions Why consistent training is key to higher-performing teams Samantha's personal journey of growth in sales and business leadership She even shares a creative sales lesson inspired by her garden that will stick with you long after the episode ends. If you're looking for practical ideas to improve your customer experience and close more sales, this episode is for you. 🎧 Timestamps 00:43 – Welcome to the Sales Maven Show 00:52 – Meet Samantha Irwin: Her mission and success 01:34 – Creating exceptional customer experiences that close sales 03:23 – How Samantha supports business owners 04:19 – Connecting with customers through engaged staff 05:29 – Why employee training drives revenue 12:34 – Samantha's transformation in sales 15:28 – Lessons from the garden: Sales insights in bloom 22:25 – What's next for Samantha 23:47 – Final thoughts and takeaways to help you close sales 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


