Sales Maven

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!

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

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

Ever wonder what it really takes to spark a meaningful connection and keep a conversation flowing with ease? In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch is joined by Jake Stahl, CEO of Orchestraight and a top expert in neurolinguistic programming and sales strategy, to show you how to make great conversation—and turn it into a powerful tool for building rapport and increasing sales. Jake unpacks his signature two-ten rule for active listening, shares techniques for course-correcting conversations in real time, and explains why the key to communication often starts with checking your ego. You’ll also hear surprising tips on how something as simple as your headshot can influence rapport before you even speak. If you’re looking to up your influence, connect more authentically, and master the art of persuasive dialogue, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Highlights: [00:44] Welcome to the Sales Maven Show [01:21] Introducing Jake Stahl: Communication Powerhouse [03:26] The Concept of Orchestraight [05:18] Crafting the Perfect Conversation [08:20] The Importance of Active Listening [15:31] Setting and Achieving Conversation Goals [24:04] The Two 10 Rule: Enhancing Conversations [25:28] Active Listening Techniques [29:05] Course Correcting Conversations [33:21] The Power of Apologies [36:05] Crafting the Perfect Headshot [38:12] Personal Insights and Business Excitement [42:19] Conclusion and Final Thoughts 👉 Connect with Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakestahl/ Find Nikki: Nikki Rausch nikki@yoursalesmaven.com Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram Sales Maven Society Work With Nikki Discussion Download free resources: www.yoursalesmaven.com/maven

What if one conversation could shift the direction of your business and lead to more successful sales? In this episode of the Sales Maven Show, host Nikki Rausch welcomes back returning guest Tracey Warren for an inspiring conversation about business evolution, mission-driven work, and the power of strategic offers. Tracey shares how she transitioned from social media marketing to helping nonprofits build stronger donor relationships and create lifelong supporters. She also reflects on a breakthrough moment during a 15-minute spotlight coaching session with Nikki—where they designed a VIP Day offer that will now help nonprofit teams collaborate more effectively, reignite momentum, and ultimately drive more successful sales and support for their causes. Tune in to discover the impact of intentional offers, the importance of community, and how VIP Days can help organizations reach their goals faster and more efficiently. 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

If you’ve ever hesitated when discussing pricing or faced resistance from clients, this episode is a must-listen! Nikki walks you through the key mindset shifts and practical techniques to confidently communicate the value of your offer, handle objections with ease, and guide clients smoothly through high-ticket sales conversations. You’ll discover: How to present high-ticket pricing in a way that resonates with your clients The power of pre-framing pricing discussions to avoid sticker shock Why asking about budget early can streamline the sales process How to position pricing around value and results rather than just features The importance of standing firm on your pricing—without over-explaining or discounting Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to sell high-ticket offers, this episode will give you the tools to present your pricing with confidence and close more deals. Tune in now to master the art of high-ticket sales! Episode Breakdown: 00:54 – Understanding sticker shock in sales conversations 01:56 – Pre-framing pricing discussions for smoother conversations 02:10 – Asking the right questions to uncover client budgets 03:30 – Common pricing mistakes that hurt your sales 07:21 – Using real-world examples to strengthen your pricing pitch 10:35 – Standing firm on your pricing without over-explaining 16:47 – Final takeaways & best practices for high-ticket 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

Networking isn’t just about handing out business cards—it’s about building genuine relationships that help you and your business thrive. In this episode, Nikki welcomes Faithann Basore, business owner and CEO of Window Cleaning Plus and The Networkers Tour Guide. Faithann shares how networking saved her business during COVID and provides actionable strategies to make your networking efforts more effective. Learn how to craft a memorable elevator pitch, build rapport effortlessly, and confidently ask for referrals. Faithann and Nikki also discuss why reciprocal relationships are key to long-term success and how small shifts in your approach can lead to big networking wins. In This Episode: [01:22] Meet Faithann Basore: Entrepreneur & Networking Expert [02:42] Why networking is crucial for business success [05:33] How to craft an elevator pitch that sticks [07:19] Developing the right networking mindset [19:39] Faithann’s personal anecdotes & lessons learned [24:16] How generosity and support strengthen connections [26:36] Creating responses that leave a lasting impression [27:57] The framework for successful networking [29:12] Confidently asking for opportunities [29:40] Building rapport & making meaningful connections [32:15] Practical networking tips you can apply today Resources & Connect with Faithann: https://www.thenetworkerstourguide.net 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

Are you struggling to get potential clients to trust you in today’s skeptical marketplace? Do you feel like the old sales tactics just aren’t working anymore? What if you could tap into the underlying reasons behind purchasing decisions, gain instant trust, and stand out in a sea of competitors without resorting to aggressive tactics?   In this Mastering Excellent Series episode, Nikki speaks with Dan Englander, CEO of Sales Schema, on the importance of understanding past sales trends, managing the present "trust recession," and leveraging strategic commonality to build true connections.   Learn how to detect the underlying patterns that influence buyer behavior today. Discover why trust is at an all-time low and how to overcome mistrust.  Discover how to utilize commonality to break through the noise and build real relationships. Learn the hybrid approach to selling that keeps prospects engaged without wasting time. Find out why your choice of words can make or break a sale—and how to avoid sales-killing language.   If you want to future-proof your sales approach, connect with high-value prospects, and sell with confidence in today’s shifting landscape, this episode is a must-listen. Dan Englander is the CEO and Founder of Sales Schema, a fractional new business team for marketing agencies, and he hosts The Digital Agency Growth Podcast.  Previously Dan was the first employee head of new business at IdeaRocket, and before that, Account Coordinator at DXagency.  He's also the author of Relationship Sales at Scale: How to Find Your Virtual Tribe and Reliably Grow Your Professional Service Business, Mastering Account Management and The B2B Sales Blueprint.  In his spare time, he enjoys developing new aches and pains via Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and spending time with his wife Sarah and their son Adrian in NYC. 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!   In This Episode: [02:31] We're going to talk about how to look to the past in order to look to the future. [03:56] We learn about Dan's many jobs until he read Tim Ferriss's book and started thinking about alternatives. [04:55] He mostly worked in agencies until he started Sales Schema as a fractional new business team. [06:18] His tendency is to go to the past to figure out the future. [07:03] he's a believer in building energy through meaning. He's a fan of Viktor Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning. [08:55] The advantage of being able to look at history and understand why something does or doesn't work. [09:55] Figuring out why something is no longer working.  [11:26] What has changed with the people you're interacting with? Historically we're kind of in a "trust recession". [13:25] The internet and information technology has delivered a lot for us, but we don't know how much more value there is left to be extracted. [14:47] The stuff that's going to be valuable is the stuff that has been valuable. Such as things that have been scarce. [16:22] When you know we're in a "trust recession" you need to find a way to differentiate yourself. Go back to what scares like commonality. [17:47] The things that people want long-term change over time. [19:06] Pay attention to trends and notice how they are the same or different from past trends. [22:14] Nikki says that rapport builds relationships and people want to buy from people who they trust and have a relationship and connection. [24:15] Dan gives an example of hybrid sales. They have video content which they include with their sales process. [27:19] The advantages of repelling people who aren't in alignment as fast as possible. [29:10] Really paying attention to trends. Just because it worked in the past doesn't mean it's going to work now. Pay attention to what your clients say and what they're looking for. [30:52] Using secret languages to speak with prospects. [34:08] The importance of paying attention to language. Words matter. [36:43] Most of what we see now is downstream of technology. The order seems to be a scientific breakthrough, to technology, to economy, to culture. [39:32] Dan's 15-month-old son brings him joy. He also hosted a College radio show and was the hip hop director for a Santa Cruz radio station. [40:32] His business is pivoting to a training model. They also have a new content channel, and they're messing around with a lot of new tools.    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 Dan: Dan Englander - Sales Schema Dan@SalesSchema.com The Digital Agency Growth Podcast Relationship Sales at Scale: How to Find Your Virtual Tribe and Reliably Grow Your Professional Service Business Mastering Account Management: 102 Steps for Increasing Sales, Serving Your Customers Better, and Working Less The B2B Sales Blueprint: A Hands-On Guide to Generating More Leads, Closing More Deals, and Working Less Do You Know Any Secret Languages? The Challenger Sale: Taking Control of the Customer Conversation  

Do you ever feel frustrated when potential clients say they’ll “explore all the free resources” before making a decision?    Are you struggling to keep them engaged without feeling like you’re chasing them?   Imagine positioning yourself as the go-to expert while maintaining your integrity—without the pressure of convincing or persuading.   In this episode, Nikki shares her proven strategies for handling prospects who aren’t ready to buy yet. Learn how to keep them in your orbit, create strategic touchpoints, and make it easy for them to take the next step when they’re ready.   From offering value-packed free content to using language that builds trust and credibility, Nikki’s tips help you stay top of mind—so when the time is right, they choose you. 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!   In This Episode: [00:40] Today we're talking about prospects who express interest in your products and services but don't buy, because they're exploring all of the free resources. [01:15] This is the good and the bad of putting a lot of content out into the marketplace. [02:00] I don't believe in chasing clients or convincing them that they're wrong. [03:01] I'm suggesting you set yourself up to be a resource for them, give them options, and let them decide what they want to do. [04:02] Don't be afraid of people using your free resources. Put fantastic content out into the world. [05:02] You can use language to imply that there's more which they can get by signing up to your program. "When things change, you're welcome to reach out, and I'll be happy to work with you." [06:09] Continue to invite people to work with you. You don't have to chase them. [07:03] If you put an offer in front of them and they're still only interested in the free resources check in and ask if there's anything that would be a right next step like a starter package. [09:49] Timing is always an issue. It's one of those things you don't control. Some people need to reach a certain level of uncomfortableness before they decide to make changes. [11:34] Be flexible. Don't be attached to someone taking action. [12:13] Words can influence people but ultimately they have to decide for themselves. [13:18] In one of my master classes I teach that it's okay to give some of your secret sauce away. If someone's blown away by the free stuff you give them, they're going to wonder what else you have. [14:09] You need to put enough out there to entice people to take the next step. [15:01] Create a resource page and make it easy for people to consume your content. The convincer strategy is something that prospects decide for themselves. [17:08] Micro touches and how many times someone needs to be exposed before taking action.  [18:09] You want to create a trifecta with the right time, the right place, and the right offer. [19:11] An inspiring story about a client who started out very small, but led to coaching.    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   

Do late or missed payments make you feel frustrated and unsure how to deal with them?  Are you struggling to have those hard conversations without blowing the relationship with the client? Imagine being able to handle these situations with ease and confidence while protecting your business and maintaining your professionalism and rapport. In this episode Nikki shares her tips for handling overdue payments with ease. Learn how to use language that keeps your integrity while making it clear the agreements need to be kept.  Find out why being professional and firm helps you keep the trust and protect your cash flow.  From dealing with missed payments to knowing when to walk away from uncooperative clients, Nikki’s tips give you the power to control your income and free up your time and energy to do what matters. 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!   In This Episode: [00:43] How do you handle those people who aren't paying in a timely fashion or skipping payments? [01:08] When this happens you're going to have to do and say some things that might be uncomfortable. [02:06] "Selective amnesia" is when you have to do or say things that are outside of your normal behavior. Once this is done, you act as if everything is fine. Use "selective amnesia" to your advantage. [03:41] There will be times when you have to determine whether this is a relationship you would like to keep or not. It's okay to "bless and release" when needed. [04:21] Language you can use includes: "I'm reaching out today is to ask, what do you need in order to take care of the payment that is now due today?" [05:10] "In order for our relationship to stay in good standing, it's important that we both keep to our agreements."  It's important to always keep a balance of power. [06:00] You can also let them know if they're unable to pay today to contact you to find out what's needed to make the payment happen. [08:31] There are also times when you're just not going to get the money. If it's not worth chasing this person down to get a payment, you may want to "bless and release". [11:36] Nikki shares a personal story about someone who she needed to stop chasing for money.  [14:06] Another personal story of someone not paying.  [15:25] There will be people who can't or won't pay. Think about how you're going to handle it up front. Payment up front is a good idea.  [16:59] Another great option is to have them sign up by credit card using software like ThriveCart.   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    Resources: ThriveCart