Want to boost your sales confidence while juggling business, family, and faith? In this episode of the Sales Maven Show , host Nikki Rausch chats with Shana Cooper—CPA, entrepreneur, and mom of five—about the power of sales confidence in both personal and professional life. With over 30 years of experience, Shana shares how she blends biblical principles with practical financial strategies to help women lead with clarity and confidence. She opens up about her journey from employee to entrepreneu...
Jun 30, 2025•29 min•Ep. 280
How do you keep clients coming back—even when times get tough financially? In this episode of the Sales Maven Podcast , Nikki Rausch shares actionable tips on how to retain clients during economic downturns. Learn how to stay top of mind, introduce effective downsell offers, and communicate proactively to meet your clients where they are—without losing the relationship (or the revenue). If client retention is part of your business strategy, this episode is packed with insights you can use right ...
Jun 23, 2025•17 min•Ep. 279
Want to build instant rapport with your audience—without feeling fake or forced? In this episode of the Sales Maven Show , host Nikki Rausch reveals how to quickly connect with groups during presentations. Drawing from her NLP background and years of experience, Nikki unpacks the subtle but powerful ways to create a sense of safety, respect, and engagement from the moment you take the stage. You’ll learn how to pace and lead effectively, why positive acknowledgment matters, and how to avoid comm...
Jun 16, 2025•18 min•Ep. 278
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,...
Jun 09, 2025•44 min•Ep. 277
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 t...
Jun 02, 2025•39 min•Ep. 276
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 ...
May 26, 2025•41 min•Ep. 275
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 g...
May 19, 2025•46 min•Ep. 274
In this episode of the Sales Maven Show , host Nikki Rausch shares powerful conversation tips to help you handle pricing discussions with confidence—especially during promotional periods. Nikki walks you through how to manage expectations when a sale is around the corner, what to say if a recent buyer questions promotional pricing, and how to use honesty and transparency to build long-term trust. You'll learn specific language to use during discovery calls, how to maintain a healthy balance of p...
May 12, 2025•15 min•Ep. 273
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...
May 05, 2025•28 min•Ep. 272
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...
Apr 28, 2025•56 min•Ep. 271
In this episode of the Sales Maven Show , host Nikki Rausch chats with Jill Shroyer, a trusted member of the Sales Maven Society and founder of Expedition HR. Jill shares how she's streamlined her sales process and grown her business by improving how she consults with potential clients. You'll hear practical strategies for navigating tough HR conversations, shortening discovery calls without sacrificing results, and asking better questions to build stronger client relationships. Jill emphasizes ...
Apr 21, 2025•29 min•Ep. 270
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 deter...
Apr 14, 2025•25 min•Ep. 269
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 cons...
Apr 07, 2025•25 min
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-corre...
Mar 31, 2025•44 min•Ep. 267
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 breakt...
Mar 24, 2025•16 min
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...
Mar 17, 2025•21 min
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...
Mar 10, 2025•46 min
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 th...
Mar 03, 2025•42 min
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 touch...
Feb 24, 2025•23 min
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 agr...
Feb 17, 2025•20 min
Are you feeling stuck in your sales conversations? Struggling to get your clients to make decisions that serve them – and your business? Imagine having a simple way to turn indecision into clarity and get your business moving forward easily. In this episode, Nikki is joined by Melissa Jacobs, CEO of Crow and Pitcher , to share the “Give a Menu” technique, a game-changing way to simplify decisions for your clients and strengthen relationships and results. Hear how Melissa uses this technique to f...
Feb 10, 2025•38 min
Are you struggling to make the most of your client connections? Do you find yourself wasting time on calls where the purpose feels unclear or unsure? Is the person on the other end a potential client, colleague, or someone to politely part ways with? It’s time to bring clarity and strategy to your conversations. In this episode, Nikki reveals how to master the art of identifying your goal in every call, transforming vague interactions into productive opportunities. Learn how to spot the signs th...
Feb 03, 2025•16 min
Do you have potential clients sitting on the fence, unsure whether to commit? Are you tired of wondering why they hesitate or how to help them decide? It’s time to close the stragglers, those hesitant prospects who express interest but never seem to take the leap. We’ll uncover the secrets to converting fence-sitters into buyers. In this episode, Nikki explores practical strategies to understand what holds these prospects back and how to move them forward with confidence and ease. Learn how to i...
Jan 27, 2025•18 min
Do you find yourself stuck in chatty small talk during sales calls and unsure how to pivot back to business? Does the line between friend and professional ever leave you feeling awkward or resentful? Let’s talk about setting boundaries in sales conversations. In this episode, Nikki dives into practical strategies to guide your sales conversations with confidence and kindness while protecting your time and energy. Learn how to spot when boundaries are being crossed and how to redirect potential c...
Jan 20, 2025•19 min
Are you holding yourself back after a sales conversation that didn’t go as planned? Does self doubt creep in and you hesitate to follow up or send out that next offer? It doesn’t have to hold you back any longer. In this episode, Nikki dives into how to maximize your sales potential even after a performance you feel wasn’t your best. Learn how to reframe your inner critic, see the value you bring to the table and push past fear to connect with your ideal clients. Nikki shares tips for overcoming...
Jan 13, 2025•32 min
Are you struggling to stand out in a saturated market? Do you feel like no matter what you do, it’s hard to differentiate yourself and your business? It doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, Nikki shows you how to highlight what makes you truly unique and use it to attract the right clients. Discover how to leverage your expertise, share your story, and showcase your approach in a way that sets you apart from the competition. Nikki reveals her top strategies for standing out, including h...
Jan 06, 2025•26 min
Are you tired of spending time and energy on sales conversations and clients that aren’t a good fit? Closing the right clients doesn’t have to feel awkward or exhausting. Nikki shows you how to attract the right clients by repelling the wrong ones, ensuring you only invest time in prospects who are truly a good fit for your services. In this episode, Nikki reveals her top strategies for setting clear expectations through your messaging, pre-qualifying prospects, and using budget as a natural fil...
Dec 30, 2024•21 min
Are you finding it difficult to connect with clients in a way that feels genuine and impactful? Building authentic client relationships doesn’t have to be a struggle. In this Mastering Excellence Series episode, Nikki is joined by special guest Megan Kachigan who shows you how to identify your clients' hidden concerns and deliver a better buying experience that truly resonates. You learn how to listen deeply and identify the blind spots that may be preventing your clients from fully engaging wit...
Dec 23, 2024•32 min
Are you struggling to re-engage clients who showed interest but never closed the deal? Reviving client conversations doesn’t have to be a challenge. Nikki will show you how to breathe new life into stalled opportunities and turn them into valuable business wins as you engage and close deals. In this episode, Nikki shares her proven techniques to engage with both warm and lukewarm leads. You’ll learn how personalized outreach, thoughtful questions, and a fresh perspective help you rebuild connect...
Dec 16, 2024•19 min
Have you ever wondered how to grow a YouTube channel that drives real business results? Whether you want to increase visibility, generate high-quality leads, or build a global audience, today is all about strategies to transform your channel into a powerful tool for success. In this Mastering Excellence series episode, I’m thrilled to interview LinkedIn and YouTube expert Louise Brogan . Louise has skyrocketed her YouTube channel from 5,000 to over 100,000 subscribers in just over a year, and sh...
Dec 09, 2024•53 min
